Fifty Plus (50+) - Stuff You Only See from a Bike

So I mentioned that in southwest British Columbia, this is the time of year (slightly warmer temps & lots of rain) when worms start appearing on the paths & secondary roads. I don't know what they're doing there. Crossing the road? Flooded out of their mud-soaked enclosure? Anyway, the challenge is to avoid running over them, both for humanitarian (animalitarian?) and practical reasons, like not having to scrape dead worms off the bottom bracket.

So this morning I'm riding to work on the usual bike route, and this crow lands up the road in front of me, picks up a worm off the road, and gleefully trots off just as I arrive. He's got the poor worm hanging out of his beak. Must be like shooting ducks in a barrel, just grabbing worms off the roadway. But you'd never see stuff like this driving, or in a bus.

Sorry, couldn't pull the camera out in time. (I know most of you like pix)

Luis

I saw my first possum of the Spring last night.

This isn't it, but I did take this during a ride about three years back.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/0906BreakfastRide/a0613090707-00.jpg

I used to enjoy watching crows use simple tools to crack open the walnuts that fell from the trees. They would fly over the roadway and drop them in front of cars and then fly down to pick up the pieces. I never did find a motorist who was aware of this happening; it was common enough behavior that many cyclists were aware of it.

We have quite a few marsh areas round here and our road users are Toads and Frogs. For some reason they all decide to migrate at the same time in particular areas and there are teams putting in catchment areas and transferring them in buckets across the roads. Rarely see a frog or a Toad but I do wish the volunteer transferrers would have more road sense. They didn't hear me coming round a blind corner this morning on the bike.

Here in the Sonoran desert we have some rare/unique creatures.
Spotted a dead (about 18" long) Gila Monster (poisonous lizzard) by the roadside this week; rare to see a Gila Monster . . . dead or alive.
Also after some hefty rain (a rare event here) we'll see several dead Colorado river frogs squashed on the road. Quite the mess as they are HUGE critters (aboult 1 to 2 lbs each). They are not poisonous, but if licked/ingested by dog/coyote/bird the animal can get quite sick. Seems these huge frogs bury themselves in our washes (dry river beds) and come out after a good rain to mate . . . !
Also on some early mornings in summer have seen several big tarantulas migrating across the roadway.
No pictures as I don't bother with a camera/cell.
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem

Saw two black snakes on my ride today and on Sundays ride I had to sprint past a skunk that was crossing the road in front of me. I made a bunch of noise so he heard me comming and didn't spray me! That would have sucked bad!!!!!!

A fork in the road...
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/5875812154_dd0d5c6d62_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/5875812154/)
Fork in the road (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/5875812154/) by Yo Spiff (http://www.flickr.com/people/yospiff/), on Flickr

A couple of weeks ago I was just cruising one of the backtrails here and heard an eagle's cry, looked up and there was a Bald eagle just perched there looking at me. A couple of walkers came up to where I was and joined the looking, we all spent about ten to fifteen minutes before the eagle flew off.

All sorts of road jetsam.., some of it I bring Home.

I've seen so many caterpillars crossing the road, I can't even think of counting them. Must be a spring time thing, would never see them from a car.

Deer during very early morning rides, or raccoons, an occasional rabbit, very little during daylight hours around here.

I used to enjoy watching crows use simple tools to crack open the walnuts that fell from the trees. They would fly over the roadway and drop them in front of cars and then fly down to pick up the pieces. I never did find a motorist who was aware of this happening; it was common enough behavior that many cyclists were aware of it.

My childhood home was just off a walnut tree lined road. The crows would do that. My mother always tried to run over as many walnuts as possible.

Deer during very early morning rides, or raccoons, an occasional rabbit, very little during daylight hours around here.

A deer hoof. No idea where the rest of it went.

I once was riding a little ways east of my home when 5 Coyote pups came out of the field to visit me and the bike, then moved on. Parents were nearby , I'd guess , because you'd hear them howling at night .

