AKA Woods Rat.

I'm beginning to hate them. I believe I'm averaging at least one very close call every riding season. I already had one very close encounter this year (couple of weeks ago). So close I don't know how I missed the rat. This time I had my wife on the back/with me. It's one thing for me to take the risk. It's another thing putting her at risk. The deer came out of nowhere from the right side of the road (the area was well obscured by brush). I don't recall doing anything in the moment. There was no time to react. I didn't tense up or anything. My wife said I made a slight maneuver to the right to miss the dear, but I don't recall doing anything. I just recall that second as being a surreal, lasting (almost like slow motion), moment where you just accept that you are going to bite it and there is nothing you can do.

I figured my wife might have second thoughts about riding in the future. However, to my surprise, it didn't dissuade her at all. She said, if it's her time, it's her time. You got to go some way. I, on the other hand, have considered the whole overall picture. Two things these days have me thinking about my riding future - Deer and People. About the people... Just a few minutes after the deer incident mentioned above, we encountered a dumbass playing with their cell phone while driving. Said dumbass crossed the centerline and came right at us. Both the dumbass and I swerved to avoid each other in time. Afterwards, I began thinking that this particular ride might be particularly doomed, and I cut it short. Anyway, I can't help but think about this stuff these days and it often weighs on my mind while riding. It's one thing to get killed instantly on a bike. That scenario I'm actually good with. You go out doing something you love. No long-term suffering (re. cancer etc.). However, it's the possible scenarios where you survive that weigh more heavily. Severe injury, recovery (if possible), permanent maiming/disability etc. etc. I've always accepted that risk for myself. However, this incident with my wife on the back kind of shook me.

Compounding issue... Helmets. My wife will not wear a full-face helmet. She says she is claustrophobic and can't handle wearing a full-face. She will only wear her half helmet. I too also wear a half helmet (on my Heritage), because my full-face causes buffeting issues. The thought of both of us having our faces rearranged definitely went through my mind during the Woods Rat incident mentioned above. Neither of us are remotely ATGATT during the hot summer months. That said, I don't see a change to this status quo anytime in the future. It's just more factors that keep going through my mind as I ponder the future of riding.

I also keep thinking about ways to reduce encounters with both deer and stupid people. One of the reasons that I prefer doing most of my riding in rural areas is because rural areas = less people. However, you often find yourself in Woods Rat friendly territory riding the scenic rural roads. I guess one thing that is going through my mind... should I reconsider roads I ride by the odds of an encountering Woods Rats on them? Seems limiting/less than desirable.

I guess I'm just rambling/venting here... No doubt everybody thinks about these things... But I'd be curious to hear other thoughts/perspectives.

 

I think many of us have been there. I had 2 near misses with deer in Sturgis a couple of years ago, and a near miss with an Antelope in northern Nevada on the way to Sturgis. They blend in with the surroundings and seem to come out of nowhere.

 

They seem to be moving a lot right now. Saw three last week that had already been hit on the side of the road. Couple more while driving (not close). I planted two small Maples by my barn and they ate them. Ran another one off the birdfeeder yesterday, and the dog chased four out of the yard this morning.
Eat well, you little bastards...Fall is coming.

 

I hit one, or did it hit me??? It hurts. Only good deer is a dead deer.

 

Maryland and Virginia have more deer than any other state I’ve travelled thru. Hell, there is a good sized herd that lives in the woods near my property and just about every time I have to ride or drive on my twisty little country road, I keep my eyes peeled for the critters. My Canadian friends call Virginia’s section of I81 the slaughterhouse since during spring/fall there are so many deer carcasses by the side of the rode.

 

We have deer all over the place. It seems like them deer don't pay attention to the deer crossing signs anymore they cross anytime or place they want. There is a good interview. On you tube about deer crossing.

 

‘06 K1200GT…Before

Bambi ignored the screaming Akrapovic and stuck her head in front of me…while I was going over 100 and swerving

I stayed upright, giving thanks to God and Mr. Earles for his stout fork design

Coasted down the hill into my yard…waited until butt relaxed it’s grip on my seat to get off and survey damage.

 

I'm all for eradication or near eradication.

Gazillions of dollars spent on injuries and property damage every year for no apparent reason.



Helps HD move inventory though

 

My wife claims to be claustrophobic and she only wears a full face helmet, seems to be fine for her. Several years ago when I first tried getting her into scuba diving with me, she freaked out in the pool during training as the tight mask made her feel boxed in. But after reassuring her that she's with professionals looking out for her safety she began to loosen up and now has no problem with deep water shipwreck diving.

 

Always wary of them on rides upstate.Leaving for Maggie Valley with my eyes peeled on Sunday. Gonna lite a candle before my trip.