Reacher, it's both. As a matter of fact, at the intersection where his shoe was found, Mt Herman and Sunburst, it is residential with a fully paved two lane road. It's not uncommon to see Horse back riding on that road. Past sunburst, at exactly that intersection, the paved road turns to dirt and becomes rougher.
Always such a help on threads to have locals onboard!
I'm assuming that autos are driven on the paved portion of road. When the road turns to dirt, is it still big enough for cars?
If so, then that makes me wonder if orginal assault was a car bumping the bike. ?? imoo
ETA: Sorry if this has already been covered...I'm coming from behind here.