I recall reading that about three times as many people die each year in Australia from bee sting as snake bite, so you need to think rationally about how much risk is involved.
I read a story about a cyclist killed by a taipan up here in Mackay, but that was many decades ago. So it seems that the incidence of cyclists being killed by snakebite, at least around this part of the world, is relatively low. Then again, most of the venemous varieties live down south ... thinks ... is that because there are so many rats to attract them??
I've seen a few snakes mostly off to the side of trails minding thier own business. I've noticed when I'm doing long hauls uphill like riding the Oaks Trail backwards from Glenbrook to Woodford, that you tend to see far more (and other wildlife as well), mostly because you're travelling so slowly. I'm sure they are still there when you're whistling past in the opposite direction at 40km/h+ just your eyes tend to be focussed more on the trails. FWIW body armour may provide some protection, but I'm not about to rush out and test the theory.
Bees on the other hand I think are far worse. I've been hit twice to date. Last time was on my commute to work coming down a steep hill and straight into my cheek. I was probably doing mid 40's and was like getting banged in the face by a hammer.
"spook" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Peter McCallum wrote:
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Quoted message said:
Bees on the other hand I think are far worse. I've been hit twice to date. Last time was on my commute to work coming down a steep hill and straight into my cheek. I was probably doing mid 40's and was like getting banged in the face by a hammer.
Brett
I caought something once. I don't know what it was, but I was fairly moving and had my mouth wide open to suck in air. Whatever it was literally bounced off the back of my throat producing a quite spectacular gagging, coughing spasm. How I didn't come off, I'll never know, especially as I was on a gravel path on road tyres at the time. I never worked out whether I managed to spit it out or reflexively swallow it.
I caought something once. I don't know what it was, but I was fairly moving and had my mouth wide open to suck in air. Whatever it was literally bounced off the back of my throat producing a quite spectacular gagging, coughing spasm. How I didn't come off, I'll never know, especially as I was on a gravel path on road tyres at the time. I never worked out whether I managed to spit it out or reflexively swallow it.
Reminds me of the summer '04 tour to Dargo. Climbing a 9km hill, 9am, 30+ degrees, cattle country. The cattle flies were trying to outdo one another for the record 'throat dive'. I coughed and gagged on at least 10 fly competitors on that climb, but I reckon only one or two were swallowed. Eeyuck!!
