Archive for Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Lori Biagi: A plea to trail users
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Living in Steamboat we are blessed with several recreational trails that are conveniently located just minutes from town. One such trail, Spring Creek, is great for many outdoor activities. For this reason, my husband and I took an out-of-town friend on a leisurely mountain bike ride Friday morning. What a great way to kick off a fun three-day weekend we were hoping to fill with tubing, sitting in the sun and playing host to several friends.
However, my plans changed when I was involved in an accident that easily could have been prevented. I was coming down the dirt road after our ride, maybe a few tenths of a mile from Amethyst, when a tennis ball came flying across my front tire. For a split second I thought, "Ball means dog, where's the dog," but no sooner did I have this thought when the dog found me and barreled through the left side of my bike, sending me to the dirt below.
The dog caught his ball. I caught a case of whiplash, a dent in my helmet, a headache, bruises and massive lacerations, scrapes and cuts that span my entire shoulder, forearm and left leg. I laid there, in pain and disbelief. One biker rode past, not stopping, and a couple stopped to help me up. "Are you OK?" they asked. Yes, just in shock, shaking, bleeding, need to get home.
I realized later that I don't think it was that couple's dog, I really wished I had stopped to find its owner. Where was the owner? Where was the leash (isn't that the law)? We are fortunate to live in a great community where most people (including myself) don't mind when we see dogs off leash. In this case, I minded (now annoyed and angered as well). Why didn't I get even so much as an apology?
Well, accidents happen. But the point of my letter is not to complain about the money I've now had to spend on recovery/pain, etc., or that I couldn't participate in the weekend's events, or that I love the sun and now am going to have to deal with healing. The point of my letter is a plea to all trail users and an effort to help prevent other accidents from happening: Please use common sense when you are on these trails. Be courteous to other users. In sharing my story with a friend, she told me she was almost in a collision with a biker who was flying down the same trail as she ran up. Another friend of mine told me a similar dog incident happened to her - this seems to be a common problem, becoming more frequent now that our population is growing and people are more aware of the wonderful trails around.
Please help keep our trails safe and fun for all activities. Know trail etiquette and who has the right of way, and use your head. If you're on a bike, use your bell, use your voice, and slow down around blind curves. If you're on foot, listen and stay to the sides around curves. And if you've got a dog, for goodness sake do not throw a ball when there are mountain bikers around (or if you do, throw it off trail). One friend of mine tells me her dog wears a bell. Just be responsible and aware of your surroundings, so maybe my misfortune can help someone else. And hopefully that dog owner won't be throwing any more balls on Spring Creek.
Lori Biagi
Steamboat Springs
Comments
paddlefisher (anonymous) says...
seems theres a segment out there that think the laws dont apply to them but everybody else..im special and your not..same with drivers out there who continuely break the law..laws are for a reason your safety your pets safety and the safety of others..please respect each other..have a nice day
July 10, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buggacat (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the reminder about being more aware on our busy trails this summer. I've been seeing a lot more mtn. bikes with bells -- a great way to alert downhillers of your presence on single track. It may seem silly, but it couldn't hurt runners and hikers to have one as well to alert speeders coming around blind corners. Riding up single track on Emerald during busy evenings is often a series of near-misses. I don't know what to say about the dog thing except that for every group of responsible owners (there seem to more and more thankfully) there is always an irresponsible, oblivious owner who ruins it for everyone.
July 9, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doozie (anonymous) says...
Uh, no offense, but accidents will happen. Mountain biking, skiing, whatever. I don't think anyone was at fault here. Yes, people can be vigilant and try to take precautions, but let's be realistic.
July 9, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boohoo (David High) says...
So doozie, let me understand your thinking. If there is a leash law and you are on a trail where a dog that is not on a leash runs accross a trail and takes out a cyclist, then this is a case of "accidents happen"? Same could be said for a skier/snowboarder who is out of control and takes someone out? I agree that if you are playing soccer or softball and a participant injures themselves in the game as a result of a high kick or errant ball, but there are rules to protect people from the incidents described on Spring Creek. Yes accidents do happen, but there is usually a responsible party. I have hit another skier once and coudn't beleive my lack of judgement when it happened...I was at fault.
