“Getting stomp’d” out on the trail can have a variety of different meanings, and I’m about to get into my personal account from this past weekend. First and foremost, this is a personal story that I debated whether or not to even put out there. After some chats with D2 and Dirty about the pros and cons, I’m convinced that posting this will hopefully have more positive results than negative, so here we go.
I headed out to North Table Mountain in Golden, CO on Saturday for a quick ride. It’s the closest trail to my house, and with a 10 month old at home I try to keep my mountain bike rides shorter than they used to be. Not long into the ride as I was climbing up a portion of trail, I came behind a runner who was wearing headphones that wrapped around his neck, and a shirt/jersey that said either “COM” or “COR”. I rang my bell a few times to let him know I was approaching from behind (this had never been an issue when sharing trail with hikers, runners, and other mountain bikers), but I don’t see any acknowledgement that he heard my bell. I slowed down and before I could ask to pass, another mountain biker (who had pulled off to yield as they were descending) said, “there is a bike behind that wants to pass”. The runner pulled off the trail, and as I passed I shook my head (the use of two earbuds or full headphones when on crowded trails drives me nuts as it’s a safety issue for everyone involved). The runner obviously didn’t like me shaking my head and shouted, “shake your head at me again, and I’ll beat your motherfucking ass!” Fun times, but I keep riding.
About 20 minutes later, I’m climbing up a different trail and see a runner coming in the opposite direction. I pull off to the side of the trail to let the runner pass, and I recognize the “COM” or “COR” on the shirt as the guy who yelled at me before. He is nearly past me, when he says, “I remember you”, then suddenly and aggressively moves towards me. Unprovoked, he grabs me by my throat and starts forcing me towards a boulder on the side of the trail. He manages to shove me on top of the boulder, all the while punching my head, jaw, helmet, and anything he can reach. Once he had his fill with his fists, he moves on to stomping my back and ribs. He decides that he’s had enough and heads over to my bike, picks it up and says “Shake your head at me again” before throwing my bike off the trail and down the steep mountainside. Pleased with himself, he heads off down the trail. Still in complete shock, I pick myself up and slowly start to walk after him in hopes of getting a picture. As he’s moving down the trail, he’s obviously keeping tabs on me, and rather than chance some more punches to the head, I walk away. The entire incident couldn’t have taken more than 30-45 seconds, but it has been playing in my mind ever since. Why hadn’t I tried to get a swing in at him? Why didn’t I charge at him when he picked my bike up? Could someone really be that pissed off about me shaking my head?
Bruised up throat
Courtesy of the runner’s shoe
I switched over to damage control, calling the police to get things started on filing a report, calling my wife to let her know what happened, and retrieving my bike. For what it is worth, I ride with an ICEdot crash sensor, and thank fucking Christ for that. My wife knew exactly where I was following the incident and that something wasn’t right–she was able to pinpoint exactly where I was and get to the nearest trailhead to meet me. I get to my bike which is about 30-50 feet off the trail (down the side of the slope), and start giving it the once over, prepared for the worst. Frame, maybe okay. Handlebars, a little off center but probably okay. Chain, good. Wheels… toast. So I am stuck walking back to a neighborhood access point. I get lucky that some other people who pass me on the trail check to see how I am doing and verify that they saw the runner further on down the trail. One fine gentleman named Ty even gives me his phone number and lets me know he’s be happy to give a statement and work to help to identify the runner. Once back at the car I give a formal statement to the Deputy from the Sheriff’s Office. As I finish my statement some chatter comes over the radios that they think they found a guy matching the description, and are trying to track him down. But unfortunately he ducks into a residential neighborhood on the western side of North Table Mountain, and is lost. Despite the assurances from park officials and deputies, it’s pretty obvious that the likelihood of finding this guy is fucking slim at this point. I thank all those who helped out and head back home to try and digest everything that happened.
