Flying lead

[johnnyt]

People with guns will be entering the woods in CT next week!! Wear bright colors, bells and leave the dogs at home. Gun season opens this wednesday November 20 and ends (for most hunters) on December 10. These are the worst three weeks of rideing season!!!! Be careful out there. As a former hunter I can honestly say that you should avoid the woods during daylight hours at all cost on wednesday (opening day). Any noise or moving object is likely to have a bead drawn upon it. The adrenaline flow is insane on opening day, kind of like the first ride of the year.

http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/wildl.../fg02/deer.htm

The best times to ride in the next 3 weeks are mid day (when deer are less active and hunters are too) and well after dark. Avoid dawn and especially dusk as this is when most hunting accidents occur.

Also remember that most hunters are very responsible, courteous and truly care about their sport. Be safe out there!!!

Hey Jolly,
Just wondering, are there any stastistics as to how many cyclists are injured each year by gunshots. I just wanted to put the danger into some context. I'm sure that the numbers are reduced by awareness and taking personal protective measures.

[johnnyt]

Don't know about riders, but a DEP guy was shot last year in CT. Also, each year in CT someone shoots a family member at least once. In another moment of hunting prowess last year a woman was shot in her suburban backyard!!! > Honey I am going to hang the laundry on the clothesline...BANG!!!!

Maybe we should wear kevlar and play drums as we ride!

[MMcG]

How about instead of hooking up lights to the handlebars, hooking up a speker and attaching a portable tape recorder to the downtube that plays over and over again, "Don't shoot, I'm just trying to get a ride in!"

After our ride in Soapstone, my dog's bright orange vest is now a prominent feature strapped onto my Mule!!

I also like your idea of attaching a bell to the bars.........perhaps this time of year calls for a much bigger bell! I know it'll add weight for, but it could save your life!

[talisman]

An orange vest cost about 2 bucks (pun intended) at Wal-Mart and could be a life saver. CT doesn't allow hunting on Sundays (good old Blue Laws) so that should be a relatively safe day for riding. There are some areas that don't allow hunting likr Bluff Point.

Night riding is another alternative. Be safe out there.

[Thedewser]

My suggestion is ride the areas with no hunting. For Instance the location of this years past Fall Fiesta, West Rock, is a great place to ride. And no hunting!!!! Bluff Point is another, the WH Res and anyone else can chime in with more. But I am sure we have quite a few places. Still always a good idea to were the orange anyway.

Dewser

[JoeO]

Ha, Bluff Point. Just don't be in there that one day out of the year the hunters are allowed to blow the living %$# out of all the deer there. Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time ;D

So heres my thought. If the danger of being shot is compared to the danger of running into a tree or falling down into a steep rock garden (you know the one i mean). Is it logical to be so fearful? Based entirely on the evidence it would seem more helpful to warn people to stop riding on trails where many fear to simply walk, then to guard yourself overly against something that has never happened.

I'll wear my helmet to protect me from the trees and rocks, and a bright orange vest to protect me from wandering sights. But i will respect the danger as greater from the former then the latter.

[johnnyt]

Bill,
Your thesis makes a completely invalid corrilation between two completely unrelated things. How is "running into a tree or falling down into a steep rock garden" remotely the same as being shot? On any good ride I do the former more then once and escape with a bruise and minor scrapes. The last time I was shot, I DIED! Now the miracles of science and medicine saved me, but death really sucked, and I don't want to die again.

Also, in riding those treacherous sections, you are correct, there is a choice. When some hunter, hell bent on shootin' himself a deer, pulls that trigger, I don't think he is going to ask your permission first. Have you ever seen the t-shirt that shows a hunter and says,"Patients my ass, I'm gonna kill something." That resounding mantra should be warning enough.

If I hadn't been raised a hunter, I don't think I would be so concerned, but having been in the tree stand and pulled the trigger, I understand the damage a small projectile can do to flesh and bones. I have also spoken to many a hunter who has brought a little hooch, 12 pack of beer, or a few joints with 'em as they go out for a day of killin'. It is refreshing to know that some (likely very few, but some no less) hunters are out there and are buzzing hard on dope and booze and they have loaded guns!

WEAR ORANGE AND BELLS DURING HUNTING SEASON. You can not reason with bullets, they do not discriminate, they hurt, that is their job, to kill things. Do whatever you can to ensure you will not be mistaken for a deer!

ok i will put away the horned helmet and take the hanky out of my back pocket if it means that much to you.

Can i wear my bear suit? Its a certainty i wont be mistaken for a dear.

All kidding aside, you will note that i offered all my comments as questions for discussion. Not as advise for others to follow. What's a thesis? Also that i finished by stating I will wear the vest.

Its clear that you are passionate about this issue. I will not inquire as to the reason for your zeal. I respect your opinion and bow to your experience. I cant, however, muster up the mental fortitude required to sustain the cautious vigilance you suggest. I'm just to relaxed in the saddle...