This morning, Wednesday, October 1, I probably looked a bit crazy trying to avoid a bat that flew a bit too close for my comfort about 20 minutes before dawn. Sure, intellectually I know the bat isn’t going to bother me. After all, it doesn’t make sense. I do think my track record allows me to be apprehensive when it comes to riding my bike and wildlife.

In June, I was attacked by the exact same red-winged blackbird twice. Both times on a Thursday and one week apart. Some thought I was a bit tough on these birds. Later in the summer, a man from Highland Park, fell off his bike and died after being attacked by one (head injuries from not wearing a helmet– always wear a helmet). So, I don’t think you can be too tough on the birds. Oh, and Jamey and I were attacked twice by the same dog on a single ride. Talk about DSI (dog sprint interval).

We are out of the blackbird season and no dog attacks lately. I have been feeling pretty safe. I have seen deer and coyote out there. Yes, I do start screaming well in advance of reaching them in hopes they will run away before I get too close, but do you blame me? Sure… I hear some of you now… thinking I am just paranoid.

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to ride from my house to my in-laws in Wheeling. I ride the Wisconsin roads to the Des Plaines River Trail and down to Wheeling. The ride is 50 miles. It takes about 3:20 on my dual-sport bike. I really enjoy this ride and try to do it whenever I can.

Well, I was attacked by another animal. This time it was a squirrel. Okay, maybe attacked is a bit strong. I was riding just south of the Cubby Bear North on the DPRT, but north of Lake Cook Road. All of a sudden, I hear a crack. Next thing I know I branch lands on my arm. I look down and there is a squirrel also. The squirrel, also scared, fell to the ground. Sure the entire encounter was less that a second, but let me tell you, I freaked for that moment.

I know it is not the squirrel’s fault. It was just climbing on some branch above the trail that broke. It does seem though that I have more encounters with wildlife than the average person.

Don’t get me wrong. I often stop to enjoy the deer, rabbits and even coyotes. The scenery is what makes riding on trails fun. I do seem to be a bit unlucky though when it comes to wildlife. Don’t even ask me about my Monday walk where I was within three feet of a scared buck.

The below was created by Jamey Mack at my expense.
Fun at my expense.