Macatawa Trail Running

[@JosephLampen]

I see you're running the opposite way the riders are. Is that your preference or is there an actual rule at the UM (I've never looked into it here - I believe Luton encourages opposite way running to riding)? I'm just curious because I see this debate come up on MTB forums from time to time and some runners prefer to run with traffic vs. opposite. My preference is opposite, but I just like that we all get to enjoy the trails together! :)

[@LewDog9296]

I haven't found any thing that says runners are supposed to run against traffic on the trails, but it just makes the most sense to me. I like to see the bikes coming and get out of their way as it's a lot easier for me to move off the trail than it is for them to move. I also try to wear a bright colored shirt so they can see me as well. And, I agree it's nice to share the trails.

[@LewDog9296]

Joseph, I put in another 20 miles out there today or 3 laps with some other back and forth to the trails. I was stopped and asked by a biker if I knew it had a direction. He wasn't a jerk or anything. But he said he thought it would be better if we ran with the flow rather than against. I am not a Mt. Biker but I do think it would be a LOT of fun but anyway, I see you're quite into Mt. Biking and I was wondering what others say? We just want to do what the majority want us to do AND most importantly keep it safe on the trails. I did try one lap with the flow and it was nice to sort of zone and not have to worry about oncoming traffic but on the other hand, I'm putting all hope in a Mt Biker coming up behind me and seeing me and giving me...and him/her....fair warning.

[@JosephLampen]

That's just it, opinions vary from rider to rider. I think trails like Upper Mac probably work to run with traffic because its technical nature slows riders down so the risk of having a rider not see you and wipe you out should be lower. I see runners out at Cannonsburg State Game Area from time to time and that course lets riders flat out fly. I wouldn't recommend with traffic running there. That being said, I wonder if there's value in just simply picking one of the options out there and posting it as a rule so everyone knows what to expect...and then ban earbuds for everyone :)

[@JosephLampen]

Oh, and 20 miles out there is HUGE!

[@LewDog9296]

I decided to try out running with traffic Sunday for three laps and never ran into anyone except to pass a group with a guy that had went down and had to collect himself. He was all fine though. Even having passed them, they never did catch back up to me with about 2/3 of a lap left. I think I also agree with you on how you can probably go with and stay out of trouble. I think that's what I'll be practicing for now until we have an issue. Thanks for the input!