July 9, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kielbasa (Matthew Stoddard) says...
Doozie- Yes, accidents happen, but this is no accident unless the dog bit thru it's leash or something to that effect. Considering it was chasing a ball, I wouldn't think that happened. Letting your dog off-leash in Routt County, let alone within Steamboat Springs city limits is a fineable offense, so the dog owner is at fault.
July 9, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rsssco (anonymous) says...
doozie's name was well chosen.
July 9, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JazzSlave (anonymous) says...
doozie writes:
"I don't think anyone was at fault here."
Wrong. There's a leash law at Spring Creek. The dog owner who failed to comply is CLEARLY at fault.
On the other side of the equation, me & my dog have been nearly run over by mtn bikers barreling down the trail.
I was mountain biking at Spring Creek a couple of summers ago, and a garter snake somehow got entangled in my drivetrain. I'm not sure how it happened, but it was nasty. Gag reflex inducing.
July 9, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrinkakelly (anonymous) says...
This accident may have never happened if the dog were on a leash.
When riding on any trail please call out which side you are using when approaching people from behind, keep your dogs leashed and show RESPECT for trail users of all types!
I am glad I was not there on a horse!
July 9, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jean (anonymous) says...
Good gawd woman,sounds like you got run over by a concrete mixer.
Lori,where was your husband and friend when this happened?
You know when you ride bikes you take chances.
Are you now in a body cast??
July 10, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GoodGrief (anonymous) says...
Spring Creek trail allows dogs off lease a couple of times a week, for a couple of hours at a time-was this one of those times? We might be reading a letter from a dog owner whose dog was hit by a bike-we all need to know the rules.
July 10, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
424now (anonymous) says...
The dog owner is at fault and should be ashamed of the disregard they showed for the rider and the animal.
July 9, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
halb (anonymous) says...
On the trail = on a leash. There's enough free space in Steamboat to throw a ball to an unleashed dog. Why do it on a busy trail.
Riders, runners, walkers we all need to share the trail.
The dog owner should be ashamed for not even stopping to help. Take responsibility
July 9, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hadleyburg_Press (anonymous) says...
Doozie,
Good one! Blame the victim.
You wouldn't happen to be the one playing tennis on the trail with your mutt would you?
Let's hope that you never get a jury summons...
July 9, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doozie (anonymous) says...
lol... wow. lots of anger out there... and directed at me. how bizarre. I was just making a comment from my point of view, that's all. Maybe the dog owner didn't realize what happened or that their dog was involved? She did say she was coming around a curve. All I'm saying is that people shouldn't jump to conclusions without knowing the whole story. You're just getting one person's point of view in this article.
Jury summons? Wow. Like I said, lots of anger... displaced anger. Very bizarre.
July 9, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doozie (anonymous) says...
Also, meant to add that nowhere did I say that this person Lori was at fault. In fact, I didn't say ANYONE was at fault. That was my point. I think it was more than likely an unfortunate accident.
If in fact the dog owner was aware that they were the cause of the accident, then yes, they should have apologized and offered assistance. We don't know that though, do we?
July 9, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JazzSlave (anonymous) says...
doozie:
If I let my dog run loose & he ventures out into traffic and causes an accident, I am responsible whether I'm "aware" of it or not.
What part of "leash law" is beyond your comprehension? As most jurists will tell you - ignorance of the law is no defense.
Way to completely miss the point.
July 9, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
424now (anonymous) says...
It is not anger doozie, it is frustration with people who are unwilling to accept responsibility for their inconsiderate and irresponsible actions.
July 9, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doozie (anonymous) says...
kielbasa - Thanks for your rational response. I too have been on the other end, nearly getting run over by mountain bikers on that trail numerous times. Some close calls. Did I have my dog with me at the time? Yep. Was she on a leash? Nope, but she was right next to me and she's extremely obedient. I'm thankful she wasn't on a leash at the time, because then we were both able to jump out of the way without anyone getting hurt. A leash can make things dangerous too, in situations like that.