Taken at the wilderness MUP where I do my daily rides.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/67011_1443320566551_1339206461_31052537_2511477_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/69469_1443322086589_1339206461_31052552_4621450_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/67011_1443320766556_1339206461_31052542_4299721_n.jpg

I forgot about animals, I've seen deer, snakes, hawks, hogs, tortoises, and a mother otter with three pups. I stopped when I saw the mother trying to cross the road, she saw me and returned into the weeds. The three pups came out to see what was there, and Mom was barking at them to get back with her. I thought that was cool.

A variety of shop towels, regular towels, t-shirts and other things found lying along the roadside. Some I pick up and use as cleaning rags, some, frankly, just aren't worth the time. Occasionally, I find someone that is moving that has tossed a lot of stuff. I'll stop and see if there is anything worth saving. One mans trash is another mans treasure!!!!!

So I mentioned that in southwest British Columbia, this is the time of year (slightly warmer temps & lots of rain) when worms start appearing on the paths & secondary roads. I don't know what they're doing there. Crossing the road? Flooded out of their mud-soaked enclosure? Anyway, the challenge is to avoid running over them, both for humanitarian (animalitarian?) and practical reasons, like not having to scrape dead worms off the bottom bracket.

So this morning I'm riding to work on the usual bike route, and this crow lands up the road in front of me, picks up a worm off the road, and gleefully trots off just as I arrive. He's got the poor worm hanging out of his beak. Must be like shooting ducks in a barrel, just grabbing worms off the roadway. But you'd never see stuff like this driving, or in a bus.

Sorry, couldn't pull the camera out in time. (I know most of you like pix)

Luis

Sounds cool. On my last commute, there was one place in front of a car dealership where dozens of worms would climb out on the shoulder on a daily basis. I think it was the riding mower that bothered them.

I'd stop, get out my library card and Kroger card and use them to pick the worms up and transport them back to the grass where they wouldn't bake to death. I'd slide a card under them from each side and the worms just didn't know how to react so they'd generally comply and hang limp until their journey was over.

I've found lots of tools. My favorite kitchen scissors came from the street.

I'm getting so I hate finding wallets, when I try to return them to the owners it always seems to take for ever and end up costing me money.

Saw a moose on a bike once. Actually, I was on the bike the moose was just walking along.

:lol:

I was on an organized ride last Saturday around Punta Gorda, FL along with 400 or so others, and was following two women into a residential area. As we came around a curve, a grey squirrel came blasting across the road, and actually ran into and bounced off the rear tire on this one womans bike. The squirrel did NOT become entangled in the spokes, just bounced off and went zipping back the way he came. Scared the woman on the bike, and got me to laughing about it all. She was worried she had run over it and killed the darn things. In some neighborhoods the darn squirrels are a menace and a hazard to navigation!

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL

I was riding on a campground road in Pinnacles National Monument a few years back when a deer came out of the woods and ended up running right along side me. The deer was somewhat stuck between me and a fence which kept it within a few feet of me. As I pedaled, it kept looking at me (that was one big eye). It finally decided it wasn't going to out run me so it veered off and jumped the fence (which it cleared easily). It was fun while it lasted.

Saw two black snakes on my ride today and on Sundays ride I had to sprint past a skunk that was crossing the road in front of me. I made a bunch of noise so he heard me comming and didn't spray me! That would have sucked bad!!!!!!
Many decades ago, when bike lights were really lousy, I headed out a few hours before dawn on an unsupported double century into the Sierra. About 1/2 hour into the ride, I saw a flash of black and white come from my right side and felt my rear wheel run over something. I had a pretty good idea of what I had just hit, so I kept on going. On my return trip, I saw the now-dead skunk in the middle of the bike path. That was the one time having a crappy light turned out to be a good thing.

That same year we had a lot of flooding. I read a news report regarding the larger than normal number of rabid skunks in the county and didn't think much about it. I went out on a ride and found that one of the bridges had been washed out. When I turned around there was a skunk walking down the middle of the road. I had no idea what to do. I didn't want to risk getting bitten or sprayed, so I stayed still and hoped he would go on his way. Fortunately, he did.

