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Giant bug clouds and teenagers

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Giant bug clouds and teenagers

Old 09-20-11, 06:49 PM
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Giant bug clouds and teenagers

I was riding along today when I saw this dark cloud in front of me. I knew it was tiny bugs flying around like they do. So I shut my mouth, squinted and kept going. Except they weren't tiny and I was covered afterwards. I didn't know at first that they were still on me, so I kept going a bit. I looked down and there they were, I almost fell off my bike! I brushed them off my arms, legs and shirt then checked my head and beard. It was then that I knew shaving my head was a very good idea.

Also, the last couple nights when I've gone for my evening ride I've almost been hit several times by teenagers wearing dark clothes with no lights or reflectors at all on their bikes. I know they're teens because I do have lights on my bike and I can see them when they get close enough. And when they do get close enough to see it's up to me to get out of their way. Kids, eh?
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Old 09-21-11, 06:46 AM
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last week I was riding a MUP through the woods and a bee got in my nose and stung me in there. Almost crashed trying to get stoped and figure out how to get him out.
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Old 09-21-11, 07:18 AM
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Originally Posted by wayne pattee
last week I was riding a MUP through the woods and a bee got in my nose and stung me in there. Almost crashed trying to get stoped and figure out how to get him out.
Sneeze, but inhale through the mouth.
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Old 09-21-11, 07:40 AM
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That is terrifying to me. I would hate to get enough bugs on me that I had to shave my head to get rid of them. Im not squeamish at all and will handle a bug, but damn.
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Old 09-21-11, 08:18 AM
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I used to ride motorcycles so had plenty of unpleasant bug experiences. At least on a bike it doesn't feel like bugs are rocks thrown at you.

I've had a few gnat clouds this summer that have covered me. Messy but OK. Better than roads slippery with army worms in the early summer. Yucky and dangerous both.
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Old 09-21-11, 08:25 AM
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It's been wooly worm season around here for a few weeks now. Why do they always insist on crossing roads?

I know, I know...

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Old 09-21-11, 08:31 AM
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Riding a MUP one evening and the bugs were thick. So many on my arms and legs and you could feel them hit your face while riding.
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Old 09-21-11, 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by goldfinch
I used to ride motorcycles so had plenty of unpleasant bug experiences. At least on a bike it doesn't feel like bugs are rocks thrown at you.
I ride motorcycle too, and some of the bug hits feel like someone just threw a pool ball at you. The worst are dragonflys. You can see them coming for about 1/4 mile but there's nothing you can do but brace for impact.
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Old 09-21-11, 10:35 AM
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I gave up riding on MUPs unless I'm with my kids.

I won't ever ride a MUP during hours of darkness. If I want that kind of danger, I'll stick with unprotected intercourse with budget-priced sex workers.
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Old 09-21-11, 12:04 PM
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ew ew ew ew ew ew
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Old 09-21-11, 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Allen55
That is terrifying to me. I would hate to get enough bugs on me that I had to shave my head to get rid of them. Im not squeamish at all and will handle a bug, but damn.
I meant I had started shaving my head already. About 2 weeks ago now. Apparently bald is better than balding these days, who knew?
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Old 09-22-11, 05:06 AM
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The gnats were out with a vengeance last night. All over the front and shoulders of my white jersey. One hit an eye, even with my glasses on.
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Old 09-22-11, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Rona
ew ew ew ew ew ew
Exactly, so you can imagine how little I want to ride a MUP at night.
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Old 09-22-11, 05:42 PM
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LOL! I eat bugs almost every commute! I'm next to a creek and swarms are out starting in spring. Mmmm! Mmmm! Crunchy protein! The key is to not breathe them and avoid getting them in nostrils or ears. There is the problem of bugs getting stuck inside the helmet holes and giving you temporary cooties. But oh well. I take a shower when I get home and have a fine comb with me.
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Old 09-22-11, 06:00 PM
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bumble bee in the eye hurts the most.
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Old 09-22-11, 06:17 PM
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I don't want to think of the number of bugs I've eaten on bike rides over the past year. ick. The weird bug strikes are the butterflies smack into the sunglasses. Makes me feel bad.

Bee sting in the nose? owowowowowowowow!!1!!
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Old 09-24-11, 09:42 AM
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Bugs can get pretty bad in S. Illinois. I always wear sunglasses, or clear safety classes. My hairy arms are like fly traps for all those little critters

Oh, and speaking of idiot kids, I live in a college town. It amazes me how suicidal people are when they cross the street thinking they are on campus. They don't even look, assuming cars will stop for them.

Last edited by captainkanji; 09-24-11 at 09:45 AM.
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