Like I said, it happened numerous times. I chose to leave her off a leash because of these incidents. I felt it was safer for both of us. I know others will disagree, but this is just my point of view. Not trying to argue about who's right and who's wrong and who is/isn't at fault. Just my opinion.
Have a good one.
July 9, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doozie (anonymous) says...
JazzSlave, you've completely missed my point, I think. But I'm not really into arguing about this. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
424now, I understand the frustration. I don't understand the angry statements directed toward me, but maybe my first post wasn't stated as well as I intended. Until I know the whole story, I'm reluctant to jump to conclusions and believe everything I hear from one person.
The trails belong to everyone and it's everyone's responsibility to be respectful of others using the trails. Goes for the mountain bikers, as well as the dog owners out there.
Again, JMO.
July 9, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Butterfly13 (anonymous) says...
First of all, Doozie, read more carefully, it doesn't say she was going around a curve...do you know that trail? it's pretty straight and wide open there, or at least that is my take.
But it seems that a lot of these comments are missing her point. We all know that there is inherent risk you take by just being a part of physical activities (mountain biking, skiing, hiking, soccer, anything). But we also have responsibility in taking part as well. Stuff like this happens and probably lots of others have been in similar accidents (or near misses)- I know I have! So I think it's a good reminder that everyone just needs to be cautious, no matter what you're doing.
We just need a dog park.
July 9, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bubba (anonymous) says...
doozie, it seems you are into arguing about this, since you keep posting. I don't really see much anger in the posts above, but maybe I'm reading them differently than you. I would say that the primary way to be respectful of others using the trails would be to obey the laws on the trails, one of which is to keep your dog on a leash. That is fine that you choose to break the law and justify it because of a near miss with a mtn biker periodically, but I always have my dog leashed, and we have never been mowed down by a bike.
Your opinion may be that it's simply an accident when an off-leash dog knocks a cyclist over, mine is that the dog's owner opted out of obeying the law, and is therefore responsible. People in this town use lots of excuses to justify not leashing their dogs (my favorite is yelling 'he's friendly' from 100 yards back while their out of control dog is snapping at my leashed dog), but the simple fact is, if your dog is not leashed, you are breaking the law, and therefore responsible for it's actions- I'm not sure if that's my opinion or the law, but I'm sticking to it.
July 9, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hadleyburg_Press (anonymous) says...
Doozie,
I ment no anger or malice towards you. Please forgive me if my satire was barbed. However, I do find it difficult to respect your opinion since you freely admit to being a law breaker that intentionally puts other human beings as well as your trusting pet at risk. I do sympathize with the fact that there are very limited options in the community for you to be able to allow your dog to run free. I, for one, would be happy to advocate with you and other dog owners for the development of a safe and reasonable solution to this problem.
Sincerely,
HP
July 9, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
freedom101 (anonymous) says...
I'm a dog owner and I always use a leash! If you have a dog, please use a leash. They create laws for a reason - for the safety and protection of others. This poor woman had to deal with her entire weekend being ruined by someone's stupidity! That's irresponsible, rude and completely uncalled for!
July 9, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
christybum (anonymous) says...
How big was the dog? You must have been going pretty fast for a dog to knock you off of your bike and cause that much damage! If you are going to mountain bike on a trail that typically has bikers flying down it, you should be lucky you were only hit by a dog. Blame it on the guy that was out playing with the dog. Last I heard, only leash laws were enforced in town, not in forest land.
July 9, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriously123 (anonymous) says...
Christybum- How big was the dog! If the dog is running after a ball it only has it's mind and getting the ball and not what is on coming. Seriously if the dog was small it would of been hurt and the owner would of come running to make sure it was ok. I know Lori and I know that she is a very cautious person. As for the leash law....if people know that a trail is heavily used by runners and bikers...don't you think it would be common courtesy to keep an eye on your dog??
July 9, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ventrygirl (anonymous) says...
cb-Wow. Guess you must be from the shallow end of the gene pool too.
