WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Maybe it’s a year of lockdown, but it seems to me that animals of all kinds forgotten to avoid us. I’ve seen a lot more roadkill than I used to. And insect life is on the rise as well, which probably had to do with an increased trend for wildlife friendly gardens and verges. Well, it’s on the rise at least until it flies headfirst into headlight or visor.

Some insects, of course, are smarter than that. I inadvertently gave a lift to a bumblebee the other day. I’m not sure when she landed on my tank, but I noticed at a red light that she was perched between the caps, apparently enjoying the ride. I can’t say I blame her. My only regret is that I didn’t manage to take a photo before she flew off again.

SUMMER GREYS

 

HAIL OUT OF A CLEAR BLUE SKY

Weather is a big factor in riding. It affects visibility, road conditions, personal comfort. There are things we all know about. There’s the first half an hour of rain, in which all the diesel rises to the surface of the asphalt: best avoided until it’s washed off.

There’s the mist created by columns of traffic in rain as they spray the water/diesel mix back under their tires.

And there’s hail. Hail is no fun on a bike with legs relatively exposed in jeans. It’s even less fun when it comes out of a clear blue sky. Not only does it fall onto any body part it can, it also bounces up of the road or back off the car in front, to find new angles from which to strike.

At least when there is rain, or gathering cloud, you have half a chance to put on an extra layer in the form of waterproofs.