A few years ago I was riding a Rails to Trails trail near Hell Michigan. It was a lovely summer day and I was rolling right along. Soon I noticed that I had to use some caution to avoid big lumps of horse manure on the trail. A bit later I came up behind a half dozen or so young women riding their horses. This was allowed on the trail, of course. They filled up the entire trail and even though they were going considerably slower than I was, I felt I couldn't very well pass them. I lingered about 40 yards behind for a few minutes and suddenly one of the horses in the group noticed me behind them and panicked. This threw the rest of the horses into a real panic, too! Pretty quick they were out of control and going off in all directions while their riders tried in vain to control them. One particularly fair maiden was being carried through the woods at an amazing clip. It occurred to me that if I were truly gallant I would pursue and rescue her. Then better sense prevailed. I already had one fair maiden awaiting me at home and God knows this was all the complexity I could comfortably deal with. It was with a sigh that I watched her disappear through the trees but now the trail was nicely clear. One or two horses were settled down by their riders beside the trail so I just cycled on through ,sorely tempted to make some sort of smart Alec noise like a roadrunner honk, but my semi-gentlemanly nature prevailed and I just smiled and said "Hello" on my way through. No returned smiles seemed to be coming my way, however.
I am guessing that during Cirque there will be horses on that great trail through town that is so nice to ride. If anyone one has any hints on just how to pass such equestrian groups in such a situation, I could sure use some instruction.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, MI USA