I've seen all "the usual stuff" on my solitary rides. Wildlife, interesting things discarded by the side of the road, humans doing weird stuff.. ( On summer night rides, you could see just about anything. :innocent:) But here is a list of the more memorable things:

-A washing machine, in the middle of state route 27. It apparently fell from a pickup truck that was parked about two miles further.

-A ford mustang, fully engulfed in flames, near the Alewife MBTA station in Cambridge.

-Pantyhose, by the side of commonwealth avenue in upscale Newton. Uhhh, How did they get there? Inquiring minds want to know. Or not.

-Hard drinking teenagers. Usually at night, but I have spotted them during the morning hours as well. Wee.

-Graffiti. Didn't start showing up in the Boston area until the late 70s. Now it's everywhere. Lots of artistic talent out there, definitely.

got these last year along the bike path. check his right talon.......................repost

One time I was way out in the wilderness at least 20 miles from nothing and here is a guy walking towards me. No backpack, just walking along the side of the road at about 6 AM. I often wondered about that guy.

Two years ago I was traveling up the road from San Juan Bautista to Freamont Peak State Park (California) and came across a flock of vultures (easily +20) feeding on something on the other side of the road; they didn't even move when I went by at about 30 mph. When I came back down the road they were gone, and so was what they were feeding on; not even a stain in the road.

In the fall you can travel up the road from the town of Morgan Hill to Henry Coe State Park (also California) and the road wil be coverd in tarantulas; not a solid carpet of 'em, but a heck of a lot. FWIW: They have a "tarantula festival" at the park every fall.

I like the things I only hear from a bike. Water rushing over the rocks in the river. Eagles, hawks, and other birds. The wind through the pines, a sound like which there is no other.

A friend visited me in London some decades ago - and we both hopped on my bikes and rode to Hampton Court Palace, entering the grounds near the Richmond end. We jazzed along the footpaths on our bikes and at one point a herd of ~ 60 Fallow deer decided that they should stop grazing on the grass and start running in the same direction as we were going... pretty soon we were surrounded by the herd, going about the same speed and in the same general direction. In time they veered off, but for those few moments we became part of the herd. It was a most exotic feeling.

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[URL="http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2734880000038682380qusPWT"]http://thumb0.webshots.net/t/81/81/8/80/0/2734880000038682380qusPWT_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2734880000038682380qusPWT)
On a mangrove beach in a place called Sitiawan , Malaysia.

Another post reminded me of a Moose I'd seen while desending a dirt trail near Anchorage years ago. I hit the brakes and came to a stop well before it and just waited. I was a great experience. Their eyes are huge BTW.

I used to enjoy watching crows use simple tools to crack open the walnuts that fell from the trees. They would fly over the roadway and drop them in front of cars and then fly down to pick up the pieces. I never did find a motorist who was aware of this happening; it was common enough behavior that many cyclists were aware of it.

I once watched a crow dip pieces of stale bread in a puddle before eating them, just like I dip cookies in my tea.

I'm getting so I hate finding wallets, when I try to return them to the owners it always seems to take for ever and end up costing me money.

When I find a wallet I found the simplest thing to do is take it to a Post office or Police station. It has also worked the other way(someone found mine and took it to a Post office. The staff are pretty good at finding people).

On my local trail last Sunday I saw a woman holding a bike stopped watching a guy off the trail in an area where moccasins commonly are found. I stopped to warn them about the snakes. They were tourists from Michigan who were on the trail specifically to see the red topped pitcher plants. I ended up in the boggy area with the snakes looking at the plants and came back the next day with my camera.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x229/TomD77/post%20from/DSC8311.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x229/TomD77/post%20from/DSC8343.jpg

I once watched a crow dip pieces of stale bread in a puddle before eating them, just like I dip cookies in my tea.

In some areas, recent research shows crows are smarter than chimps . They can use a tool to get a tool to get something done

Yesterday: 1. A well-snacked-on deer's head, poised in the middle of the lane with sightless eyes staring at the sky. Luckily for anyone who reads this, I didn't get pictures. 2. A huge hen turkey who strutted off the road and into some brush. 3.Behind an overgrown fence row, a huge rock ledge I've ridden past many times without ever noticing.