In the grand scheme of things I seem to be alright, the punches to the head didn’t really seem to cause much damage (thanks helmet), although my jaw is pretty sore and I made the mistake of trying to eat an apple on Sunday. My legs are covered in smaller cuts and scrapes from getting shoved down on the boulder, and I have larger scrapes/bruises on my throat and shoulder from the respective grab and stomp. General body soreness is also present, but nothing that I haven’t dealt with before. My bike seems to be in decent shape, minus the two busted wheels, broken seat, and lost crash sensor. All items that can be replaced, and again reminds me that in the big picture of life, I certainly caught some breaks with this one.
My rear wheel after its toss off the trail
My seat didn’t look that way at the start of the ride.
The shitty part of it all is:
1.) this guy got away and will no doubt be back on the trails in the future, and
2.) what the fuck has it all come to where punches and kicks get thrown on the trail between different users?
Something tells me that this guy was already in a shitty mood, ready for a fight, and I was the unlucky recipient of his rage. Should I have shaken my head when I passed? In retrospect the answer is probably not; but if someone shaking their head at you is all it takes for you to assault someone, you’ve probably got a couple of loose screws to begin with.
In regards to the first question, part of the reason why I decided to put this story out there is that I was hoping the DC community could help to bring this guy to justice, or at least make him think twice about jumping another trail user. Basic description is white male, somewhere in his 30s-40s, 6 feet tall, and somewhere between 180-190 pounds. On that day he was wearing black shorts, wrap around headphones, and a black or dark blue shirt with either “COM” or “COR” on it. Given that he was able to duck into a local neighborhood and wasn’t found, it seems likely that he lives in Golden and will be back out on North Table Mountain. If you encounter someone that fits that description please reach out to either the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (303) 271-0211, or the Jefferson County Open Space (303) 271-5925. Also, if you have any information you think might be helpful you can email me at 40Hands@drunkcyclist.com. Also, based on the incident, this guy may take exception to how you pass him if out on the trail, so be fucking careful and don’t shake your head.
To the second question, I have no idea how many of these types of incidents take place, or what the proper way to deal with this. This guy doesn’t represent all runners or hikers, the same way that the Stravahole trying to get rowdy on a descent doesn’t represent all mountain bikers. The trails are crowded and sure we can preach the “don’t be a dick” approach, but as this guy proved, some people are just dicks and aren’t going to change. Anyway, I’m at the rambling point where it all seems like hypothetical, deep questions, so I’ll end this pretty soon. Thanks for taking the time to read, writing this has been somewhat therapeutic in dealing with everything that happened, and thanks to those of you out there who will keep an eye out for this guy.
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That is some bullshit.
As to why you didn’t fight back- you aren’t a psycho on the edge. It takes some time to switch from civilized human mode, and your caveman there was already operating as a savage. Don’t beat yourself up about it.
I would join a committee to visit said individual should the opportunity arise.
I guess take mace with you on your front range loops? Fucking savages.
That sucks. I feel like I had the first part of that incident happen while climbing Shaw Butte here in Phx last summer. A guy who was really red faced and out of it looking (Heat stroked?) had both head phones in and I called out to him a couple times as I trudged VERY slowly up the hill. By the time I was next to him I was talking to him saying “Just coming by you over here buddy, on your left” I was barely going faster than his walking pace. When he realized something was there he went straight from surprise to yelling. “Really bro, are you fucking serious, I will fuck you up, fuck you” etc etc. just going off on a level I hadn’t seen on the trail, ever.
He picked up a rock, why? I have no idea. It’s like he somehow felt threatened. I was just trying not to have a heart attack from the heat and so I just stood there staring at him asking “Really? What’s going on? Seriously man, what are you doing?”
He seemed to snap back into some sort of reality and just turned and walked away. Holy shit. I was shaking the rest of that ride. Wondering if he was waiting for me somewhere. So odd. I have no idea what happened, but I’m really thankful that it didn’t turn into what you got.
That just plain sucks. :-(
Im sure you didnt fight back at the pure shock you are being attacked in the first place. What a pos.
Time to invest in a couple of action cameras. Helmet to or chest mount yields best images. I also ride with a camera face rearward on a k-edge seat rail mount. Next time you see him, don’t say anything or react in any noticeable way just try to ride slowly enough to get a good video of him. If he recognizes you and reacts, ride like the wind to get away. Make a copy of that video segment for the police. You ought to have a case number for that incident.
can you check strava or garmin connect for flybys and see if he was stupid enough to upload his data and then get his profile and from there you should get names and facebook?
