Fleet Feet Running Group

[Enid]

First, I like Fleet Feet and they have done alot to promote running in Tulsa, HOWEVER... my big complaint is that their running groups don't share the trail!  I know the coaches tell the runners to move over and only stay two runners wide, but every Saturday there are several large groups of FF runners who are running 4 or 5 runners wide.  Come on guys, learn to share the trail!  Any other views?

[Conan71]

I'm sure I've come across them on my bike.  I think it's them I see run past the boathouse on Saturdays, yes they do clog the trail.  It's not just them though, it's people wearing earbuds, with big dogs or multiple dogs on long leashes, and couples leisurely riding four abreast with their kids on training wheels.

There are bicyclists on the Weds. night rides who seem to go out of their way to block a lane of traffic on Jackson or SW Blvd on their rides.  

Everyone should be practicing the same rules on the trail as you would in a car.  Might also help to have trail etiquette posted at the trail heads and any rest area.

There were two dip****s on bikes near Westport last week who ran me off in the grass.  I shouted "on your left" three times with plenty of warning.  All I got was a blank stare.  I don't try to outrun all traffic on the trails, but I'm not obligated to ride at a snail's pace either.

[Enid]

Yeah, I can excuse the casual walkers and families, but these guys should know better.  Its seems that alot of people dont' understand, "On your left" I had a biker once come up behind me and say "on your right" which I immediately went right and ran into him, I was so well trained in "on your left" that it totally threw me off.

[tulsacyclist]

I was ran off the trail a couple years ago by two ladies on mountain bikes (I was on a road bike). They were riding two abreast and as I approached them they just maintained their 2 abreast riding structure and I had no choice but to hit the grass to avoid being plowed by robust women on mountain bikes. It pissed me off, for sure.

However, given your scenario, I think you should just keep jogging/running/whatever straight into their group. Sure, someone may get injured or whatever but I bet they move next time. Since you will be expecting the collision you may not get injured.

Best of luck to you.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by tulsacyclist

I was ran off the trail a couple years ago by two ladies on mountain bikes (I was on a road bike). They were riding two abreast and as I approached them they just maintained their 2 abreast riding structure and I had no choice but to hit the grass to avoid being plowed by robust women on mountain bikes. It pissed me off, for sure.

However, given your scenario, I think you should just keep jogging/running/whatever straight into their group. Sure, someone may get injured or whatever but I bet they move next time. Since you will be expecting the collision you may not get injured.

Best of luck to you.

Being run off the trail is what bothers me about Jabba The Hutt driving down the River Park trails in a Smart Car.  That is about the dumbest idea I've seen out of RPA.

[Renaissance]

The running group leaders need to be assertive with their members.  I run with one of those groups and it's amazing how oblivious people can be, even when they are reminded by weekly emails and in person pre-run meetings to STAY RIGHT!  People zone out on long runs and sometimes their head just isn't in the game.

[tulsacyclist]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71


Being run off the trail is what bothers me about Jabba The Hutt driving down the River Park trails in a Smart Car.  That is about the dumbest idea I've seen out of RPA.

Seriously? I heard something about them having a (or some) smart cars but I didn't realize they were actually driving them ON the trails. What the hell kind of sense does that make? I would agree, dumb idea.

[Enid]

Yea, I saw the Smart Car this morning, but it was parked on the side of the trail while the driver ate his Egg McMuffin!  I heard they purchased it so it can bust thru all those trail hogs!  Does it yell 'on your left' when it passes you?  I haven't heard that, but I have my ipod on usually.