I know that, I really do. However, today I thought I had that magic moment to relax.

We were on a downhill run on the edge of town on our way home. There's a substandard width bike lane that is full of debris which we don't ride in. That creates a bit of pressure to maintain the 35 mph speed limit (we would prefer to take this road at under 30 mph because of the driveways/sidestreets that people tend to pull out of). Just as I dug out a handkerchief to deal with the effects of heavy breathing on a cold, humid day, I saw an animal in the shadows of the bike lane. I couldn't safely put the rag away and apply our drag brake in time, so I just started yelling, "animal, animal, animal" My wife couldn't make out what I was saying, but she understood that something was happening and slowing down was likely called for. As the rim brakes squealed, the asphalt-colored cat bolted across the street about ten feet in front of us.

Next time I'll just let my nose drip until we reach the bottom.

I ride on roads like the one described in the OP. Heck, who doesn't? My son used to laugh at me for giving the pot holes names. I found it helped me remember where they were. I would often name them for something that I would see just before arriving at the hole.