Editor’s Note: This account contains strong language and violence. Reader discretion is advised.
According to a first person account published on DrunkCyclist.com, a mountain biker was assaulted by a trail runner while out riding North Table Mountain in Golden, CO.
According to the report, the mountain biker in question was looking to pass a trail runner from behind, but the runner was wearing earbuds and did not move over even after the rider called out his intention to pass. Another rider came from the opposite direction, and told the runner that somebody was behind him and wanted to pass. The runner moved over, and as the first rider passed from behind, he shook his head at the runner, as the runner was completely oblivious to the people around him. In response, the runner said, “shake your head at me again, and I’ll beat your mother fucking ass!”
The rider encountered the runner again later on in his loop, coming the opposite direction, and as he pulled over to yield the trail to the oncoming runner, the runner said, “I remember you.” What follows is the first person account of the attack:
“…then suddenly and aggressively [he] 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?”
The wheels on the rider’s bike were so badly damaged that he had to walk it out to the nearby road. He called the sheriff’s department and filed a report. At one point the police thought they had located the perpetrator, but he then disappeared into a nearby subdivision.
Local area mountain bikers and trail users in general should travel cautiously and be on the look out for an aggressive man meeting this description:
“…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.”
If you have any information about this incident, please call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (303) 271-0211, or the Jefferson County Open Space at (303) 271-5925.
Update at 6:56pm MDT on 3/28/17:
Additional reporting on this incident from 9 News:
15 Comments
Mar 29, 2017
Mar 29, 2017
Keyboard Warrior warning:
I am going to assume this was a bigger stronger individual who had him off-balance and pressed up against a boulder, his choices were limited at that point. I think you should have a mental flowchart of how to handle a situation like this. You can call it violent fantasies if you like but analyzing a situation like this helps you be ready should it ever occur. You don't need to take years of martial arts to handle a situation like this. What I mean is have one or two dirty tricks and be prepared to use them. If someone is attacking you and you feel its a losing situation go for the best B.E.T. That is the balls, the eyes, and the throat. Then get back on your bike and sprint away, hope to not get shot in the back. There is not such thing as a fair fight unless it's planned and agreed upon.
Apr 2, 2017
On the other hand the worst of trail obstacles on the benign side is the guy with headphones or earbuds on walking in the woods in a state of stoned out bliss staring up at the trees completely in their own world. No anger issues with these types but good luck getting their attention.
Peace out,
Heal up soon sir.
Mar 29, 2017
Aug 11, 2019
Aug 26, 2017
Such a violent reaction seems blatantly off, but circumstances are ambiguous. Provocation alone never justifies escalating to violence, and the number proclaiming their right to murder over such a minor conflict is more troubling than this incident by itself. Really, proud to brag about your armaments? That so many are sharing the same trails with the willingness to use lethal force at some level of random 'trigger' incident makes me worry about everyone I see out there. Thanks a lot for your respect and consideration.
Mar 29, 2017
And I encounter some of these uptight runners, even ladies, who will curse just for being on the wrong side of the trail. But beating up somebody, man that's just different level of anger. I agree with @Ngeorgiagoldrush, its road rage. That guy needs anger management, or better yet, some jail time.
Mar 29, 2017
Mar 28, 2017
Mar 29, 2017
Mar 29, 2017
Mar 28, 2017
Dont let that intimidate you, the shock can be horrible I know. Hope you get well and back on the trails asap.
Mar 29, 2017
Mar 29, 2017
Mar 29, 2017
They always seem to think they own the trail, cause they're dressed in full race kit. Thankfully they seem to gather more in roadie and xc racing circles.