Today I integrated with a peloton of cattle that was about 300 strong. Many times I’ve ridden with cattle, including during a bike race once. Riding with animals happens to be one of the interesting diversions while training around here. Most of you are familiar with my catapult to fame from a front page news picture riding with the elk. Actually, tangling with elk has happened several times while riding. One experience had me locking up brakes to avoid a pile-up. Sparks flew in the morning darkness as elk crashed through the barbwire fence. I’ve also mixed it with deer many times. Then, I was in a pack of horses on the road to PJ once. Add the aforementioned to my close calls with ground hogs, bald eagles, rattle snakes, skunks, ducks, grouses, squirrels, coyotes, chickens, rabbits, turkeys (daily), pigeons, crows, ospreys, and fish. I’m surprised I haven’t seen any bear or cougar on my bike yet.
Then, there was the ultimate challenge. Last summer, while riding in the middle of the valley on Booth Lane, I came upon a formidable opponent, a Pronghorn Antelope. Know as the fastest long-distance animals in the world clocking 70+ km/h, a throw down with a prongie is chance at the world title. Imagine that, champion of the world.
This is what ensued. When I saw Prongie, I quickly recognized the importance of the situation. We locked eyes, and there was an instant unspoken agreement, “Game on!” Prongie turn to face the same direction I was going and threw down the gauntlet. It was a fair start, we were both side by side. I was on my racing bike on pavement. Prongie was on a well-manicured grass farm surface that was very fast for his two-hoofed feet (minus dewclaws). I jumped out of my saddle, rifling through gears as I increased speed. We were still neck and neck. At about 150 meters into the race, I began pulling ahead ever so slightly. What happened next was inexplicable. The world champion took a dive. Seeing my superior speed first hand, Prongie collapsed under the pressure. He choked. He bailed out of the race. My adrenaline surged. I looked back to make sure the gap was enough, and threw my arms in the air. Prongie just stood there with a shocked look, watching me ride away with the victory. I came back on the same road a few minutes later, and he was still out there sulking in the field.
So, now I’m considering editing the Wikipedia entry on “Pronghorn Antelope” to reflect more accuracy on the fastest animal, which is now homobicicletus pronus.
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