July 9, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kielbasa (Matthew Stoddard) says...
Shallow end of the gene pool and still needing water-wings.
July 9, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hadleyburg_Press (anonymous) says...
From The City Website:
The Spring Creek Trail is a 5.2 mile, multi use trail that is popular for hiking and biking with residents and visitors to Steamboat. Parking is located at the intersection of East Maple Street and Amethyst Street. The trail follows RCR #34 for approximately .5 miles to the Spring Creek Park and continues past the park, up the canyon for approximately another mile. The trail becomes a classic single track on City of Steamboat Springs property for the next 1.5 miles, climbing gently along the creek. The last 1.4 miles of the trail continue to climb in the Routt National Forest to the end of the trail at Dry Lake Campground, off of RCR # 38, Buffalo Pass Road.
Sec. 4-10. Animals running at large.
(c) No person owning or keeping any dog in the city shall fail to keep the dog on the premises of the owner or keeper unless the dog is:
(1) On a six-foot or shorter leash held by a person; or
(2) Within a vehicle or similarly confined, including being leashed or tied within the box of a pickup truck, and without access to passersby.
July 9, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rsssco (anonymous) says...
I think it's been a long time, if ever, since Christy's bum was on a bike.
July 9, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hadleyburg_Press (anonymous) says...
From the USDA Routt National Forest Website:
Can I bring my dog to the Forest? Can I have my dog off leash?
Yes, you may bring your dog to the Forest, but leashes are required in some areas, including some designated wilderness areas, all developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and day-use areas. In most other areas of a National Forest, including trails, dogs are not required to be on a leash, but they should be under your control at all times. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash when you are around other forest users, other dogs, or are in bear country.
Dog are not allowed to chase wildlife, except where permitted during hunting seasons.
July 9, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rsssco (anonymous) says...
HP--good stuff, but the section of the trail Lori was on is not National Forest.
July 9, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stmbtprof (anonymous) says...
ahhh i remember the good old days when only my 2 dogs and I hiked or I biked and they trotted beside and all that was up there was us and whoever might be at the the Walkers cabin..no fighting, no people no arguements...
and newcomers wonder why we locals whine about growth...this topic and this blog reinforce this reason
..i prefer the dogs to new people intown who frequent this blog.....too bad Lori was hurt but let's not be so angy at doozie..i am constantly amazed at how UN-NICE people are anymore in Steamboat and on the PILOT site...
July 9, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boater (anonymous) says...
I agree with stmbtprof, why is everyone so hostile. This is a bad accident and it is definitely the dog owners fault for throwing a ball at the bottom of SC across the road, way too high traffic of an area, and they should have come over and helped if they were aware of the accident. That being said I enjoy my well behaved dogs off leash and we do have alot of dog hating residents here, but that is a different argument. As to people not being nice....and the biker that rode by without stopping...What is going on around here these days? I feel like 90% of the time when I smile at someone as I pass them on Emerald or Screek they don't respond, running or biking, not even a crack of a smile. When I am running I almost always yield to bikers, although I know its the other way around I feel many times its easier for me on feet to veer off for a second, but most times no comment and no thank you, but attitude. I mountain bike also and its the same thing with other runners and bikers. When did we become so unfriendly? It was not like this even a few years ago, are you cool b/c you bike or trail run? NO, half of the town town bikes and runs. Just a thought about a common trend I have noticed. Smile once in a while, your out exercising on a beautiful trail
July 10, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hadleyburg_Press (anonymous) says...
Goodgrief,
Where did you get your info on the scheduled relaxation of the leash law as it pertains to Spring Creek trail?
July 10, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justathought (anonymous) says...
Here's how I see it. Woman on trail on bike LEGALLY, Unleashed dog chasing ball on trail ILLEGALLY, ILLEGAL DOG causes accident to LEGAL BIKER. This is the part I see as a no brainer, the ILLEGALLY UNLEASHED dog's owner and/or ball thrower is at fault.
