A few months ago on a large group ride a huge, heavy tree limb snapped off just as we passed -- on the opposite side of the street. Hit an oncoming car. Fortunately the car was traveling only about 10 mph because a car ahead of it had slowed to turn. And the limb was heavily leafed out, softening the blow.

But it could have been much worse for cyclists. We were coasting downhill about 25-30 mph.

That's one reason I avoid areas with heavy tree cover for a few days after heavy rain and wind storms. Many Texas Live oak trees are suffering from wilt and often drop limbs after storms. While most residential neighborhoods maintain trees pretty well there are many untended along the popular multi-use path that drop limbs after almost every rain or wind storm.