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That yields control of your pilgrimage to someone else. You may not want to do that. Your experience is a rare but frightening one. I hope you feel better about it soon. Animo!Now, I just want to leave and go home.
So sorry to read this.I can understand your wanting to go home after this horrible experience,but you are so close now I hope you get to finish your Camino.I also hope the good memories of your walk wipe the bad from your mind,and you find the joy the Camino brings to most people.Today I was walking from Melide to Arzua - I was enjoying the walk and meeting new people and the excited faces of those who had come from Sarria. I was happy to see that the litter problem from what we had seen in 2013 was better now.
About 2km from Ribidiso a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way. He turned around and rode back and blocked me, hitting my legs with his bike. He started abusing me and telling me I was an f'ing bitch for not observing the universal english law of sharing the road. Really? There was nowhere else for me to move to. He became extremely aggressive and violent, shoving me and screaming abuse. I put my walking poles up in front of me in defense and to keep him away and he got off his bike and grabbed me, yelled at me I was an f'ing bitch again and pushed me so hard I landed on my back on the ground. Sure, lucky I had my pack on to soften the fall but I have a sore neck and hip now.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. It really shook me up as it was such an aggressive and unwarranted attack. At the next town I reported it to some ladies at a cafe and they insisted to call the Guardia Civil. The police were very kind but unfortunately not able to do much.
I was having such a great time until then. Now, I just want to leave and go home.
Today I was walking from Melide to Arzua - I was enjoying the walk and meeting new people and the excited faces of those who had come from Sarria. I was happy to see that the litter problem from what we had seen in 2013 was better now.
About 2km from Ribidiso a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way. He turned around and rode back and blocked me, hitting my legs with his bike. He started abusing me and telling me I was an f'ing bitch for not observing the universal english law of sharing the road. Really? There was nowhere else for me to move to. He became extremely aggressive and violent, shoving me and screaming abuse. I put my walking poles up in front of me in defense and to keep him away and he got off his bike and grabbed me, yelled at me I was an f'ing bitch again and pushed me so hard I landed on my back on the ground. Sure, lucky I had my pack on to soften the fall but I have a sore neck and hip now.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. It really shook me up as it was such an aggressive and unwarranted attack. At the next town I reported it to some ladies at a cafe and they insisted to call the Guardia Civil. The police were very kind but unfortunately not able to do much.
I was having such a great time until then. Now, I just want to leave and go home.
Today I was walking from Melide to Arzua - I was enjoying the walk and meeting new people and the excited faces of those who had come from Sarria. I was happy to see that the litter problem from what we had seen in 2013 was better now.
About 2km from Ribidiso a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way. He turned around and rode back and blocked me, hitting my legs with his bike. He started abusing me and telling me I was an f'ing bitch for not observing the universal english law of sharing the road. Really? There was nowhere else for me to move to. He became extremely aggressive and violent, shoving me and screaming abuse. I put my walking poles up in front of me in defense and to keep him away and he got off his bike and grabbed me, yelled at me I was an f'ing bitch again and pushed me so hard I landed on my back on the ground. Sure, lucky I had my pack on to soften the fall but I have a sore neck and hip now.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. It really shook me up as it was such an aggressive and unwarranted attack. At the next town I reported it to some ladies at a cafe and they insisted to call the Guardia Civil. The police were very kind but unfortunately not able to do much.
I was having such a great time until then. Now, I just want to leave and go home.
Hutton, I'm so sorry you had this experience. Nobody cycling a path known for centuries as a path people hike has any business not accommodating hikers, and no one has any business becoming verbally abuse and getting off their bikes to physically assault someone, especially a female just minding her own business. This should probably go in the Crime section. I had a few ugly experiences over two caminos also and am very glad you reported this to the Guardia Civil. I hope the rest of your Camino goes well regardless of how short or long that may be!Today I was walking from Melide to Arzua - I was enjoying the walk and meeting new people and the excited faces of those who had come from Sarria. I was happy to see that the litter problem from what we had seen in 2013 was better now.
About 2km from Ribidiso a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way. He turned around and rode back and blocked me, hitting my legs with his bike. He started abusing me and telling me I was an f'ing bitch for not observing the universal english law of sharing the road. Really? There was nowhere else for me to move to. He became extremely aggressive and violent, shoving me and screaming abuse. I put my walking poles up in front of me in defense and to keep him away and he got off his bike and grabbed me, yelled at me I was an f'ing bitch again and pushed me so hard I landed on my back on the ground. Sure, lucky I had my pack on to soften the fall but I have a sore neck and hip now.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. It really shook me up as it was such an aggressive and unwarranted attack. At the next town I reported it to some ladies at a cafe and they insisted to call the Guardia Civil. The police were very kind but unfortunately not able to do much.
