I don't always use my good judgment.

Every ride can be an adventure and an opportunity to learn something.  My ride this last Sunday was just that experience.  I hope that sharing my tale can be a lesson for you.

I decided that a Sunday Ride in an industrial park would be quiet. I did not see a single car. I did see many Canadian geese. Do you see them ready to cross the road.  There are many ponds throughout the park.  Several young goslings were evident.  I tried to give them plenty of room as I went by, but one came charging at me! I never had that happen.

He quickly took flight and hit me.

I was startled and fighting for balance. I hopped on my right leg, but I could not keep the bike standing upright and I fell to the ground. I got up and I was ok.  The goose had rejoined the family.  My bike was okay. I really did not imagine that the goose would fly  into me.  My past experience always had them walking and especially when crossing the road, very slowly.  The next day I looked up the computer about my experience and below is what I learned.

Even though my distance was what past experience told me was safe, it was obvious by the reaction I was violating their territory. I learned that when a goose is running toward me, they mean business. They usually will try to avoid you and keep a safe distance. 

I should have stopped when the charging began.  Face the goose and slowly back away.  I will be more cautious in the future. What I experienced was a classic case of violating their territory when the little ones are around.

I did end up straining a leg muscle in my right thigh from hopping and  I will have to allow that muscle strain to recover.