Suspicious Person on the Canal Singletrack

[kconner]

Went out riding today and saw a guy dragging small logs around the trail in different places....later, I was taking a break at the fire pit, he walked past me and ignored my greeting. He then went and pulled a machete out of a nearby bush and told me he was building himself a cabin on the side of the river to replace one that had been in the same spot for 15 years. Needless to say, since I was by myself, I cut my ride short and headed back to the house.

Just wondering if anybody else has run into this person and knew what his story is?? I did see a platform of logs on the side of the river just off the Razor Edge the other day and assume this guy is the one building it, but have never seen a "cabin" or other shelter anywhere on or near the canal singletrack since I rode this trail for the first time about 8 years ago, so his story didn't exactly make sense me. Maybe I'm just being overly paranoid?

[Angela]

In the past there have been people living temporarily in those woods from time to time - generally a tent now and then and other evidence of temporary habitation. During an adventure race a few years back the course led us under a bridge and I felt as if we were invading someone's "home" since there was a mattress, chest of drawers, etc all set up and apparently being used. No need to be paranoid but certainly good to be aware and alert - also the Canal Authority is typically very responsive and good partners of ours so I would report these kinds of things to them so they can stay on top of things!

[mudonthetires]

I was out last week, I believe it was on Tuesday, and saw several items from a chair, some clothes, and other things collected in one area that I have not seen on previous rides. So it would seem that a person/persons are coming in and out of the woods. Be careful out there, not all, but some of the homeless/transients in the area are mentally unstable and could pose a threat.

[kconner]

Dec 10, 2010 23:14:31 GMT -5 mudonthetires said:

Be careful out there, not all, but some of the homeless/transients in the area are mentally unstable and could pose a threat.

I work part time with the ambulance service in Richmond County and deal with our homeless/transient population on a fairly regular basis, but there seemed to be something about this guy that worried me, even though I still can't put my finger on it. Considering that, and the fact that he was walking around with a machete, I mainly wanted to give everybody a heads up to be just a little more alert, especially if riding solo

[Mark Y]

It pays to be diligent and cautious. I encountered three guys who entered the trail from the woods a couple of years ago and felt a little bit uncomfortable for a few seconds as I passed them and nodded hello. I'm a big boy and usually feel confident, but I could envision lone females being vulnerable to such situations.