View Full Version : So what is the deal with dirtbikes & Jeeps???
Backcountryislife
September 3rd, 2013, 11:34 AM
So, I've been riding bikes quite a bit this summer, just bought my 3rd bike for the season yesterday, and having a BLAST on them. (ttr 230, then RM250, and now KTM 300)
In putting on some miles though, I'm a bit confused.
When I'm wheeling in 4L 1st, going up a climb, down a road... whatever... if bike comes up on me, I simply get over. No Issues, no problem, no cause for animosity, they go their speed, I go mine, SIMPLE.
In riding though, I've been AMAZED at how few people do this though. I've been stuck behind wheelers a TON of times that can't be bothered to simply pull over for a second to let a skinny little bike go by, I don't get it. I've even been stuck behind two people I KNEW and had wheeled with, that I would generally have considered good guys.
Bikes don't have 4L, they don't have 4 tires or even two pushing them, the ONLY advantage they have, is speed.
SO, what do you guys think the reason is for the OVERWHELMING lack of courtesy in our community? I'd generally consider us a pretty courteous group, but this is a near constant departure from that general demeanor imo. BTW, I'm not talking about the guy in the stocker driving up to fall river rd who's white knuckling it. Oddly enough, it's the opposite of what I expected, the gapers who don't belong on the trail pull over EVERY time, and the seasoned wheelers, built rigs... they're the douches ALMOST every time.
Can someone shed some light on this for me? What's the deal?
Jim
September 3rd, 2013, 12:00 PM
Courtesy in America needs a resurgence... It starts here!
Over on a motorcycle forum there's B*^$&ING over bicyclists who ride 2 and 3 abreast on curvy mountain roads, blocking traffic at blind turns.
Backcountryislife
September 3rd, 2013, 12:14 PM
yeah, I just don't see where it's that tough to be courteous, we're already going about 1/2 MPH in a jeep... just pause for a sec & let someone going 20 pass you. Who wants a noisy 2 stroke sitting behind you on the trail?
Don't even get me started on Roadies though. Living up here where every tool with a carbon road bike thinks he's lance, my patience for them is minimal.
Tom
September 3rd, 2013, 12:26 PM
...
SO, what do you guys think the reason is for the OVERWHELMING lack of courtesy in our community? ...
Can someone shed some light on this for me? What's the deal?Total lack of courtesy and a me first attitude of our society.
What Jim said...
ExplorerTom
September 3rd, 2013, 12:28 PM
There have been times when I've seen a motorcycle in my mirrors while on the trail and have wondered how long have they been back there. It's not because I've been ignoring them, but I've been too focused on the trail ahead of me. And maybe I do see them as soon as they are close, but several times I've been a little surprised by their presence.
And I do pull over as soon as I can and give a point or a wave to let them know that I know they are back there.
Maybe the next time you are stuck behind someone, throw some revs at the motor to get their attention.
4Runninfun
September 3rd, 2013, 12:29 PM
I've been out riding quite a bit this summer as well, and can't say I've had the same experience as you on the trail. Most of the time I find that people do pull over, but those that don't I pass as soon as there is a wide enough spot to do so. And yeah I've got some gestures and and what I assume to be words (Can't really hear them :lmao:). But as far as I'm concerned if you're not polite enough to give me a 2sec pause, well I don't feel bad when I give it the beans next to your open window. What I have run into ALL the time is people on back roads doing 10 under the limit who won't pull over and let a line of cars pass. When I am the slow one in front (not often) I don't think anything of pulling over and letting people pass. ESPECIALLY if it's a 2 lane curvy road without many opportunities to do so. Absolutely Jim people really need to remember what manners and courtesy are!
STRRAYNGE
September 3rd, 2013, 12:55 PM
I have honestly had a few times, that I didnt even know they were behind me, until they sped past and scared the crap out of me. As mentioned above, I get so focused on the trail, that I dont see them behind me. When I do, I will pull over and let em pass.
What frustrates me are the numerous times that ive been on the trails, usually heading up a tight hill, nowhere for me to go on either side due to my size, and have had bikers meet me while they are coming down, but yet I get cursed out when they try to force their way past me nearly hitting me, or actually hitting me, when they had an area just at the top of the hill where they could have waited just a minute or two for me to get to and pull over for them to pass.
