[pushinpixels]

I ring my bell well before and during a blind corner. Unfortunately I've encountered way too may close calls, despite having a loud bell.
I've also tried constantly ringing my bell along the sections where it's dangerous (swooping up and down singletrack inside tall grass). It still feels like I'm catching some riders by surprise.

Should I start using a whistle? I don't want to be obnoxious or make people think I'm in distress. What's your strategy?

 

[.WestCoastHucker.]

i rail the turn and bunnyhop anything in the way...

 

[Sparticus]

I use sightlines.
A bell might tell people I'm bearing down on them but when would bearing down on anyone be appropriate?
Why would this be their problem?
It's not their problem.
It's my problem.
If I'm bearing down on someone, then I'm the problem.
I approach other riders slowly, just as I would a hiker, and ask them to make room for me to pass as soon as it's convenient.
Yeah, I may initially ring my bell so they know I'm there, but I don't bear down on anybody.
=sParty

 

[Dkayak]

I shout "beep, beep, beep", literally, where a favorite trail crosses a busy fire road. Then I keep an eye uphill on the fire road. Nobody moves fast up a 10% grade. Can't assume someone else is riding with caution.

 

[Harold]

timber bell or loud hubs help

 

[pushinpixels]

Here's some pics to give you a better idea. These types of blind corners are everywhere on the trail system I ride. They're on the ups, downs, and flatland sections.
I break a couple of bells a year because I'm ringing so damn often.

 

[brentos]

Here's some pics to give you a better idea. These types of blind corners are everywhere on the trail system I ride. They're on the ups, downs, and flatland sections.
I break a couple of bells a year because I'm ringing so damn often. View attachment 1968879

If you can't stop within the distance of your sightline, then any trail conflict is 100% on you. Slow down if you can't stop in the distance you can see.

Warning / audible signals do not relieve you of this responsibility.

I don't understand how anyone could see it any other way, even on a one direction bike specific trail, you should be able to avoid a downed/crashed/injured rider.

 

[Sparticus]

Thanks for posting the photos, it helps illuminate the situation.
I see how a constantly ringing bell would help.
But a constantly ringing bell would disrupt my sanity even more than it’s already disrupted.
Personally, I would sing.
WE WILL WE WILL ROCK YOU!!!
Repeat.
Ad infinitum.
=sParty

 

[s0ckeyeus]

I usually try to take as wide of a line as possible and yell something before entering the turn. I think that strategy would work well in both pictured scenarios. Looking as far ahead as possible in the turn helps too. In most instances, I can stop pretty quick if need be.

 

[AEyogi]

Hikers have right of way here. I ride at a pace to stop or go around if there is a hiker on the trail. I am responsible for getting past them safely. I hike also, and have been subject to asshole bikers who expect me to jump out of their way. It is not pleasant.

 

[eri]

Its a case of developing sensible community standards. As much as you'd like to you simply can't rail blind corners.

Oncoming riders that do it should get yelled at. Bell, horn, etc, it doesn't give you rights because you never know if there's a 3 year old toddling along where they shouldn't be - and if daddy bear sees you endanger his child you'll deservedly get stomped.

Only exception is closed off race courses - everywhere else assume there are hikers wearing earbuds.

 

[Kevin Matherne]

Just yell Strava and rail it. They will understand.

 

[Sparticus]

Idea: brush back that vegetation blocking the sightline.
=sParty

 

[LaXCarp]

Ah dang, I thought this was going to be about riding technique around a blind corner.

 

[brex17]

I approach them using the 80/20 rule.

 

[abeckstead]

Keep your speed in check. Always expect someone to becoming the other direction. This is why I like racing, I can remove the mental blocks and send it.

 

[Oogie]

I make two stroke dirt bike noises for all my rides. BRAAAAP BRAAAAAAP

 

[baker]

Idea: brush back that vegetation blocking the sightline.
=sParty

That is one of our major considerations for trail maintenance efforts here. Reduce trail conflict opportunities before they happen. And, it doesn't have to be some mindless whacking back of vegetation. Tiered pruning, or even occasional open sightlines help a ton.

 

[.WestCoastHucker.]

i generally just have a bell. it may be noisy just jangling around constantly, but i can't hear it over my headphones anyway...

 

[BadgerOne]

Ummm.....carefully? Not being a smartass, just makes sure you can stop safely within your sight line. Use a bell if necessary. Slowing down like that all the time sucks, but losing trail access or having a collision sucks harder. I ride fast and brake hard, trail conditions permitting, and I have to admit to having some people freak out and leap out of the way even though I easily slow to walking pace by the time I encounter them. For a second I wonder why they reacted that way, then I realize it probably wasn't me but the arseholes they encountered before me that cause those types of reactions.

A less desirable alternative, maybe even impossible where you are, is to find places not so heavily trafficked.