With the seasonal elk birthing closure in effect on the trail, I was doing a simple out-and-back ride instead of the entire loop. Just as I was nearing my turn around point, and while pedaling about 5 mph uphill, I happened to look down and there it was. Just a little thing, only about 12 inches long, but there was no mistaking the prominent rattle on the tail. It was sitting just 6 inches from my wheel, on the side of the trail... That's when I just about sh*t my pants!! I was 6.5 miles away from the nearest trailhead, riding by myself, and I started dreading the worst if that snake decided to strike!
After turning around and heading back down the trail a few minutes later, the snake was gone, but I was still shaking like a leaf! The rest of the ride was quite uncomfortable, and I rode cautiously, imagining the possibility of snakes at every turn. I'm not the only one to happen upon a rattler lately, Chris nearly rode over a big 5-foot one on the Sand Creek Trail a week ago. Good thing yesterday was my last ride for the week before we head to Angel Fire... I am still freaked out!
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