Honestly, it goes both ways. Ive had some great experiences, and ive had terrible experiences. I do my best to be courteous every single time im on the trail, but seems like there is always someone out there that wants to ruin it.
Backcountryislife
September 3rd, 2013, 01:04 PM
For me, the downhills are easy, just as I expect a Jeep to stop on an uphill, I see no reason not to pull off on my downhill. I can easily get going again, so what's the harm.
Either way, the yield order still stands, you yield to the uphill driver, simple as that.
A number of times I have been behind someone, staying back, being low key but staying on the left side of the trail if I can so they'll see me in the mirror, then I see them take not of me, and make no point of just getting to one side of the trail. I followed one guy for about 3 miles...
I'm sure there's rudeness on both ends, but I've never seen it from a biker in the past, but I pull over pretty readily in my truck, so maybe I just avoid it.
The other thing... if you're going to be a douche to a bike... you know they can easily roost you if they want to be a douche back (one of my buddies did this to a jeep a few weeks ago after we followed it for about a mile going in 4L 1st on a pretty smooth trail.) I don't see a need for that, but if you're going to purposely be a prick, it can be way worse coming from the other side, and most bikes have nothing to report (it was a red bike, with a guy wearing a helmet... good luck)
I know this thread is probably just a pointless rant, but this is so much more common than I ever expected and seemingly from the ones who should know better, that I wondered what I was missing.
STRRAYNGE
September 3rd, 2013, 01:10 PM
Yeah, unfortunately ive seen it about 90% of the time that ive been out. Ive never been a douche to a bike, or anyone else for that matter, ive always been courteous and go by the rules.
Brad
September 3rd, 2013, 01:46 PM
I am always courteous to anyone on the trail. It's no fun being pissed off when your supposed to be having fun. :thumb:
if you want me to speculate, the rude people are just always that way. Road rage transferring from everyday driving to off highway driving.
Backcountryislife
September 3rd, 2013, 03:47 PM
There have been times when I've seen a motorcycle in my mirrors while on the trail and have wondered how long have they been back there. It's not because I've been ignoring them, but I've been too focused on the trail ahead of me. And maybe I do see them as soon as they are close, but several times I've been a little surprised by their presence.
And I do pull over as soon as I can and give a point or a wave to let them know that I know they are back there.
Maybe the next time you are stuck behind someone, throw some revs at the motor to get their attention.
Oh yeah, I know the focus and don't EVER assume they see me unless they make eye contact in a mirror. Last night I followed an older couple in side x side without any mirrors for about 15 minutes, it was painful, especially when he answered his PHONE, but had no idea I was there even after getting closer!! I finally just got super close and asked him nicely if we could swing by, it wasn't by any means him being a jerk, just noisy kubota motor, that's all :D
I ONLY assume someone is a douche if they look RIGHT at me, and I know they see me, and then they pass the next wide spot without even trying to just scoot to one side.
Backcountryislife
September 3rd, 2013, 03:49 PM
if you want me to speculate, the rude people are just always that way. Road rage transferring from everyday driving to off highway driving.
Funny, I'm about as road rage as it gets on the road, but I see no reason to not be decent to people... it's not like you're mobbed with traffic (unless you go with the Farcy boys trips WTF???) so what is there to be a jerk about???
Max
September 3rd, 2013, 03:50 PM
A jerk is a jerk, whether they're on a bicycle, motorcycle, ATV, or 4x4.
redneck23ms
September 3rd, 2013, 06:46 PM
my new boss and i were just talking about this very thing this afternoon. we came to the conclusion that some are just ignorant to the bikes abilities and lack thereof going slow especially uphill. and others are just inconsiderate to others. i always let the bikes pass and always givem a wave as i also ride but currently don't have a bike
Backcountryislife
September 3rd, 2013, 07:06 PM
i also ride but currently don't have a bike
I can help with that ;)
Got a very trail ready RM for sale right now!!
https://sphotos-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1185625_10200514846255730_406147575_n.jpg
redneck23ms
September 3rd, 2013, 08:30 PM
price? details?
dr350jja
September 3rd, 2013, 09:24 PM
I know exactly what you're taking about. I've been experiencing this here in CO for the last 16 years. Some people are courteous and some are not. The thing about the bike is you gotta maintain speed to get up the hills. Can't always just 'crawl' up a hill, especially the steep scree hills!!! I don't know if this will ever change.
