#!markdown
Cam, as you know, i was very vocal on the original article you posted when the
story broke on Friday, and through most of Saturday. (Some of your
respresponses to my comments since been deleted). My intention throughout was
twofold: a) to encourage unbiased, substantiated, honest journalism; and b) to
try to minimise the (what unfortunately turned out to be inevitable) backlash
from both bikers and non-bikers.
I did, however, want to come back and thank you. It is human nature to defend
your corner (in this case your written piece) but takes a lot of humility and
courage to admit mistakes and apologize. I always believed that your intention
when publishing the story was honest, and that you were not deliberately
trying to inflame the situation. Unfortunately not everyone is rational enough
to understand that there are always two sides to every story, or intelligent
enough to question what they see written in print.
Thank you for providing balance to a story where actually only the two ladies
will ever know the truth.
I remain astounded by some of the hateful and violent comments that were
posted on social media over the past few days in response to the article, and
horrified by the vigilantes that went up to Fromme on Saturday to track down
and confront the elderly lady.
However, my hike along Dempsey, BP, Poweline, Dreamweaver and St Mary's on
Saturday afternoon reconfirmed what i have always believed to be true. That
with a little respect for fellow users on all trails on Fromme, you will find,
almost without exception, a friendly and courteous bunch of outdoor lovers and
enthusiasts. May this always be the case.
To those of you that dont live in the area or are unlucky enough not be a
regular user of the North Shore mountains: there is no war. An isolated
incident occurred and im sure i dont speak out of turn when i say that we
would all like to put this behind us so that we can continue to enjoy this
amazing recreational resource… young or old, hiker or biker.
Thanks again Cam.
Kerris
Feb. 2, 2015, 7:53 a.m. - Trailharmony
#!markdown Cam, as you know, i was very vocal on the original article you posted when the story broke on Friday, and through most of Saturday. (Some of your respresponses to my comments since been deleted). My intention throughout was twofold: a) to encourage unbiased, substantiated, honest journalism; and b) to try to minimise the (what unfortunately turned out to be inevitable) backlash from both bikers and non-bikers. I did, however, want to come back and thank you. It is human nature to defend your corner (in this case your written piece) but takes a lot of humility and courage to admit mistakes and apologize. I always believed that your intention when publishing the story was honest, and that you were not deliberately trying to inflame the situation. Unfortunately not everyone is rational enough to understand that there are always two sides to every story, or intelligent enough to question what they see written in print. Thank you for providing balance to a story where actually only the two ladies will ever know the truth. I remain astounded by some of the hateful and violent comments that were posted on social media over the past few days in response to the article, and horrified by the vigilantes that went up to Fromme on Saturday to track down and confront the elderly lady. However, my hike along Dempsey, BP, Poweline, Dreamweaver and St Mary's on Saturday afternoon reconfirmed what i have always believed to be true. That with a little respect for fellow users on all trails on Fromme, you will find, almost without exception, a friendly and courteous bunch of outdoor lovers and enthusiasts. May this always be the case. To those of you that dont live in the area or are unlucky enough not be a regular user of the North Shore mountains: there is no war. An isolated incident occurred and im sure i dont speak out of turn when i say that we would all like to put this behind us so that we can continue to enjoy this amazing recreational resource… young or old, hiker or biker. Thanks again Cam. Kerris