Might be worth seeing if there are any webcams or traffic cams in the area. I’m sure someone on weather underground has a camera pointed at the mountain.
I worked for a company based in Denver by the name of CoreSite whose stock symbol is COR. They were big on schwag too. I still have shirts. It’s probably a long shot but maybe worth exploring.
This is nuts. My sis and brother-in-law ride there weekly and live in the area. I immediately made them aware of this situation and blasted it out to other front range CO riders to be on the lookout. Totally unacceptable behavior and I’m just happy you’re OK. If he does end up being identified, he’s liable for bike damage and possibly more for pain/suffering. I had a woman get out of her car last year and push me off my bike on my commute home for doing the exact same thing, shaking my head at her. Reported her plates and made sure to file a police report. Don’t let this go.
So sorry (and angry) to hear about this. Trail riding/running/walking should be a place of solace, not this BS. Feel better.
That’s truly terrifying. I regularly ride NTM alone as a young, small (not intimidating at all) female. Rest assured you made the right choice sharing this story. It is appreciated. I ride like you do–with bell ringing and kind words and slow passing and yielding (I’m also a trail runner, incidentally)–but I’m going to be extra-careful and extra-aware, now. It sucks because one of the things I love about living in Golden, compared to where I grew up in Texas, is that I generally feel safe recreating alone as a female on the Front Range (within reason, of course). But this is kind of like hearing about your neighbor’s house being broken into. Something about your sense of the world shatters being aware of an experience like this. “It could have been me.”
P.S. I have some used Stan’s 29er wheels you can have. In good shape.
My name is Mike Grady. I’m a photojournalist at 9NEWS, mountain biker, and DC reader. It sucks that this whole ordeal happened, but I think it’s great you shared your story for the exact reasons you mentioned. Would you be willing to share your story with us on camera? Hopefully putting it on air and another online outlet will help find the guy and make people aware of common trail etiquette. Feel free to email me: michael.grady@9news.com or call my work cell 720-233-6392. Again, I’m sorry this happened, but thank you for sharing your story. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Sent you a email. I am a leader of a running group called COR
Ridiculous!!!
I had an incident like this probably 20 yrs ago… I looked at someone in a way they didn’t like (pretty sure a head shake was in there), they felt offended and obligated to walk over to my car and punch me in the head. Like you, it was total shock and I didn’t fight back or really do anything other than continually ask myself “is this really happening” in my head.
My story ended a little differently, a large redneck in the truck behind this individual saw the whole thing, told him to get back in his car, and when he didn’t and pushed the redneck… this guy got what was coming to him. I didn’t hang around to see how it ended, but I’m guessing the cops were called.
I’ve ridden NT many times with my girlfriend… this makes me a little tentative about going back… and makes me wonder if I should carry bear spray with me in the front range!
Sounds like this guy may get his justice after all! Never understood why people get so upset while out “enjoying” nature. This last post shows promise for you and other trail users. Hope this POS gets his justice!
Could be a reach, but lots of photos to look through
https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoObstacleRacersPage/
Fuck that guy
Please update this post if you end up finding this worthless POS. We’re all rooting for justice on this!
Super sorry to hear this! Appreciate you sharing.
Don’t suppose you remember any other physical features of your attacker? Hair color, facial hair, tattoo(s).
I live right at North Table and it’s one of my staple rides. The tensions between hikers/runners and mtb’ers has been escalated this year. Not sure what’s going on. I’m sure there are some serious tools out there that are pissing off the foot traffic and they’re deciding to take it out on every rider. Just as 40 hands said, not every hiker/runner is like this fuck stick and not every mtb’er is inconsiderate or a stravasshole. What really sucks is that now whenever I go do North Table, I’ll be way more heightened and ready to defend myself to most any foot traffic which will take away from my love of getting out there.
