A Gaggle of Geezers

One of the definitions of a gaggle according to Wikipedia is an unorganized group doing nothing while geezer is commonly an old or eccentric man. So I don’t know if my title is an entirely accurate description of the group confronting me last Sunday on the Olentangy Trail because I
think there was some small degree or organization and there were some women in the group. They did however bear a striking resemblance to a group of geese so perhaps that would be the better definition. There I was once again on my lovely Fuji bike pedaling my little heart out on the return side of my route when there at the Antrium Park entry is a large group of sedentary seniors standing solidly in the center of the path. Thinking that they were so involved in the simulating conversation they were having that they were unaware that they were blocking the path I shouted a helpful “bike”. As no one moved I shouted a little louder “BIKE” and then came to a halt in front of them with a “come on guys”. To which one person responded “watch out for the crazy bike woman”.
Really?
I’m riding on a clearly marked trail. A trail is defined as a path, track or other route or thoroughfare used for travel. Not as a meeting spot for a hostile takeover. So here is what I wish I would have said. This is a trail – which connotates movement of some sort, if you just want to stand around and chat there is ample room on either side of the pathway. When you block the way it makes it difficult for others enjoying the park. I could fall, I could break a hip, I could lose my balance and crash into you. It’s just rude and you are all certainly old enough to know better.
And just to be clear, this was not an innocent group that was unable to totter across the path in a timely manner or unable to walk and talk at the same time or unable to comprehend that they were actually blocking a thoroughfare. No. According to other travelers further up the path this group had chosen to clog up the path for quite some time to the consternation of many. This bunch was having a sit-in, or stand-in, to protest the use of the trail by those wishing to get a little exercise. And from the looks of them they could all use a little exercise – biking, jogging, walking - or at the very least just move their butts off the path.