Stupid, son of stupid.

I’m afraid I’ve have a bit of a thorn in my ass lately. I’ve been noticing a greater number of people acting stupid on the trail. I don’t just mean stupid as moronic or unintelligent, although that’s part of it, I mean rude and greedy. I can’t honestly say I’ve just started to notice either as these people haven’t been inflicted with some zombie like aliment that changes their behavior over night.  I’ve noticed but maybe my ability to ignore it is dulling.

                My specific annoyance involves dirt bikes and quads on the trail. I have no problem seeing dirt bikes or quads on the trail so this isn’t an instant rejection to their presence. Motor vehicles are strictly prohibited on the trail but my views on the subject are quite grey. I don’t own a quad so my grey views on these rules aren’t selfish. I do understand Johnny wants to visit with this friend and rides his quad to their house or he works on one of the many farms in the area and rides his dirt bike there. My problem begins when Johnny, or worse yet Johnny and his friends, ride past you while your biking/running/walking on the trail at top speed. Not only are they as close as they can get to you but they kick up a cloud of dust that you’re forced to inhale while commenting on how you would have never done that when you were a kid (yes I’m turning into my father, but that’s fodder for another post). There are several sections of the trail that show physical damage but they are limited to distinct areas where people ride in nearby (private property) woods and fields. Unfortunately it isn’t just Johnny who acts like an ass, it’s his father too. Yes, being rude is a sport for the whole family to enjoy. It would seem obvious where the child’s lack of manners comes from and would explain more about this world than just what occurs on this trail. 

                I volunteer work time on the trail and I’ve noted in a previous post that I grew up here so this place means something to me. It is such a beautiful place that I encourage people to spend time here. Anyone who has lived in the country will know what I’m talking about. You hear birds that don’t venture close to the city. The smell of woods in the morning mist or a field in the mid day sun are things you have to experience.  Seeing people act in ways that discourage indulgence in what nature has to offer, even if it only means a thirty minute walk, disturbs and angers me.