Leaping Bear
July 4, 2018 – It all happened so fast!… As I rounded a GA 136 curve near Burnt Mountain, there was an SUV coming from the other direction and a bear running across the road just in front of the SUV into my lane.
Fortunately my approach was from far enough away that I had plenty of time to react. (Keep in mind that when riding a motorcycle, you have to concentrate more on the road and what’s in front of you than details about the scenery… oh you do get views of the beautiful animals and greenery all right… but riding focus is primarily on the road).
I expect the SUV startled the bear and I’m pretty sure my thundering Indian approach was worrisome too such that the bear was running at a pretty hefty clip and jumped the guardrail onto a steep bank. He cleared the guardrail easily but I worried about him jumping what appeared to be so blindly onto what appeared to be such a steep bank. But since I know nothing about bear CPR and the possibility that he may have made that jump before (maybe he knew what he was doing)… I decided not to stop… Besides, I’ve heard that bears eat people.
Hawk Eyes
September 30, 2018 – Fall is a great time to ride a motorcycle, especially in the mountains on the curvy roads amidst the “getting sleepy” forests and busy critters. You just have to watch out for the critters and be ready to brake at all times.
I get lots of enjoyable moments on my Indian and today was no exception. For the first time in my life, I witnessed a red tailed hawk attack almost head on from very nearly the victims vantage point.
The hawk was targeting something at the roadside with his eyes focused and talons about to be extended. The hawk’s attack and my approach put my head (helmet) nearly in his direct flight path such that I got close to a view of what his prey would see if his prey were to see him coming. It was so cool! (Cool for me that is, not the hawk)… I knew there were no vehicles behind me so I quickly braked and the hawk veered off so it was just an awesome view for me and an unfortunate distraction for the hawk.
This time of year you have to be especially aware of critters while riding or driving. It seems that I see more flattened critter bodies on the road this time of year than any other. So we should all ride and drive with a sharper awareness of the busy animals. They don’t have a built-in natural awareness of mankind’s creations. Deer for example, will run right into your bike or automobile path as if blind.
But always use good judgment when it comes to critter encounters on the road. Many years ago, I think it was 1967, my good friend Walter Smith died dodging a critter in his beautiful red and white 1958 Ford. I still wish he had made a different decision. While as many know, I am not very good about keeping in touch, it doesn’t mean I don’t keep friends close in my thoughts.
Ride safe, drive safe and enjoy the great fall weather!
Ed’s Website – Rides page 6
Previous Destinations / Next Yona
