So yesterday I was riding Hartshorne. I was having a pretty good ride, for me at least. Anyway, anyone familiar with Hartshorne will know that it's neglected by the Monmouth County Park System so it is heavily eroded, etc. Whatever. I was 75% of the way up a particularly challenging, rooty, eroded, fall line climb. Line choice is critical to have any hope of clearing this climb. Down comes a trail runner, of course right in the line I needed to be on. I opted try and take an alternate line requiring me to attempt to climb a 12" ledge/eroded root with minimal momentum. This is above my ability and resulted in me not clearing the climb not to mention taking a tumble.
I was pretty pissed. Do I have a right to be? I know bikes yield to other trail users but the reality is I was going uphill on a particularly grueling section of trail. All the trail runner had to do was slow down a half step or go to the side for a second and I would have happily rode past. This would seemingly have no impact on her run.
I guess I just needed to rant. I suppose I need to practice some trials skills to be able to track stand better and hop uphill.