Yesterday: 1. A well-snacked-on deer's head, poised in the middle of the lane with sightless eyes staring at the sky.
That reminds me I recently saw a deer skeleton hanging in a barbed wire fence where it got stuck and died. Poor thing.

On one of my regular rides out of NYC and back we've seen eagles, deer, ground hogs, skunks, snakes etc. Yesterday a peregrine falcon flew by at eye level as we crossed the George Washington Bridge. This is all within 16 miles of midtown!

Several used condoms and packaging, including 4 on the floor of a porta-potty (go figure).

We have so many deer they are pests - literally.

Several bald eagles - some quite close. Bald eagles are making a comeback.

Lots and lots of various raptors. Turkeys (the bird kind, although we have a few of the others)

A variety of tools and bolts, etc.

Snakes all over the trail - 21 in 20 miles.

Several used condoms and packaging, including 4 on the floor of a porta-potty (go figure).

...Turkeys (the bird kind, although we have a few of the others)...

Turkey or Turkey Vulture. I'm guessing you mean Turkey as in the kind for Thanksgiving(USA)

Turkey or Turkey Vulture. I'm guessing you mean Turkey as in the kind for Thanksgiving(USA)

Both

Started riding out to the local beach to get in more miles, and saw an alligator in a ditch. Went back for a photo but she heard me and went into the culvert pipe going under the road. Then I heard two baby gators making there little noise for Mom, and saw them. Only got a pic of one, the other went to Mom to quick. They are about 5"-6" long. Cars go by this area at 45-50mph and would never see them.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Moose-55/2012-04-14_15-12-58_989.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Moose-55/2012-04-14_15-13-21_113.jpg

On the Fort Ord roads, usually closed to motor traffic I've seen deer, bobcats, a cougar, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, different hawks, a lot of Western Fence Lizards, grass and garter snakes, (woke up one sleeping in the middle of the nearly deserted road yesterday) bundles of silly ground squirrels, big black Bombardier Beetles, and a metric ton of pill-bugs. (You see a lot when you sit only a few inches from the pavement)
Objects found: cycling clothing, pedal reflectors, tools, nuts and bolts, sunglasses, a pair of almost new bike fenders, bungie cords, and a huge, raw steak along with the paper wrapper nearby.

Saw a Florida Panther several years ago while riding on the Cape Haze Trail (Englewood/Port Charlotte area) before the construction of the trail was completed. He stood looking at us riding toward him until we were 100 feet or so away, and then ran into the trees. I couldn't believe he just stood his ground. Have ridden (kayaked and golfed) past several alligators over the years. Almost every day riding, there is some critter or another wandering about here in Florida.

In the Ocala area, this is the time of year, all the new colts and fillies are playing in the pastures. The young horses are always curious about bikes and often run along the fence line as we ride by.

Never pass up a chance to post these, all from the bike:

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/kurterle/IMG_0021.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/kurterle/DSC00074_2.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/kurterle/DSC00039.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/kurterle/100_0176.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll262/kurterle/gator2.jpg

Well, those are are not like the Gatorskins I have on my Defy.

My First Century as recorded by my Polar watch.
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/handsonpromos/Photo_120609_003.jpg

My grandson and I at Ft Lauderdale beach doing a "cancer survivors celebration day," just the two of us. Yes, we're both survivors.
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/handsonpromos/Photo_020111_006.jpg

Informative signs. Ah, I don't think so...
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/handsonpromos/FLABIKING.jpg

Reminds me of the time we arrived after dark at Sea Rim State Park near Port Arthur, TX. After we put up the tent, we went back and read the sign at the entrance, the one that said "Do Not Feed or Annoy The Alligators." We didn't have our beer that evening, thinking that alligators might find it very annoying to have campers peeing in their yard in the middle of the night. But the real enemy turned out to be.....mosquitoes!