[signit98]

South grade is a dangerous road, not in itself, but because of the people on it.
I am the same way you are, I rarely go up or down on it... unless it's later in the afternoon, when all the pocket racers are gone.
East grade is more fun, less traveled and longer, to boot.

NONE of that, however, changes the fact that as a rider, you can't just think about (or for) yourself, but that you always and constantly need to think for others as well. ESPECIALLY on roads as notorious as the south grade of Palomar.

If someone considers him or herself "experienced", they should also be aware of where danger zones are and about the fact that there are always out-of-towners on the south grade.

So, while part of the blame may be laid on the rider turning left, same has to be done with the rider coming downhill, not being prepared or even considering that someone could come up and turn left to the lookout.

Maybe Mort has changed as a person, following your experiences... I am just not sure he has changed much as a rider.