A triathlete friend of mine set out on a training ride last week on the Little Miami Trail north of Kings Mills. Within a few miles, he narrowly avoided a collision with a crossing deer. A bit further, he just managed to stay upright after hitting some root bursts in the pavement near South Lebanon. After turning around at Morrow, he ran over a rabbit running across the trail, but again managed to keep in control. Then he spotted a father and daughter on the trail ahead, both carefully keeping to the right. He slowed, prepared to swerve and brake if necessary, and gave the usual "on your left" warning. After passing the father and nearing the girl, the father yelled to the girl "Watch out!" The startled girl swerved to the left, forcing my friend into the weeds where he crashed.

(The father did not appreciate the care with which my friend - the father of several girls himself - attempted to pass them, and did not stop.)

Two other friends of mine were also on the trail last week. One of them hit the same bump on the trail and fell in front of the other, who was catapulted over his handlebars. This is the worst way to crash, and the results included a separated shoulder, severe bruising, broken helmet and a mild concussion.

I'd like to make two points from these tales. The first is that it would be worthwhile for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to better maintain the trail. Many of these invisible root bursts have existed for years - I'm going to go out and mark them myself this weekend. While I'm complaining, I'd like to see the posts removed from the center of the trail. They are far more hazardous than any wayward vehicle on the trail. I also wish they'd run a sweeper up and down the trail more often to get rid of sticks, slippery leaves, rocks and broken glass.

The more important point to make is that the trail can be dangerous. Many cyclists will tell you that they have had more close calls on the trail than on the road.

As I've stated above, ODNR should take more responsibility for keeping the trail users safe from physical hazards. I don't know what to say about deer and rabbits; I don't think they wear headphones so they ought to be able to hear oncoming traffic. The other hazards come from the users of the trail.

The trail is wonderful and it can be idyllic, but it is often a busy highway of cyclists, skaters, runners, horses, pedestrians and their dogs. It is not a sidewalk. It must be treated seriously. There is one rule that stands out: Keep right! Those keeping right are entitled to enjoy the trail as they wish, in peace, receiving the "on your left" warning in the most courteous tone of voice. Those on the left should understand they may be blocking the trail for others, and may receive the warning in somewhat more urgent tones (especially if they are wearing headphones). Those passing on the left should do so with an attitude of "do no harm" (as did my friend) no matter what the circumstances.

Those attending the National Road Race Championships got to see amazing athletes in some exciting racing. Did you notice the smell of burning rubber at the corners of the criterium? Wow. Check www.qcw.org/nats for stories and photos.

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Curt Austin maintains the web pages for the Queen City Wheels at www.qcw.org and can be reached at curt@AustinImage.com.