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Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 22 Mar 2014, 9:46pm
by Farawayvisions
I enjoy mountain paths, forest trails and anywhere that has little or no traffic, however I have found that there are some hazards that I never considered before I took up cycling. You may have more to add. :wink: http://www.farawayvisions.com/biking-hazards/

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 23 Mar 2014, 10:28am
by Vantage
The only hazards I've ever had/noticed while cycling anywhere were those mindless creatures in big steel things with 4 tyres on them. As long as you have full control of your bike, everything else is a breeze to be avoided or enjoyed.

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 1 Apr 2014, 8:26pm
by Milfred Cubicle
I had an off once, on a seemingly innocent, straight trail. No bumps, roots or rocks to be seen. There was however, on its own in the middle of a forest, a single yellow Lego brick! Maybe I spotted it on a subconscious level, and crashed due to curiosity. Who knows..?

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 3 Apr 2014, 9:42pm
by Farawayvisions
There was however, on its own in the middle of a forest, a single yellow Lego brick! Maybe I spotted it on a subconscious level, and crashed due to curiosity.


Very funny. :lol:

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 3 Apr 2014, 10:17pm
by mjr
Milfred Cubicle wrote:, on its own in the middle of a forest, a single yellow Lego brick! Maybe I spotted it on a subconscious level, and crashed due to curiosity. Who knows..?

No, if it was that, you would have forgotten to hit the ground. (Apologies to Douglas Adams)

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 4 Apr 2014, 11:02am
by MickH
Let’s look at this from another perspective.

Birders and Photographers - have very likely spent several days or weekends scouting out the perfect location. The photographer may have driven many miles and waited for some time to capture that specific play of light on the water, while the birder may have responded to the call of the Lesser Spotted Titwort and spent half a day stalking his prey. Both men (used advisedly) could be just on the point of climax then ...along comes some great numpty on a bike sending all before him (again) diving for cover, crashing into the photographers beautifully set up frame and putting every feathered creature to flight.

Pheasants - have only been in the UK since Roman times so need time to acclimatise and adjust to the presence of cyclists.
Dogs, leashed and unleashed - give their owners much pleasure and, quite possibly, reduce the amount of domestic violence perpetrated by annoyed husbands whose team has just lost 0-3 to a bunch of dirty cheats ‘...and that bloody ref!’. Where would he be without a pit-bull cross to kick? I must say that this type of dog is unlikely to cause a cyclist much off road harm as it will be away worrying wildlife or sheep.

Children - You have a point.
Otters Crossing - Being a naturally shy creature the otter is likely to make itself scarce when it senses a cyclist roaring along the footpath scattering gravel, mud and ramblers in all directions.

Lovers - A tinkle of your bell could add atmosphere to the romantic idyll that these two are enjoying. They’ll step aside and wave you on your way with warm smiles. Always remember, without them where would any of us be?

Midges - have but brief lives. 30 days on the wing isn’t long to find your life’s love, settle down and have kids. It’s time to cut them some slack; maybe we should try to ride around or slalom though them?

Beautiful views - sorry , I misread this I thought it said beautiful wives.

Tea Shops - specifically with reference to the Lycra lobby. Do you know how long it takes to pack a beer gut into those leggings?

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 4 Apr 2014, 3:18pm
by Si
"Lovers"
I think that you've got off lightly. Twice now I've encountered nekkid lovers making out in the middle of the bridle way. I have to say, I just didn't know where to aim my knobblies.

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 8 Apr 2014, 11:26pm
by Farawayvisions
Twice now I've encountered nekkid lovers making out in the middle of the bridle way. I have to say, I just didn't know where to aim my knobblies.


Lol, I thought I saw a couple fumbling in the long grass, so I stopped for a better look. :lol:

MickH, you know I'm having another giggle.

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 10:13am
by Barstaff
Tree roots the size of your leg at 30mph... Ouch!

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 22 Jul 2014, 9:04pm
by Spoke
Once I was shot in the eyes, point blank, with the camera flash.
I was blinded for a moment. Luckily I was going uphill, but what had possessed that stupid man to fire camera with flash into my eyes - who can tell.

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 23 Jul 2014, 8:09am
by Slow Loris
Farawayvisions wrote:Birders and Photographers: Occasionally, they will have a companion who does not have a camera. This may be a girlfriend.


No.










:lol:

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 23 Jul 2014, 10:52am
by hamster
Over the years:
1 Forestry vehicle coming the other way with a loose snow chain 2m long flailing about - jumped into a ditch to shelter.
2 Rounded a corner and found two walkers both with long staffs tucked in the top of their backpacks...crosswise...and blocking the way
3 12 point Red deer stag standing in the middle of the track staring at me, having been surprised
4 A pair of red patent leather stilletto boots (without owner) by the side of the path... :shock:

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 1 Aug 2014, 3:04pm
by iviehoff
Bat. One once flew into me, hit me on the chest. Perhaps it was hard of hearing.
Princess Anne. A friend once encountered one of those on a highland track. Despite the firearms and scary-looking companions, it proved harmless and no impediment to proceeding.
Highland cattle. Rather scary coming across those.
Wash-out. Came across a bad wash-out on a track in NZ. A curious feature is that they tend to create their own raised banks. So as well as climbing over those, there was a very muddy trudge of a couple of hundred yards carrying the bike and luggage separately from one end to another.

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 12 Aug 2014, 10:37am
by Farawayvisions
So many hazards. Who knew?

Re: Lesser known hazards for off-road cyclists

Posted: 29 Sep 2014, 10:25pm
by Fasgadh
Idiots shooting a shotgun in the general direction of the Fife Coastal path. Even spent shot raining down through a tree stings.