Backcountryislife
September 3rd, 2013, 09:24 PM
price? details?
99 RM250, 18" rear with trials (MT43 with 6 rides on it) or knobby (404) rear, new M59 front (about 35 minutes on this tire), 2" drop and standard suspension links, very healthy motor & suspension (full rebuild by sage suspension last year, all clickers work, and damping is very smooth & linear), clean overall bike, BRAND new FMF Gnarly pipe, FMF turbinecore usfs legal arrester, Steahly 12 oz flywheel weight (which changes this bike COMPLETELY for trail duty, they'll shave it down for $10 if you want more of a nasty 2 stroke style HIT, but I wanted smoothness and luggability.) aftermarket billet triple clamp, multiple gearing choices front & rear, one new rear still in plastic, disc guards F&R, aluminum skid plate, acerbis barkbusters, fastway pegs, new chain (10 rides) moose toolbag... $1700
If I had any doubts about the bike I'd dump it on CL, but I'd rather sell my good stuff to people I know, and this bike is solid. I've done a ton to make this bike a serious woods bike, and it's a really fun machine. I wanted the ability to road ride, so I bought a plated 300... took it up I-70 then right up red elephant at lunch today, pretty fun. Being as close as I am, I got sick of loading up, just to unload, and didn't want to go through the hassle of getting plates for a bike rather than just buying one with them.
Riding 70 though, holy crap do you feel those rimlocks!!!! SOOOO not a highway bike :D
The RM has made lunch breaks awesome this summer, just an extension of wheeling, but I can get to the top of spring creek & back at LUNCH!!
https://sphotos-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1098517_10200471557573540_1930643447_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1098073_10200471557493538_576935373_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/994573_10200477838490559_1892524427_n.jpg
Haku
September 3rd, 2013, 09:39 PM
I'm always keeping an eye around me for all kinds of vehicles and will pull over without hesitation if there is a good spot to do so. However, in my experience the dirt bikes often just zoom past you before you hardly have chance to do anything about it whether you pull over or not. So, if someone people see that behavior a lot of the time, then they may not feel the need to do so.
I honestly chock it up to 1) People being ignorant of trail etiquette entirely 2) As people have said, some people are just that kind of person.
To their credit, when I was having issues with my 4runner a month ago on Jenny Creek (coming down Rollins Road or whatever after we got off the trail), I had a bunch of jeeps and other vehicles just drive right on by without a question, and way more dirt bike guys stopped to see if I needed anything. One guy even was willing to take off like a bat out of hell to try and catch Brucker before he got off the mountain. I would say 1 in 4 Jeeps and 1 in 2 dirt bikes, so that says a lot.
Sounds like you need a little horn or something mounted on your dirt bike dude. Just a little toot on it might encourage people to pull over a bit more.
Jackie
September 3rd, 2013, 10:42 PM
My husband has taken his dirt bikes on many tail runs with our group here on FR4x4 and we have never had a problem "getting along". He knows to head out in front of the group and then spy a spot to hook up with us periodically for lunch or whatever... Clean-up runs involve him carrying bags of garbage for as long as he can on the bike and then leaving the bag in the middle of the trail for one of us to pick up. It's "all good" as far as I know. Courtesy is shown on both sides of the coin. I'll pull-over for anyone on any vehicle if I think I have a great spot to do so regardless of who has right-of-way.
Starkman
September 4th, 2013, 08:51 AM
I think this a great discussion.
I'm mostly a dirtbike guy and have ridden for years on lots of trails in Colorado and Utah and even in Baja. I have also 4 wheeled for as long as I've been riding and have life long friends from both areas. I think we tend to jump to conclusions and think someone is a jerk right away but that is not the case most of the time. I've not experianced jerks on the trail but I know there is that element. The thing to remember is that we all have to stick together to keep the trails open. Don't get me started on the jerk that cut me off on my way to work! ;)
Backcountryislife
September 4th, 2013, 03:30 PM
Yeah, I've tried not to jump to any conclusion TOO quickly, but it's been more & more obvious as I've made a point of making sure people see me.