July 10, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
colobob (anonymous) says...
boater, I've noticed the same trend and I'm sure others have as well. The sad thing is that it isn't unique to SB. It seems to be a nationwide phenomena and doesn't seem to have any real geographical boundries. The only way to beat it is not to become a part of it. So continue to smile, say hello, offer an acknowledgement and extend your hand. It won't effect all but it will effect some, and who knows it may change some of the attitudes out there. Even one attitude is a start. Have a great day & take a kid fishing!
July 10, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boater (anonymous) says...
Well said colobob
July 10, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JazzSlave (anonymous) says...
boater & stmbtprof:
You're confusing hostility with frustration. For every responsible dog owner in Steamboat, there are 10 (like the tool whose cur barreled into Ms. Biagi) who aren't. It's the tools who generate the complaints to Animal Control & make it rough on everyone else.
I use Spring Creek quite a bit, & my dog is unleashed more often than not. He's very well-trained & under my control at all times. Nonetheless, if AC decides it's time to crack down on the tools, they'll cite everyone - regardless of how well-trained the animal or responsible the owner.
The owner of the animal described in Ms. Biagi's letter is the living embodiment of the dip$hit dog owners who plague our little burg, and any frustration/hostility/irritation is justified.
July 10, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boater (anonymous) says...
Jazz-I may have not stated myself clearly enough, I totally agree with the dog owner at fault in this incident. Perhaps I was off subject, but I was referring to general hostility and attitude that is being found on the trails when you don't even have your dogs with you.
July 10, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
424now (anonymous) says...
I may be an exception but I don't have any experience with hostility on the trail. I can site foolish and irresponsible behavior usually attributed to overzealous youths but I can't say I have had any hostile encounters.
I ride and occasionally walk my (leashed) dog there.
July 10, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JazzSlave (anonymous) says...
My experience on the trail mirrors 424now's, with one memorable exception:
I had just finished jogging at Spring Creek 3 or 4 summers ago, and was stretching & cooling off at the trailhead, along with my mutt.
"You should muzzle that damn dog."
I looked up to see a greasy-haired 20-something with multiple tats & piercings, wearing a freaking trenchcoat in the middle of summer.
"What's the problem?"
"Look at him!"
Sherman had caught & killed a field mouse.
"Yeah, he's a pretty good mouser."
"That mouse has as much right to live as your damn dog!"
I was so flabbergasted that I laughed out loud. Goth Boy's face turned bright red, & he walked away from me without another word.
Entertainment - it's everywhere!
July 10, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GoodGrief (anonymous) says...
Hadleypress-
I picked up a flyer from a container full of flyers near the covered picnic area on Spring Creek trail. It gave off-leash hours at Spring Creek and two other parks in town. There is a trash can and a poo-bag area and dog info there. I walked my dogs up there for the first time recently, on leash, and noticed other folks had their dogs off leash and thought, "that's not fair", then I saw the notice and we happened to be there during one of the two times it was allowed. It was between 12 and 2 on a tues or weds. I hate getting into trouble for breaking the rules-just makes me burn inside-so I keep my pups on leash, and I was happy to see that those times were offered, of course, as I write this I cannot find the paper...I haven't been back there, either, to make a note of the times. I cannot believe that a "dog town" like Steamboat does not have a dog park. There is also a license offered by the city that allows dogs to be off leash, as long as they are under voice command. I don't know how many people actually have gotten this tag, I haven't bothered because my dogs are unreliable listeners...
July 10, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madmoores (anonymous) says...
Jazzslave, I remember when you originally posted that story and I laughed right with you, what a maroon.
I ride on your trails quite frequently, more less lately but anyway, if I see you down I will offer my hand, if I see you changing a flat I will check to make sure you have everything you need(I'm a friggin' rolling tool chest when I ride, might as well decrease some weight and share a little), I will nod/wink/say hello/wave when I ride by...always, I don't own a dog so I am exempt from that category, and I will ride with skill, confidence and compassion for my fellow trail users...it's the only way. Trail courtesy, just like driver courtesy, has eroded away leaving us with the "me" generation, all about mememememe and no one else, sucks...but that's life.
