What have you found on the ground while riding?
#527
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,966
Likes: 5,242
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
This

In the driveway of a Target, rather smashed. Price tag says Clearance: $3.98. I think of the little boy or girl who had their heart set on a collectible Imperial Ground Crew figurine, with runway-waving lights and, um, a leafblower-backpack? and I cry a little.

In the driveway of a Target, rather smashed. Price tag says Clearance: $3.98. I think of the little boy or girl who had their heart set on a collectible Imperial Ground Crew figurine, with runway-waving lights and, um, a leafblower-backpack? and I cry a little.
#528
Happy banana slug

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,565
Likes: 2,513
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 26L, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
#529
Mostly money and various tools. The most unusual thing I have ever found was not while riding a bike: an upper plate from a set of false teeth.
If I lose things myself I have to look at it philosophically because I've found much more that I've lost.
But somewhere on earth or in another dimension there is a black hole containing all of the little things I have dropped on the floor which have disappeared forever.
If I lose things myself I have to look at it philosophically because I've found much more that I've lost.
But somewhere on earth or in another dimension there is a black hole containing all of the little things I have dropped on the floor which have disappeared forever.
#530
Saw a drive shaft on the shoulder yesterday. It looked like the short front shaft from a Jeep Wrangler. I bet someone is missing it right now.
Looked like the silver section of this one:

-Shin
Looked like the silver section of this one:

-Shin
__________________
In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
#531
So, one wouldn't notice it until one is stuck somewhere in the woods, and threw it into 4WD.... and got NOTHING.

Still, it would be hard to imagine that one could lose a drive shaft without noticing it unless the vehicle was being towed or hauled.
Years ago I blew out a U-Joint (RWD). It felt like I had a blowout. The whole vehicle shook until I removed the shaft and coasted downhill into the nearest town.
I could imagine a farmer losing a PTO shaft, then realizing their mistake when they get out into a field.
#532
Mostly money and various tools. The most unusual thing I have ever found was not while riding a bike: an upper plate from a set of false teeth.
If I lose things myself I have to look at it philosophically because I've found much more that I've lost.
But somewhere on earth or in another dimension there is a black hole containing all of the little things I have dropped on the floor which have disappeared forever.
If I lose things myself I have to look at it philosophically because I've found much more that I've lost.
But somewhere on earth or in another dimension there is a black hole containing all of the little things I have dropped on the floor which have disappeared forever.
Every once in a while I'll find a pair of gloves.... sometimes separated by as much as 1/4 mile, but more often gloves come in singles.
I try to buy multiple pairs of matching socks
#533
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Penang, Malaysia
Bikes: Giant/HARO/ Exitway
My latest find, a root that caught mt front wheel, high sided me , and I found another root on my way to the ground which bruised my patella tendon...its roots, roots and roots.
#534
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
Is it a Front shaft for a rear wheel drive vehicle?
So, one wouldn't notice it until one is stuck somewhere in the woods, and threw it into 4WD.... and got NOTHING.
Still, it would be hard to imagine that one could lose a drive shaft without noticing it unless the vehicle was being towed or hauled.
Years ago I blew out a U-Joint (RWD). It felt like I had a blowout. The whole vehicle shook until I removed the shaft and coasted downhill into the nearest town.
I could imagine a farmer losing a PTO shaft, then realizing their mistake when they get out into a field.
So, one wouldn't notice it until one is stuck somewhere in the woods, and threw it into 4WD.... and got NOTHING.

Still, it would be hard to imagine that one could lose a drive shaft without noticing it unless the vehicle was being towed or hauled.
Years ago I blew out a U-Joint (RWD). It felt like I had a blowout. The whole vehicle shook until I removed the shaft and coasted downhill into the nearest town.
I could imagine a farmer losing a PTO shaft, then realizing their mistake when they get out into a field.
#535
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
good timing
A few weeks ago I found a long handled crescent wrench on the side of an on ramp on my way back from the bike shop where I had just purchased a freewheel tool. I had planned a trip to the hardware store to buy a crescent wrench afterwards so that I could hulk the rusty thing off. Voila! One man's trash is another man's treasure!
#536
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Penang, Malaysia
Bikes: Giant/HARO/ Exitway
This has been my "Good Samaritan" year for roadside finds. 
ONE:


ONE:
First, this spring I found a really nice Felt Carbon Fiber road bike laying beside the road. Apparently it had been there for at least an hour, probably overnight as it had some mud on it and a few fresh sprinkles. I yelled and nobody answered.
So, about a mile from home, I was walking my bike and the Felt home, when a neighbor pulled out of the driveway in her SUV, looked at me funny, and said it was her bike. She seemed to fit on it. We rode back to where I picked it up. Then left it with her. There appeared to be another road bike in the garage, so I'm inclined to believe her.
I had been contemplating how to place a "Found" ad on Craigslist without giving too much away. And, also calling two local PDs and the Sheriff's office. At least finding the neighbor was easier.
That reminds me, I saw another neighbor riding a nice road bike with two young kids near there... I've been meaning to ask if he was the one, and ask if he wished to borrow a Fuji Ace 24 which needs to be passed on.
TWO:So, about a mile from home, I was walking my bike and the Felt home, when a neighbor pulled out of the driveway in her SUV, looked at me funny, and said it was her bike. She seemed to fit on it. We rode back to where I picked it up. Then left it with her. There appeared to be another road bike in the garage, so I'm inclined to believe her.
I had been contemplating how to place a "Found" ad on Craigslist without giving too much away. And, also calling two local PDs and the Sheriff's office. At least finding the neighbor was easier.
That reminds me, I saw another neighbor riding a nice road bike with two young kids near there... I've been meaning to ask if he was the one, and ask if he wished to borrow a Fuji Ace 24 which needs to be passed on.
About a month ago, I decided to stop buy the local LBS to pick up some rim tape for Mom's bike. But, I decided to try a different store than usual which included an extra hill climb. So, at the base of the hill, I saw a woman and a kid around 10 or so. She yelled across a 4-lane road asking if I had seen something, and seemed to indicate a square, and I finally heard the word envelope. I was thinking a large manila envelope. I replied NO. But, while I do glance at some roadside debris, I wasn't quite sure if I would have noticed an envelope among other roadside trash. Nonetheless, I kept my eyes open for large envelope shaped objects as I headed up the hill. And, about 1/2 mile up the hill, I found a small white sealed envelope with a name scrawled on it and no stamp. Somehow I knew that was the one. So, I turned around and headed back down the hill. She wasn't where I saw her earlier, but I did find that she had crossed the road (and I had crossed the road, again on opposite sides). Anyway, I whistled, and she yelled, and I made out the word KIETH. Which turned out to resemble the nearly indecipherable scribble on the envelope, so I gave her a
, and made may way back across the road. It turns out the envelope was full of cash. She offered me $20 out of it (which I didn't take), but obviously enough to be out searching for it, and the $20 was just a fraction of it.
At least with that one, I'd have ignored it if I hadn't been specifically looking for it. But, she was looking quite far from where it actually was found.
THREE (Today):At least with that one, I'd have ignored it if I hadn't been specifically looking for it. But, she was looking quite far from where it actually was found.
Out again today. On my way back home, I saw a really nice pocket knife on the side of the road, a yard or so past a driveway, but on the road shoulder. Not battered like many of them. A genuine Leatherman Skeletool. I stood and thought about it for a moment. Then put it in the pocket and headed on. Then 1/4 mile away, I decided to turn around and knock on the door of the house it was in front of. First a woman answered, the said she'd ask her BF/Husband, and he came out and said he had been working on removing some roadkill from in front of the house. He offered me a bottle of wine or beer (I don't drink). Well, anyway, he was quite happy to get his knife back.
So... just my luck, all the really good finds... and I found the owners. 
#537
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2009
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Bikes: Mongoose Crossway, Bianchi Grizzly, Cannondale F700,
Mostly money and various tools. The most unusual thing I have ever found was not while riding a bike: an upper plate from a set of false teeth.
If I lose things myself I have to look at it philosophically because I've found much more that I've lost.
But somewhere on earth or in another dimension there is a black hole containing all of the little things I have dropped on the floor which have disappeared forever.
If I lose things myself I have to look at it philosophically because I've found much more that I've lost.
But somewhere on earth or in another dimension there is a black hole containing all of the little things I have dropped on the floor which have disappeared forever.
Otherwise a crew comes through and pics up larger things.
#538
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 25
From: Boston-ish
Bikes: Trek 800 Sport,Cavelo Gara
Saturday, found a set of keys. Not car keys, but John Deere, Cat, and something else. Also a Cat padlock.
Picked them up, as they were rather hidden. Half mile up the road, saw a house with multiple construction vehicles in the yard, with various projects being done. Stopped, asked if anyone had lost some keys.
One guy said, not me, but I know who's they are. He described them, sight unseen, so I handed them over.
Picked them up, as they were rather hidden. Half mile up the road, saw a house with multiple construction vehicles in the yard, with various projects being done. Stopped, asked if anyone had lost some keys.
One guy said, not me, but I know who's they are. He described them, sight unseen, so I handed them over.
#539
What happened?
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Around here somewhere
Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!
Oddly enough, I found asphalt.
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#541
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,966
Likes: 5,242
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
A few weeks ago I found a long handled crescent wrench on the side of an on ramp on my way back from the bike shop where I had just purchased a freewheel tool. I had planned a trip to the hardware store to buy a crescent wrench afterwards so that I could hulk the rusty thing off. Voila! One man's trash is another man's treasure!
#542
Happy banana slug

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,565
Likes: 2,513
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 26L, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Yesterday I found a dead cow in the pasture next to the highway. She was surrounded by a dozen or so distressed cattle. Very sad.
Then I found a dirty towel on the shoulder, stopped and kicked it onto the grass. A mile later I was passed by a large group of vehicles, and a towel flew out of a pickup. I took the hint and left it.
Then I found a dirty towel on the shoulder, stopped and kicked it onto the grass. A mile later I was passed by a large group of vehicles, and a towel flew out of a pickup. I took the hint and left it.
#543
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,966
Likes: 5,242
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
!! If you took the hint you would have kept the fresh towel. Universe is trying to give you a towel! (I wonder if the Vogon fleet is nearby, getting ready for the hyperspace bypass...)
#544
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,692
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
Bikes: '81 Panasonic Sport, '02 Giant Boulder SE, '08 Felt S32, '10 Diamondback Insight RS, '10 Windsor Clockwork, '15 Kestrel Evoke 3.0, '19 Salsa Mukluk
#545
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
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From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
once found a cell phone. called the last # dialed & it was the owners girlfriend. met her for coffee & to exchange the phone. she was cute. end of story
#546
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,966
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From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
aw, just when the story was getting good! Lemme finish it for you... "She said, 'I'm so frustrated with that ****, always losing his phone and stuff. If only I could meet a real man, the kind of man that is so opposite that instead of losing phones he FINDS them.' Beginning of story..."
#547
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I love it when that happens.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#548

It must have been 10 minutes later, my girlfriend gets a call from a guy who's cleaning lady handed it to him. The phone traveled 100 blocks and through at least three people in 10 minutes.
#549
Happy banana slug

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,565
Likes: 2,513
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 26L, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930




