This time of year tarantulas are common on the roads, as they roam around looking to mate. One friend in a predawn fast training ride hit a deer. Knocked him cold and destroyed his bike. Another came around a turn in a fast downhill, with his line set, he saw a large rattlesnake across the road. He hit it like a speed bump, thinking the whole time that it would get tangled in his spokes and bite him in the a**. Another time a rider in our group asked if any of us had ever hit the suicidal groundsquirrels that seem to be everywhere. Before her question could be answered, she hit one.

Seen on rides from my own front door: badger, lots of deer, coyotes, bobcats, bald and golden eagles, otters, harbor seals and sea lions all are memorable. I play a game with myself: try to get home with one bird species per mile ridden.