As far as the leash thing, we need to find out where on the trail/road it applies, and when it applies, then compare it to the time of the accident. We also need to hear from the other party as well, the dog owner, why no help...why are you throwing a ball into a heavily used road risking the life of your dog...and if the "certain times" don't match up then why was the dog off the leash? What is the leash law(if any)on a county road in Routt county? This is a county road that this accident happened on, right?
Considering where she was approaching, it is fairly wide and flat, not real hard to see a biker coming. Trying to veer and evade along with the impact, even from smaller dogs(depends on where and how hard they hit you)will take the best bikers right over. How experienced is this person on a bike...how big was the dog...how much room did she have to avoid this collision...where on earth were her riding friends?
A lot of answers need to be sought before the lynch mob is released. In MY opinion, I hold the dog owner responsible, on a moral level...even if the leash law was not in affect during that time, how could you stand there and let it happen and then turn away, if that's what may have happened...which is the reason the dog owner needs to step up.
I hope the lady has a speedy recovery and don't let it get you down ma'am, remember the saying: pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again. Get back out on that bike, soon.
July 10, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SteveWalsh (anonymous) says...
I do a fair share of trail running around Steamboat with and without my two dogs. I've had three incidents over the past three years where I've encountered off leash, excited and aggressive dogs. Twice I was bit to the point of medical attention. One of these times I was skating up Howelsen in the winter, the other two incidents occurred on the Uranium Mine trail and at Spring Creek. Twice I encountered dog owners who were remorseful and embarassed and the other time the owner was upset with me because I started to chase their dog while yelling obscenities. There's really no way to ruin a run or a hike or just enjoying being outside quicker than being bit by a dog. I've always just chalked it up to being a part of living in a very dog friendly town. My message about this is simple. If your dog is aggressive then put him/her on a leash please. It pisses me off when I get bit or knocked over.
July 10, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MRNICE (anonymous) says...
Im not sorry but this is the horrible truth... 13 some odd years ago I remember how this town was. Waves, smiles you know common courtesy. I do hate saying this but its all the outsiders. The freaken California care nots, the looken for the small town but bring the big attitude jerks and all the rest of these folks that never had a chance to experiance what small town Colorado was like. This all relates to why this person was left to take care off herself. This dog "owner" has got alot of bad karma coming his or her way and the other biker who just kept going... Why dont you go on a ride down strawberry park there might be a little more room for you. Meanwhile I will continue to open doors for lady's, let you in the road "even if you don't wave", keep my obedient dog on a leash and I will even use my TURN SIGNAL!! Even though nobody ever did use it. I still love S.B but i despise where its going. I know its not just S.B its in every city, "MeFreakenItis".
"Its a dog eat dog world and I'm waring milkbone underware"-Norm
July 10, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
aworker4progress (anonymous) says...
Hey, BOOHOO if someone can be responsible for an accident then is it truly accidental. I think it was Napoleon Bonaparte who said "there are no such things as accidents, it is fate misnamed.". I am saddened anyone got hurt by this event, an accident though...hmm. How is the dog again?
July 10, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JLM (anonymous) says...
Hey, an accident can still have a responsible party and be an accident. The fact that a bad thang is an "accident" does not absolve the party who caused the accident from liability. Dog person, make amends.
July 11, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hadleyburg_Press (anonymous) says...
I checked with animal control, and GoodGrief is right, there are days and times when Spring Creek trail/area are leashless. I didn't have time for details, so it would be prudent to pick up the pamphlet for the specifics.
Thanks GoodGrief for the info.
If all of us aren't courteous and respectful of the rules on the multi-use trails then we may end up going the route of the heavily regulated Boulder parks in which mountain bikes are banned from some trails and dogs are banned from other.
Damn shame we don't know how to be less selfish in life.
I pledge to be more respectful, to smile more at my fellow neighbors, and to lend a hand when possible as 424now has so eloquently stated in past posts.
Have a joyful and safe weekend,
HP
July 11, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boohoo (David High) says...
aworker4progress: I think I got a C in philosophy, but I think it goes back to intent when definining an accident. I still struggle with the line "if a tree falls in the forest...." Great song too! I really can't take this topic seriously anymore. It is quite black and white to me, regardless if your dog is required to be on a leash or not. Your dog...you're responsible for what he/she does!
