As one who is allergic to bee stings, I avoid riding when fruit trees are ripe - because of yellow jackets and wasps. Honey bees aren't as aggressive. Yes, I have to carry an epi-pen in my seat/handlebar bag, or have ready access to a massive dose of Benadryl!

I didn't used to be allergic until a wasp got me on the inside of the elbow - right in a vein - when it was attracted to and had landed on the shiny buckle of my mailbag. I was gasping for air within five minutes (anaphylactic shock). I drove myself to the doc-in-a-box (med center) rather than reporting back to my office first since I had realized that time was of an essence!

Many years later, I got nailed again at work when I had opened a mailbox. This time i was ready - I called my boss on my cell (and got the answering machine) and injected myself with the Epi-pen. THREE hours later, the boss shows up and tries to get me to sign paperwork saying that 'I had denied medical attention'. No chance, Fatso! I had spent three hours shaking and convulsing, waiting....

Bee/yellow-jacket/wasp/hornet stings are NOT to be taken lightly!!!