I was having such a great time until then. Now, I just want to leave and go home.
Take heart. This clearly has been disappointing for you, and rightly so from what you have told us. If you can, draw good people around you who can support you over the next day or so. Even if you don't walk with them, they just have to be there with a greeting and a kind word when you are having a break for coffee or a meal, and in the evening. I hope you don't let this stop you finishing your pilgrimage.Now, I just want to leave and go home.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. .
In my 10 yrs of doing the Camino I have not incurred violence as this; nevertheless the cyclists seem to rule the route at times. most but few few have bells on their bikes to warn you of their coming. I have always joked I was going to open a a shop that sold bicycle bells for these cyclists. It is sad that this has occurred.Today I was walking from Melide to Arzua - I was enjoying the walk and meeting new people and the excited faces of those who had come from Sarria. I was happy to see that the litter problem from what we had seen in 2013 was better now.
About 2km from Ribidiso a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way. He turned around and rode back and blocked me, hitting my legs with his bike. He started abusing me and telling me I was an f'ing bitch for not observing the universal english law of sharing the road. Really? There was nowhere else for me to move to. He became extremely aggressive and violent, shoving me and screaming abuse. I put my walking poles up in front of me in defense and to keep him away and he got off his bike and grabbed me, yelled at me I was an f'ing bitch again and pushed me so hard I landed on my back on the ground. Sure, lucky I had my pack on to soften the fall but I have a sore neck and hip now.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. It really shook me up as it was such an aggressive and unwarranted attack. At the next town I reported it to some ladies at a cafe and they insisted to call the Guardia Civil. The police were very kind but unfortunately not able to do much.
I was having such a great time until then. Now, I just want to leave and go home.
I hope this advice was not intended to be taken seriously. Aggression weighs more than a heavy backpack. 'Tread softly because you tread on (your) dreams'!You can take the good advice that others have given here. Alternatively, you can take a taxi back a few towns to where the bicyclist will likely soon arrive. Watch for him from a cafe, then follow to his albergue. While he sleeps, slash both his bicycle tires. Then taxi back to where you left off and walk on in peace. Maybe he'll think twice next time.
There is no excuse for such aggressive and abysmal behaviour. I'm just curious why you were on the left of the track? Remember to walk on the left side if you share a road with cars. On a busy track with traffic of bikes and walkers in both directions, everyone travels on their right side of the track.a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way.
This will be no good advice at all.You can take the good advice that others have given here. Alternatively, you can take a taxi back a few towns to where the bicyclist will likely soon arrive. Watch for him from a cafe, then follow to his albergue. While he sleeps, slash both his bicycle tires. Then taxi back to where you left off and walk on in peace. Maybe he'll think twice next time.
Today I was walking from Melide to Arzua - I was enjoying the walk and meeting new people and the excited faces of those who had come from Sarria. I was happy to see that the litter problem from what we had seen in 2013 was better now.
About 2km from Ribidiso a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way. He turned around and rode back and blocked me, hitting my legs with his bike. He started abusing me and telling me I was an f'ing bitch for not observing the universal english law of sharing the road. Really? There was nowhere else for me to move to. He became extremely aggressive and violent, shoving me and screaming abuse. I put my walking poles up in front of me in defense and to keep him away and he got off his bike and grabbed me, yelled at me I was an f'ing bitch again and pushed me so hard I landed on my back on the ground. Sure, lucky I had my pack on to soften the fall but I have a sore neck and hip now.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. It really shook me up as it was such an aggressive and unwarranted attack. At the next town I reported it to some ladies at a cafe and they insisted to call the Guardia Civil. The police were very kind but unfortunately not able to do much.
I was having such a great time until then. Now, I just want to leave and go home.
Not in my nature to do something like that Peter. I hope your shoulder is healing well.This will be no good advice at all.
Dear @Hutton24, please on behalf of the pilgrim cyclists allow me to tender an apology. This creep was not one of us. I suspect he was someone about for a morning ride and allowed his feelings toto get the better of him. This in no way explains his very poor behaviour. You were right to complain to the police. Please do not QUIT. Take a day off, maybe try to find some lady that does remedial massage and then complete your Camino.
It's going better ,the doctor said no backpack for at least one till two weeks.Not in my nature to do something like that Peter. I hope your shoulder is healing well.
