Bandit Alley
RALLIES, RIDES & EVENTS => Events/Rides/Trips/Trackdays/Schools => Topic started by: Sven on July 09, 2007, 11:11:43 PM
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Saturday I danced with a deer, and fortunately, neither of us ended up any worse for the wear.
I was riding up CR 26 from South Pittsburgh TN towards Sewanee at dusk. I knew there were deer in the area; I'd already seen one loping up towards the road and sent it scurrying back into the woods with my horn.
I was buzzing along at about 55 MPH when I saw the deer next to the road, about two seconds ahead. The deer saw me no sooner than I saw it. It tensed and looked like it planned to do the dumb thing: run across the road rather than back into the forest.
Two seconds is not a long time, and my response was purely on auto-pilot. I remember looking at my speedo and rolling back to 50 MPH, ready to slow down or speed up based on what the deer did. I began moving to the left lane (there was no oncoming traffic) so put some space between me and the deer. I never even considered braking, which would probably have resulted in a disaster even if I did not hit the deer. Two seconds is not a long time, but it seemed to last an eternity.
As I was doing all this, the deer readied to dart in front of me. As I veered away from it, it seemed to have second thoughts about its path, and tried to change course just as I was even with it. Above the sound of elbandido's engine, I hear the sound of hoofs clopping on the pavement as it stumbled a bit and then decided the path behind me was clearer.
In my rear view mirrors, I saw the deer find its footing and dart across the road in front of Terry's bike, and then we were clear of it.
Without even thinking, I let out a whoop, left fist in the air, and felt like I had just completed level 99 of a very difficult video game-- choose the right path and avoid the killer deer.
The rest of the ride was uneventful, as we passed what looked to be hundreds of acres surrounded by beautiful new redwood pasture fencing.
I was already planning on my request for hazardous duty pay for leading the ride. On our way out of Sewanee, I warned off one deer. CR 56 down the mountains into Alabama was a great ride, with roads that circled like a pinball down the drain, made more complex by periodic signs stating, "Warning! Slide Area Ahead." Of course, the slide area, a section of road that had slumped off the mountain edge and had been replaced by a stretch of loose gravel, came at the end of a series of very tight curves where it could not be seen more than a few yards in advance. (Other warnings of slide areas turned out to be false alarms, but it still made me a little tense, anticipating more loose gravel in the middle of a turn.)
When we finally reached the road's end and came to a stop, I asked Terry if he'd noticed what I saw. He said, "The deer?!" I replied, "What deer? You're telling me you didn't notice about a million dollars in brand new fence back there?"
But I never want to hear the clapping of hooves on the blacktop that closely again.
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The instant I see any hint of a deer, which is usually the glow of eyes, I immediately brake hard. Same thing when driving 4 wheels. (being aware of anyone directly behind me, of course.)
This tactic has kept me collision-free all my life, and I've lived in heavy deer areas most of that time.
To hell with waiting to see what it'll do. By then it's too late. Just treat every deer like it WILL jump in front of you, and stop as fast as you can. If it doesn't, all you've lost is a little brake lining. :wink:
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The instant I see any hint of a deer, which is usually the glow of eyes, I immediately brake hard.
I was RIGHT on the deer when we saw each other. Only a couple seconds away from it. Much better to be able to control my speed and maneuverability than try to stop from 55 MPH in a matter of a few yards.
If I have more warning, I will slow and honk, but this was a different case.
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I understand... I was speaking mainly for the benefit of others reading this who may not have that much experience riding in heavily deer populated areas.
It's always a good idea to have a roadside meeting if you're riding in a group, to discuss extra spacing and anticipation of hard braking when entering deer areas, especially in evening time and darkness.
Pick someone to lead the group who knows what to look for, and can spot the glowing eyes far ahead with good high-beam illumination.
I see them every day... every one is unpredictable. I've come to a stop just inches from deer who just stand in the middle of the road looking at me.
Nutty critters. :roll:
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I'm with Zen. I ride with my fingers covering the front brake and brake hard whenever I see a deer.
I've hit 3 in cars, and had 2 close calls on bikes. However, the last near miss was closer to Sven issue...deer jumped up on road right beside me, and I changed lanes as he just cleared the RH side of the bike. We were looking eye to eye, close enough to reach out and pet him.
Way closer than I ever want to be again.
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Yep, I had one close encounter about 20 years ago and that was enough to last a lifetime. Deer are DUMB !!!!
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Had an encounter with one a couple of years ago in my Geo Tracker. Came around a blind corner and a young 2-point (4-point for East coasters) was standing in the middle of the road. I braked hard and hit him at <10 mph in the left rear hip. It spun him around and down he went. He layed there for what seemed like 2 minutes, then got up and ran off into the woods. Pushed the left headlight in ~1/2 inch and broke a tooth in the grill.
On the bike though, nothing very close. Hope to keep it that way! :bandit:
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Gives new meaning to "say hello...to GEO!"
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I work 3rd shift and commute to work at night. I see deer at least at least once every week on the way in, usually more than that. I'm on high alert while riding and I either see the eyes first or the silouhette of the deer on the road. I don't outride my headlights and I practice emergency breaking a couple times every week. Fortunately I've avoided any accidents thus far. (knocking on wood)