Good stuff, Claire. Thanks. I should have said in my
original post that this is for mountain biking. I'm not
worried about it for road riding (per some other responses).
Now what I heard for black bears is this: everything you
said (which is actually more than I thought of), except that
if a black bear attacks for the first minute curl up and
play dead. Then, only if it keeps gnawing on you after that,
fight for your life. Browns and grizzlies are another story.
I am more likely to stumble upon the beasts when trail
riding than road riding. So what I have so far is that I am
hanging my keys from the shifter cables off the handlebars
so they jingle jangle jingle, although I should probably
upgrade to bells. Other options that have been suggested are
pepper spray (which is fine unless it's windy) or flares.
Any thoughts about bringing my dog along (80# black lab)?
Jim
"Claire Petersky" <
[email protected]> wrote in
message
news:gwG3c.515227$I06.5826561@attbi_s01...
> "Jim Flom" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
newsmy3c.185928$Hy3.152786@edtnps89...
> > I moved recently to British Columbia (somebody had to do
> > it, right?) and
I
> > am seeing signs at trailheads like, "look out for
> > cougars and bears."
>
> I don't bike where there's likely to be cougars, but
> there's been bear sightings on a relatively easy trail
> that I do with my kids, and will be doing a "family ride"
> for our local bike club this summer.
>
> Here's the rules I plan to tell them:
>
> Make lots of noise. What is most important is for the bear
> to hear your approach long before you are within its
> personal space.
>
> Travel in groups of 6 or more. Larger groups tend to
> make more noise, and thus reduce the chances of
> encountering a bear.
>
> If you see a bear: Never approach a bear, or attempt to
> feed a bear. Be defensive - never surprise a bear.
> Remain calm. The bear is likely just passing through
> and, if it doesn't
find
> food, will simply move on.
>
> If a bear approaches: Do not run. Remain calm, continue
> facing the bear and slowly back away. If the bear
> continues to approach, try to group together and pick up
> small children. Try to scare the bear away by shouting and
> acting aggressively.
>
> If a black bear attacks: Fight back using everything in
> your power: fists, sticks, rocks.
>
> You might want to post your query to alt.mountain.bike or
> r.b.off-road,
too.
>
> --
> Warm Regards,
>
> Claire Petersky Please replace earthlink for mouse-potato
> and .net for .com
>
> Home of the meditative cyclist:
>
http://home.earthlink.net/~cpetersky/Welcome.htm Email me
> re: the new Tiferet CD (
http://www.tiferet.net)