This goes far beyond trail user conflict. The person who attacked you has exhibited anti social and violent and behavior. Other trails users are not the only people at risk in potential exposure to him. Studies will verify that women will be especially at risk encountering this person because he does not restrain himself or his exaggerated scene of superiority and entitlement. He also uses physical force to assert his dominance.
Your attacker is a very scary person and I hope it works out that he is identified quickly and that other trail users will soon be able to enjoy your neighborhood trails without worry. I am sorry you had to experience this.
Check out the Colorado Obstacle Racers Facebook page. They’ve got about 1000 photos on there…maybe your man is in one of them. It’s a long shot, but it’s a shot.
This sucks, and I hope that catch the guy and prosecute him, and I certainly don’t want to discount what happened, but part of the problem here is the runner is probably sick of Cyclist buzzing him. Not trolling here, I promise, and absolutely the runner should not have had headphones on, absolutely, but if that trail is anything like the Multi-Use Trails here in the Springs, a good majority of cyclist go way to fast, and do not announce they are passing. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen cyclists come up from behind and fly by families walking the trail, scaring the shit out of the walkers. I’m pretty slow as a cyclist and I get passed from behind, a bunch. I estimate maybe 80 percent of the cyclist that pass me, fly by me, with out saying a word. Oh, and the bells, they are not effective, at all. I never hear them. I don’t hear them when I’m walking my dogs on the trail either and my runner friends equate bells on bikes to impatient drivers honking. Not saying it’s right, but the runner probably got tired of it and lost his temper. Like I said. I hope they catch him, and I hope you are ok.
Man…that is my go to MTB ride down there. My experiences have always been positive.
Double buds or phones on the trail is just asking for trouble. Let us know when they find this guy. He’s a menace to society.
Be well.
Was it this guy? https://www.strava.com/activities/914198599/overview
https://m.facebook.com/ColoradoObstacleRacersPage/photos/a.471538729525279.111737.471523569526795/1469899406355868/?type=3&source=45
This the group?
The worst part in all of this is that you feeling you have in the pit of your stomach. I had some dude punch me in the face and had his hands around my neck about 20yrs ago because he thought I was gay (nope – just a cyclist at a gas station picking up some gatorade). Leaves you feeling ashamed, weak, scared, on edge. 20yrs later, and that incident still touches the edge of my conscience from time to time. Make sure you talk to someone. Good job being courageous and posting this. Hopefully they nail this guy.
Apparently it was Sean Spicer who did it.
http://www.businessinsider.com/sean-spicers-tense-exchange-reporter-april-ryan-alleged-white-house-scandals-russia-russian-dressing-2017-3
J/K sorry this happened to you Andrew. We’ll find this guy.
Get a screen cap of the Strava account before he gets wind and deletes it.
What a fucking nutcase. I hope the police catch the guy and that he gets a sweet taste of justice.
As for the rims, if the picture shows the extent of the damage, they may be repairable. I know it’s a small consolation, but it may be worth a shot. I have dented rims similarly and been able to straighten then – they even still held tubeless. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/Tech-Tuesday-Fixing-Rim-Dents-2012.html
Might be worth posting a sign at the trailhead warning about this guy and to see if any others might have witnessed what happened.
You should have confronted him the first time he threatened you, just call him out, “really? You’re going to kick my ass for shaking my head? Why? WTF?” At least then you’re somewhat ready for a confrontation.
Also, consider carrying pepper spray or a gun. You have every right to defend yourself from people, dogs, wildlife, etc.
Your story illustrates just how quickly things can go haywire. It sucks to have to think defensively, but if you’re a dad you need to be even more aware of this stuff.
Lastly, running is for people who don’t have bikes.
Wow. Hate to hear this. Closer to the time Strava became big I was mtn biking near Marshall Mesa in Boulder, climbing a steep grade when I was passed by a stronger uphill rider and forcibly elbowed out of his way into a high grass high-side by same guy. Shocked, I figured he was chasing a Strava PR. I picked myself up and rode on, no chance to catch him going uphill. Probably just as well…..Karma is a wonderful thing….payback will come in some form, at some time. Be safe out there everyone! And, as my mother always taught me; Two wrongs do not make a right.