On smoother less techy trails, it's really something that I don't worry about, but on steeper climbs and more technical stuff, speed is a necessity with a 1WD vehicle, so it makes it tough to have much patience.
ColoJeeper
September 4th, 2013, 06:12 PM
I always try to get out of the way anytime somebody faster than I am comes up on me on a trail. Have very seldom had a problem with folks on dirt bikes, except when they just come blasting up behind me and instantly expect me to get out of their way. Have had guys on bikes a couple of times try to pass where there isn't room and have hit my jeep, which makes me not so nice a person at that point.
Usually If I am not getting out of their way, I just haven't seen them yet.
Java
September 4th, 2013, 06:23 PM
Nice bike Kaleb!! If I had the $$ lying around I'd take it.
Backcountryislife
September 4th, 2013, 06:39 PM
Holy crap... if I had some jackhole HIT my jeep I'd be so pissed!!!
I've passed people on a braided section of trail, but can't imagine passing someone still moving on a narrow trail... that's a pretty a-hole move.
xaza
September 8th, 2013, 09:26 AM
I try to watch for bikers and allow them to pass because I know the fun for them is speed rather than sightseeing. I have never had one pass me before I could pull over but maybe that's because I do it as soon as possible. My truck is kinda loud so sometimes I don't hear them and maybe don't notice them right away. When in a group I tend to be at the back and I radio ahead so others can get pulled over too. Honestly I think if someone got impatient and ran into my truck before I could pull over I would accidently run over their bike but if I pull over and don't get them enough room it is only my bad and I would help them upright their bike and get past me. Courtesy and rage are just one decision apart from each other.
Backcountryislife
September 9th, 2013, 10:51 AM
btw... since posting this I haven't had a single issue with a wheeler.
Apparently they ALL read this thread and reconsidered their inconsiderate behavior... And I thank them for that :P
Went for a cruise with some buddies yesterday morning ($.25 if you can tell where this pic was taken!)
https://sphotos-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1239718_10200650347203169_1664859210_n.jpg
then biking with Abby in the afternoon...
https://sphotos-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1239605_10200650378403949_675772387_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1185990_10200650381084016_1973334704_n.jpg
And everyone we met was awesome, as you'd expect. :D
Jackie
October 15th, 2013, 04:08 PM
We've been teaching Annika how to drive her new little Honda and have had some practice time up by Camp Dick and also at Stillwater Pass in Grand lake. I have lead her in both my Jeep as well as my minivan on different rides and made sure to pull over and stop any time there was a vehicle of ANY kind approaching from the front or rear. Annika was instructed to pull in behind me and stop any time I stopped. I would sort of give a signal or yell a friendly verbal warning that there was a beginner, child on a bike behind me. Everyone slowed down, smiled waved, laughed etc. So-far-so-good. Everyone seemed very cautious and understanding while passing her.
Chris
October 15th, 2013, 04:14 PM
Nice to hear Jackie, most people are good as we know. The few jerks just don't care and give everyone a bad name. Barb and I were around Gunnison a few weeks ago and the people on dirt bikes were pretty bad, flying past us, running off the trails and when I pulled over when I saw them coming didn't even acknowledge us much less let us know how many of them were still to come.
Jim
October 15th, 2013, 04:43 PM
much less let us know how many of them were still to come.
`not sure they use hand signals, but if they do, the snowmobile signals were number of fingers in the air for how many were yet to come. The last in the group would hold up a fist. I have only noticed one other person/group here in Colorado using that signal technique while on a trail.
Chris
October 15th, 2013, 04:57 PM
That's what the good ones do Jim, I see it a lot in places like Buena Vista & Ouray. It prevents a truck from pulling back on the road only to see a couple straggles catching up.
Jackie
October 15th, 2013, 04:57 PM
I've seen many groups (including 4x4's, dirt-bikers and ATV groups use those hand signals. Very helpful...
Hypoid
October 15th, 2013, 05:51 PM
I've seen many groups (including 4x4's, dirt-bikers and ATV groups use those hand signals. Very helpful...Same here, even started doing it after I learned why they did that.
Chris
October 15th, 2013, 07:43 PM
Me too, to show I got their signals - first and last.
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