Friday, May 05, 2006

Hazards

When we’re out riding the country roads, we have to be aware of possible hazards….like slow moving farm tractors, with sharp blades sticking out everywhere….debris on the road….pot holes…washed out gravel from people’s driveways after rain storms…animals either running after you or darting out in front of you.

Last year, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, a deer jumped over a fence, and at the edge of the road, it slipped & fell…right in front of us. The deer was so frightened by us and the fall that I never saw anything get up on its feet so fast, as that deer….its four legs were going in every direction and I was surprised that it didn’t get tangled up in them. But, thank God, it got onto its feet and darted away as fast as it had appeared. Many deer have jumped out in front of us, but this was by far, was the closest call we have had with deer.

Once, two very large dogs ran out in front of us, at the same time. I don’t know how we managed it, but we missed both of them. Unfortunately, there was a lot of traffic in both directions on the road and one of the dogs, as it dodged us, ran in front of a pickup truck and was injured.

Another hazard to street bikes is the bicycle rider…Not the cross-country rider, but children. We slow way down and make sure that they are aware of our presence, before we pass. The reason we put extra loud pipes on the bike was because of two teenage girls on bicycles who apparently were not paying attention, or just plain didn’t hear us approaching from behind…They suddenly turned into our path and we were forced to quickly swerve to the right and into someone’s yard. Luckily for us, there was no curb or ditch…just green flat grass.

I failed to mention that we also have to watch out for horses, Amish carriages and cars that don’t see us coming….And cars that run red lights.

15 comments:

bornfool said...

my worst scare was right after I got the bike I ride now. I was riding home one night when I came to this long flat straight stretch. I decided to see what the bike would do. I looked down at the speedometer and it said 140. When I looked back up a deer stepped into the road right in front of me. If she would have taken one more step forward there would be nothing left of me but a stain on highway 91. Instead, the deer took a step backwards so the only stain I left was in my pants. I don't ride 140 mph any more.

Tanya said...

Have just caught up on a weeks worth of your blog. My, I love the pictures. Congratulations on being so adventurous with the camera. It sure paid off.

Enjoy the bike riding this summer (in the fair weather). You live in a beautiful part of the world.

... Paige said...

Just beautiful country! We don't ride any more; sold the bike last year. Beloved has a bad knee & the vibrations cause too much pain. Watch out for those cars, because as you know they seldom see bikes.

Redneck Mommy said...

Bike safe this summer! I love the pics, they look so charming!

FRIDAY'S CHILD said...

All those are really life threatening too.

Ava said...

Hi there!

What great pictures! Yes, I can remember cars getting right on the bumper of the bike when I was riding in the back seat. I didn't like it very much!!!

Look at that horse misbehaving in that last picture!! Naughty!!

Stay safe on your bike.

Ava

Unknown said...

you are always too kind...you flatter me...thankyou for your valuable feedback...i am glad to have someone who acclaims me critically...i wish i was with you in these virgin mountains...close to nature...take care and i hope all is well at your end...

Lillee said...

We lived in Virginia for a couple of years. In Norfolk, but, we came the Blue Ridge Parkway often. Very scary place to be in a snow storm. But also pretty!

Merle said...

Hi Sandy ~~ So many hazards ~ Do be
careful, and enjoy.
Thank you for your kind words, and glad you enjoy some of my posts.
Thank you for the Church Gossip, it is funny, but I already have it. Loved your thought "Dear God, Please put your arms around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth." Very good Sandy. I read your
story at Bornfool's blog. Good luck.
Take care, Merle.

Finn said...

Hi Sandy, what an interesting post, and also really scary! As a car person, I've always been aware of the "bike" people, and tried to do what was safe and curteous, but never gave a thought to ALL those other things you guys have to watch out for. Those things that could send you flying though the air...yikes!!
please, please be careful and come back from those marvelous rides, Hugs, Finn

Peter said...

Great scenery along the way, but also plenty of hazards by the sound of it.

Big Dave T said...

I appreciate your comment on my story. Writing is fun for its own sake, but it's nice to know others find enjoyment in reading what you've created.

You can never be too careful on a motorcycle, I think. The only accident I ever witnessed officially (my name is on the police report) involved a motorcyclist who struck a car that pulled out in front of him.

Luckily, the cyclist just sailed over the hood of the car and was only banged up. Could have been worse.

TUFFENUF said...

Scary when things jump out in front of you. Once, on my bike, an alligator jumped out of a ditch and on to the road. He was about 10 feet ahead, so I swerved quickly to avoid him, but I discovered that you cannot squeeze you legs together while on a motorcyle, so I got a wet seat!!!

manababies said...

Driving in general can be dangerous, but I can see how you'd have to take extra precautions being on a motorcycle. I suppose after a while you develop super fast reflexes and your senses are much sharper. The photos you posted are so interesting. I look forward to seeing more from your adventures. I can imagine how exhilarating it must be!

Rachel said...

Riding a motorcycle it certainly pays to be careful. No protection on those things. Great pictures. I hope you drive softly by horses. I hate those loud pipes on some of those things.