If you don’t take Katherine up on her offer contact me for some rim help. I will take care of it.
I carry a hardcore Taser gun for people like this and (especially) dogs. Next time I’m attacked by anyone they’ll be lying on the trail listening to me ride away wondering WTF?
Thanks for sharing. I can’t believe this happened on NTM, my favorite local stomping ground. I’m so glad that you are reasonable ok, and will keep my eye out for the guy that did this. Sadly, I match the description, without the shirt that is, so I’ll just look for someone like me. Like others have said, if you can think of anything else description-wise, let us know. My wife is Katherine and I hope that you take her up on her wheel offer. Best wishes as you recover, and keep riding, friend.
If you used Strava, you might get lucky with the Strava Flyby feature. See if you recognize the spot of passing and the assault and hopefully the runner uses Strava as well and you can hopefully identify him
Glad your ok… In the future maybe you should learn to fight. If you would have kicked his ass chances are good he would never act like this around you again. Most dicks understand nothing short of this. He is now laughing at you and the cops. In a situation like this when dealing with a dick out in the middle of nowhere, its best to concentrate on punching him in the head as hard and as fast as you can until he either yields or goes down. If you cant throw a good punch, at least kick him as hard as you can. Just one good kick in the nuts may have saved the tires on your bike and taught him some manners…
40, I am in sorry to hear about this. You made the absolute right choice in your reaction. If you fought back it is his word against yours and as a younger person the cops would likely take his side. One father to another, you made the right choice.
Happened to me last year with an auto accident with a VERY aggressive 62 year old. I went to school on golden and am very sorry to hear that this is how it has gotten.
Sad to say but because of shit like this and wildlife I now carry a Kimberly Pepper Blaster and a fixed blade knife on my rides. I hope to never need either of them but with several recent dog and wildlife attacks plus how stupid general humanity is I feel it is better safe than sorry.
Cameras are a good choice, sadly a few years ago in Christchurch we had one of our own turn upon us. He ended up in court.
http://v.vitalmtb.com/13041/mountain-biker-fight-in-new-zealand–vid-13041–uid-3858–xhd.mp4
Seriously people? Why sensationalize a couple of incidents and make it worse for everyone. For God’s sake people, keep your fucking mouths shut before they shut the fucking trail to bikes! DO NOT TALK TO THE ASSHOLE AT 9NEWS!!!! They just want to sensationalize and cause trouble.
This State is getting to crowded and that’s just it. Nothing you can do. I blame JeffCo for building a trailhead on that mountain. It was a great place to ride before they did that. They ruined it for the neighborhood. Now every new asshat that moves here parks up and down 93 to go on it. Fucking sucks!
Sorry to hear that this happened. On last November 18th the Jeffco Sherriff posted at https://sixthavewest.nextdoor.com/news_feed/?post=36701039 that a biker was assaulted on South Table Mountian. Take a look at the sketch posted there. Hope these guys get caught.
Hey there,
I work at the assignment desk at Fox31/Channel 2 and we’re sorry to hear this happened to you. If you are able to please call our assignment desk at 303 566 7600. Thank you
@Prebus
Really good, constructive comment – NOT!
Fuckwit!
Men are awesome, we need more of them on the planet /s
I rode north table last Thursday and encountered a hiker with headphones and poles. As I passed him he yelled “I f****** hate bikers. You motherf******s -” and then I was to far past him to hear anything else. Don’t know if it’s the same guy. He had a beard and old black headphones
Sorry tylera,
sadly it’s the things that we carry in our shorts that help us think.
But if you need someone to go slay a Mammoth, I’m here for you! I just need to work on my motivation, how does this whole act contribute to a worthwhile, growing experience to us all?
Just to throw it out there. I found a guy by the name of XXXXX in Golden, CO, who runs frequently in the area. Fits the description except he’s not officially part of the COR group, but has a mutual friend who is.
Sorry to hear that this has happened. This pos should be locked up, at the very least. Glad you’re mending, best of luck. Ride on, ride strong. Dave