Animal magnet
Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 5:28 pm
I went out this afternoon just before sunset to take one of my 50 mile joy ride routes through country roads south of Apex, NC. I know there are plenty of animals around, but today, as I was riding near the Sharron Harris nuclear power plant, I saw a big bird walking across the road in front of me. I slowed rather quickly to a near stop and I realized it was a peacock! I've never seen a peacock around here. There were trees as far as I could see on both sides of the road; I have no idea where that thing came from.
As I continued a bit stunned, I realized just how many animal encounters I've had on this particular route. I've had dogs (in multiple places), deer, geese, ducks, various birds in flight, and chickens cross my path. There are also goats, cows, and horses in different places that have yet to cross in front of me, but they do have the opportunity. Not to mention the shower of gnats and mosquitoes plastered on my helmet and bike. Also, I think I hit a butterfly today.
That's not the only place I've encountered animals. In my six months of riding, I've yet to have any vehicle fail to yield to me, but those animals are really helping me practice my quick stops; they seem to be all over the place here in NC.
As I continued a bit stunned, I realized just how many animal encounters I've had on this particular route. I've had dogs (in multiple places), deer, geese, ducks, various birds in flight, and chickens cross my path. There are also goats, cows, and horses in different places that have yet to cross in front of me, but they do have the opportunity. Not to mention the shower of gnats and mosquitoes plastered on my helmet and bike. Also, I think I hit a butterfly today.
That's not the only place I've encountered animals. In my six months of riding, I've yet to have any vehicle fail to yield to me, but those animals are really helping me practice my quick stops; they seem to be all over the place here in NC.
