I was thrilled knowing I'd be off today while the wife and kids were at school, and I spent every free minute at work yesterday deciding where I'd go and which bike I would ride.
I decided to ride the old Klunker since it's been calling to me for quite a while to stretch it's legs, and since I'm a bit nervous about beating up a pretty minty survivor I picked a gentle little trail close to home.
The ride started out really nice and the big bike was a blast to play around on:
I don't bring a tripod when I'm on the trails and just use whatever stump, log, rock is closeby to support the camera when I feel like taking a few pics with the timer.
A bit into the ride, I saw an old log that would be fun to ride as a skinny and set up my camera for a few attempts. On the third try as I was setting the timer, I felt something on my neck, then, POW, I feel a sting right under my ear. The first one was closely folowed by the second, third, fourth, etc. So, now I'm running through the woods like an epileptic with Tourettes Syndrome batting at the yelow jackets that are all over me.
I stop running when I think I'm far enough away, SUPRISE, the bees are very persistant and not only are they still following me, but the ones stuck in my clothes are still getting they're shots in.
Eventually, I get a safe distance away and start picking the really stubborn ones from my gear while the welts start to swell. They got me all over, but the one that hurts the most is in my arm pit (ouch).
Thank goodness I had my shin guards on, because when I looked down after the first sting my calves were covered in bees, so it could have been a lot worse. Luckily I'm not allergic, or it could have been my first and last ride on the Schwinn.
So after things settle down, I realize I can't go back and get my bike and camera without getting stung again. I really didn't want to leave my stuff in the woods, but I figured no one else could get close enough to take them if they happened to come wandering down the trail.
I waited on the trail for a while and called a few buddies that I knew would get a laugh out of my predicament hoping the bees would calm down and I could get my stuff back, but every time I got within a hundred yards a couple of bees would appear out of no where to keep me away (yes, I got stung again, lol).
I ended up walking back to the truck, driving home, and gathering up a bunch of clothes to bundle into to keep the bees off for my recovery trip.
All went well on the return (except for sweating my azz off walking back to the bike dressed like a goofball). Luckily I got the camera back when I did because the skies opened up with rain just as I loaded the bike back into the truck.
Here's a shot of my improvised bee suit for you all to laugh at:
Not sure if I angered the vintage Schwinn Gods by getting the bike dirty and the bees were my punishment, or if I'm just a doofus who should know better than to be banging around old logs in the woods... either way, other than the bees, it was a pretty nice ride and I'm happy with my choices.
Steve