Today I was walking from Melide to Arzua - I was enjoying the walk and meeting new people and the excited faces of those who had come from Sarria. I was happy to see that the litter problem from what we had seen in 2013 was better now.
About 2km from Ribidiso a cyclist was riding toward us, going in the opposite direction. I was walking on the far left hand side of the track, there was nowhere else to move to and the cyclist got angry that I did not get out of his way. He turned around and rode back and blocked me, hitting my legs with his bike. He started abusing me and telling me I was an f'ing bitch for not observing the universal english law of sharing the road. Really? There was nowhere else for me to move to. He became extremely aggressive and violent, shoving me and screaming abuse. I put my walking poles up in front of me in defense and to keep him away and he got off his bike and grabbed me, yelled at me I was an f'ing bitch again and pushed me so hard I landed on my back on the ground. Sure, lucky I had my pack on to soften the fall but I have a sore neck and hip now.
A very kind spanish man ran up to help me and and came to my defence and he and the cyclist started yelling at each other. It really shook me up as it was such an aggressive and unwarranted attack. At the next town I reported it to some ladies at a cafe and they insisted to call the Guardia Civil. The police were very kind but unfortunately not able to do much.
I was having such a great time until then. Now, I just want to leave and go home.
What a good point. I would think the Guardia would have taken this attack more seriously and could have stopped cyclists and looked for the culprit. It's common to walk alone, whether for a short time or all the time, and not to be worried, but be aware. My last Camino was mostly solo and I'm hoping for another solo experience. But, this does give me pause. We can be aware, but not in control of someone else's behavior. Sometimes I felt a little scared or uncomfortable, but violence didn't cross my mind. I've seen the Guardia on horseback and I hope they are watching out for us, as we are also walking with an eye to our surroundings and safety and a feeling that this is where we should be.We have had our fair share of close calls with cyclists. They come as fast as the terrain allows from behind and never and I mean they never gave warning. We will be walking the Camino Frances once gain and a lot more wary of these people. Without exception, that wherever we stopped for food or lodging, they separated themselves from the rest of us. I know you cannot paint with a broad brush that this behaviour is the norm, but for the majority of them...it is. The Guardia could have easily stopped cyclists until you identified the culprit.
Thank you to everyone who has given kind and encouraging support here, it has been really helpful. I don't think retaliating against him is going to help though so those who suggested that, I just say no thanks. I did walk today but was a bit jumpy when I saw a cyclist. I have never been subjected to such abject and unwarrented, vicious violence before sonit has shaken me and I am doing my best to get on top of it.
Thanks again for your support, I really do appreciate it.
Kate
Or as my sainted Nana used to tell me. "Make your words sweet and tender, for some day you may have to eat them."I hope this advice was not intended to be taken seriously. Aggression weighs more than a heavy backpack. 'Tread softly because you tread on (your) dreams'!
You must never have been assaulted and carried the weight of having been trampled. Feeling like a Victor instead of a victim is hard to achieve, a a few slashed tires might be well worth it!This will be no good advice at all.
You must never have been assaulted and carried the weight of having been trampled. Feeling like a Victor instead of a victim is hard to achieve, a a few slashed tires might be well worth it!
No and in the UK cyclists are not allowed on FOOTPATHS (or sidewalks either) not that they pay much attention!Do the English have a law that peds have to move over for bikes??? I know that in the Grand Canyon they have to move to the outside edge for the mules, so maybe this bicyclist was in the same category. Certainly seemed to be mule-headed.
I am sorry for your incident and I have had similar with mountain bikers where I live. They head down a narrow trail at high speed and yell 'encouragement' as they pass. None have ever threatened me or the like, though.
I am glad you reported it and think that you were subject to a battery at the least. Not sure on Spanish law but to make an arrest in the States you have to make a citizen's arrest if they do not witness the incident. Persevere...do not let one %$**^@# win over you. His time will come. One day he will do it to the wrong person and end up on his back in the roadway.
You can take the good advice that others have given here. Alternatively, you can take a taxi back a few towns to where the bicyclist will likely soon arrive. Watch for him from a cafe, then follow to his albergue. While he sleeps, slash both his bicycle tires. Then taxi back to where you left off and walk on in peace. Maybe he'll think twice next time.
Is there someone reading this who is in the vicinity and could volunteer to walk with the OP?
There is no need to ask for a volunteer on someone's behalf .... people can be found to walk with if wanted.
I would feel dis-empowered if I walked in fear .... but that's me .... I would certainly keep people in sight in front and behind me ..... that is the intention of bullies .... to take someone else's power from them .
Ultreia
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