What should I have done?

[dvbl]

Baxter State Park, a few weeks ago. Going up Chimney Pond trail from Roaring Brook. As my buddy and I approached a group of seven hikers taking a rest, they saw us, immediately got up, and hurriedly resumed hiking. Within 30 seconds we were right behind them. Here's the breakdown of those seven hikers: 45'ish couple, 25'ish couple, 20'ish couple, and a girl of about 10 years old (The reason I mention the ages is simply to point out that six out of seven of them should have known better).

For the next 10 minutes (at least) we hiked right behind them. The trail was one-person wide for that stretch so we couldn't pass them without physically touching them. At various times during this 10 minute stretch, they each turned around and saw us. They all knew without a doubt that we were there right behind them, and that they were slowing us down. We weren't being rude about it, but we tail-gated them closely just to make the point (unfortunately it was the only innocent one --the 10-year old -- who had to be the recipient of this tail-gating).

I'm not a super-fast hiker and I wasn't in any great rush. And we didn't want to say anything because we try to be good citizens, and it was a perfect day in BSP, so why let a little thing like this bother us. But it started real fast to reach the point of being ridiculous. Finally, the 20'ish girl said 'Would you like to pass us', and before she finished her sentence I said 'Yes'. I made a conscious decision to not say 'thank you' because their rudeness far out-weighed their final concession to let us pass.

Like probably 99% of hikers, I immediately step out of the way for faster hikers. I don't want to slow them down, and I don't want anyone closely tail-gating me (I get enough of that just driving in RI).

So my question is this: What would you have done?

 

[Rivet]

So my question is this: What would you have done?

Instead of festering about it, you open your mouth and say "Can we get ahead of you?".

They might know they are being rude.

 

[spencer]

It sounds like you were plenty patient and polite. I would not have been so patient!

It's okay to ask to pass (politely, of course).

spencer

 

[ripple]

The few times that I am the faster hiker, I say "excuse me mind if I pass". After passing I say "thanks and have a great hike". I have yet to have someone say no.

 

[sapblatt]

This has never happenened to me as the faster hiker, but I always yield. If it were me I would have asked to pass after a couple of minutes of this.

 

[dr_wu002]

them should have known better).

I find that people feel that a particular trail is so difficult that they can't imagine anyone would want to/be able to go faster.

I don't know what I would have done. I might have asked, I might have started crying and vomiting. Even if someone is rude though, I'll almost always say thanks.

-Dr. Wu

 

[Grumpy]

. . . Finally, the 20'ish girl said 'Would you like to pass us', and before she finished her sentence I said 'Yes'. I made a conscious decision to not say 'thank you' because their rudeness far out-weighed their final concession to let us pass.

. . .

So my question is this: What would you have done?

First of all, I would have said "thank you" once they allowed me to pass. Rudeness may beget rudeness, but any one of us has the power in his/her own hands to do something about breaking that cycle.

I believe those who have suggested politely asking to pass early on, rather than playing the passive-aggressive tailgating game are on the right track.

G.

 

[Remix]

I think you could still be considered a good citizen if you piped up said "Mind if we get by?" in a friendly way.

 

[sapblatt]

Even if someone is rude though, I'll almost always say thanks.

-Dr. Wu

Especially if they are rude...stop the madness.

 

[anita514]

I would have just asked if I could pass.

I'm slow, so I get passed all the time. as soon as I hear people behind me, I step to the side and wait for them to go ahead.

 

[jfb]

I would have done just what you did, followed them (perhaps not so closely) until they realized that they could not outrun me, and when they asked me if I wanted to pass I'd thank them.

Another alternative (for Blues Brothers fans) would be to ask "How much for the 10-year old?"

 

[mediclimber]

If it were me, I'd have asked to pass long before it started to bother me. Of course, I'm a slow hiker and have no problem letting others by. I would have thanked them also. It's unfortunate that no matter where you go there are always some rude inconsiderate types. Here's a trick for you, I use it at malls when forced to go shopping. If there is a crowd in the ay for no other reason than to be in the way, just stand there and say out loud to yourself, and anyone who can hear, "too many peopole, too many voices, can't take any more meds." keep repeating it and I'm sure they will yield rapidly, it works all the time for me

 

[marty]

I usually bang my trekking poles a bit, to make sure they know I am behind them. If that doesn't work, I will then politely ask. Never has anyone refused.

 

[spaddock]

Sounds like it bothered you quite a bit.

If it were me I would have hiked behind them for a while. I wouldn't have tailgated a 10 year old. After 10 or 15 minutes I would have asked them if I could pass, like everyone else here said. I would have said thanks regardless. Life is too short...

Hope other than this you had a sweet day in BSP.


-Shayne

 

[Rick]

Jeez, they sound like Massacusetts drivers (it's ok, we all know), in that they pulled right out in front of you and then went slow. I think you need to carry an air horn and scare the bejeepers out of the next group to pull that stunt.

By the way, according to my son, he asks me "Daddy, why is everyone driving faster than me an idiot and everyone going slower than me a moron?"

 

[Neil]

I usually bang my trekking poles a bit

What do you bang them against? Calves? Skull? Butt?

 

[sp1936]

People often don't mean to be rude, they (we?) can just be oblivious at times. Who knows, even though it was not your intention, might they have perceived your tailgating as rude?

Rather than get my panties in a knot, I use the following procedure in situations like this:

1. Don't wait and let resentment build. Take the initiative immediately.
2. Big smile. You can get away with anything if you smile.
3. Greet and chat. "Howdy! How you doing? Beautiful weather, huh?" Any old BS will do.
4. "Mind if we pass?" Keep smiling and move on.

I can guarantee 100% success as long as you don't build up bad karma by not immediately allowing faster hikers to pass when you're the slowpoke.

Steve

 

[dr_wu002]

For the next 10 minutes (at least) we hiked right behind them. The trail was one-person wide for that stretch so we couldn't pass them without physically touching them. At various times during this 10 minute stretch, they each turned around and saw us. They all knew without a doubt that we were there right behind them, and that they were slowing us down. We weren't being rude about it, but we tail-gated them closely just to make the point (unfortunately it was the only innocent one --the 10-year old -- who had to be the recipient of this tail-gating).

Did you ever consider giving them a red square!?



-Dr. Wu

 

[marty]

What do you bang them against? Calves? Skull? Butt?

Neil - I just bang them lightly on rocks while walking, hopefully without leaving a trace. If there are no rocks, then I go to phase two and politely ask if I can pass through. I will also always say "thank you".

 

[NH Smokechaser]

I would have nicely asked to allow us to pass, and I too would have said "Thank You". It's the right thing to do.