July 11, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
paddlefisher (anonymous) says...
MRNICE and hadlyburg have it right.NICE I've been here 20 plus years and yes Steamboats small town charm is eroding fast..like you I still open doors for people say Hi to them..dispite the funny looks..follow the basic driving rules..remember Staemboat Drvies Friendly..Hadley it is about respect thinking of others and showing them the same respect you would expect..I've been biten several times by off lease dogs and only one owner was truely remorseful the other owners didn't seem to give a rip..i've talked with the sherifff dupties and i do have a right the protect my self maybe its time..hate to say that as much as i love animals..please repect each other enjoy the ballon rodeo and atr in the park and all the other fun activities..be safe
July 12, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
malori (anonymous) says...
hi all, Lori here. I've been reading the comments and outpouring of discussion posted here and wanted to set a few things straight. Thanks to everyone for your support, passion, and concern. I'm doing MUCH better. All things considered, could have been a lot worse, but I would have never written this letter had it been my own doing that caused the accident (yes, when you ride you take chances, you fall, you get hurt...I'm not denying that).
First of all, for those that don't know me personally, I am an incredibly cautious rider. I am the first to unclip, slow down/stop, let another person pass me; I smile, say hi, let people know when I'm coming up behind them, ride my brakes on the downhill, all in all, a very curteous person when riding or running (or at least I like to think so!). I'm not aggressive, I believe in the golden rule, karma, and helping others. That being said, for those that need questions answered: dog came up behind me- so no, no time to think about it or try and avoid it; I was going moderately fast (for me, which in perspective is probably average speed for others) but there was no one in front of me and for all those that don't know the trail, very very good sight distance at that point; I'm always the last one down a trail because I am slower (husband and friend were already to the road, and hubby had turned around coming back to get me when I started pedaling away...he was pissed when he saw me but I just wanted to get home); dog was medium-large in size (lab); and it was Friday morning approximately 11:30am.
So I think I've covered all the unanswered details? SB Pilot has a word cap of 600 words in a letter so really had to convey everything. But part of the reason for my letter was also because several other people, upon hearing my story, expressed similar incidents happening to them; some even ended up in worse shape than I. So while this has sparked some interesting discussions, please remember the point of my letter: just use your heads when on heavily-trafficed trails and keep Steamboat a safe place to ride, play, run, hike and walk your dogs. Thanks!
July 13, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madmoores (anonymous) says...
Thank you, and glad to know you're OK.
First thought that entered my head after reading your post was that someone was doing this on purpose, throwing the ball out and letting the dog chase it, freaking out the bike rider. Since you did not see anyone, were they hidden somewhere, throwing the ball out knowing the dog would give chase on unsuspecting bikers? I know it's a stretch but you would be surprised what some find entertaining.
Step up dog owner.....if you know this person, tell them to get a pair and explain themselves, it's only the right thing to do considering their cowardliness at the scene.
July 13, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
constant1 (anonymous) says...
to malori, war and peace would have been easier to swallow. point in case. i have been on trails and seen BIKERS totally out of control and going faster than necessary, to the point of scary. the bike issue in the boat is a whole other deal. my word, ive been in town and i cant believe the way most cyclist behave. hey man, we own the road. really? ok. some ahole thought he was BOB MARLEY. more than sure he was the super hero, ganja man!!!! with friggn' dreads down his back all smelly and sh*t!!! riding down the middle of lincoln ave.i just looked at him like, hey bud,and he flipped me off. if i see him again, well, use your imagination. the issue will always be there. dogs, bikes, cars, bars, jeremiah was a bullfrog.
lets just be nice to each other. times are tough. we all have so much to deal with, its crazy. these blogs go off on a tangent sometimes. ive been here almost thirty years. i didn't just fall off the truck, im scared of the direction this wonderful place is headed. lets all take a deep breath and enjoy. thanks
July 13, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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