The Actual Cattle
09-20-18, 01:57 PM
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The Actual Cattle
OK I think we've beat the cattle crossing issue into the ground.
What about the actual dam cattle?
What do you do when there's a scattering of them on the road?
What if there's bulls in the mix?
What are the best tires for dealing with cattle?........(j/k)
What about the actual dam cattle?
What do you do when there's a scattering of them on the road?
What if there's bulls in the mix?
What are the best tires for dealing with cattle?........(j/k)
09-20-18, 02:12 PM
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I race them. Mostly deer around here. They always win, but I put up a good fight!
Not sure why they just HAVE to cross the road first...
Not sure why they just HAVE to cross the road first...
09-20-18, 02:29 PM
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I think it depends on the herd. Is it a small farmer herd that got loose which could be quite tame, or a more wild range herd? One cow, or a herd? How big of a herd?
As with any animal, the responses are generally predictable, but there is an unpredictable nature to them.
We had a fairly docile herd that determined that one of the neighbor's goats was a threat, and attacked and killed it.
The cows are often a bit timid, but will also come to you out of curiosity, or perhaps in hopes of getting a handout.
And, you could just get in their way. So they may not mean to trample a person, but may not really care either.
Anyway, I would give them as much space as I could, slow down, and try not to startle them.
Perhaps make sure they knew I was there (wave arms, some hollering, etc). Watch when you corner them into a fence or something where their only response is to come back towards you.
Also, beware of the mother/calf bond.
As with any animal, the responses are generally predictable, but there is an unpredictable nature to them.
We had a fairly docile herd that determined that one of the neighbor's goats was a threat, and attacked and killed it.
The cows are often a bit timid, but will also come to you out of curiosity, or perhaps in hopes of getting a handout.
And, you could just get in their way. So they may not mean to trample a person, but may not really care either.
Anyway, I would give them as much space as I could, slow down, and try not to startle them.
Perhaps make sure they knew I was there (wave arms, some hollering, etc). Watch when you corner them into a fence or something where their only response is to come back towards you.
Also, beware of the mother/calf bond.
09-20-18, 02:35 PM
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I think it depends on the herd. Is it a small farmer herd that got loose which could be quite tame, or a more wild range herd? One cow, or a herd? How big of a herd?
As with any animal, the responses are generally predictable, but there is an unpredictable nature to them.
We had a fairly docile herd that determined that one of the neighbor's goats was a threat, and attacked and killed it.
The cows are often a bit timid, but will also come to you out of curiosity, or perhaps in hopes of getting a handout.
And, you could just get in their way. So they may not mean to trample a person, but may not really care either.
Anyway, I would give them as much space as I could, slow down, and try not to startle them.
Perhaps make sure they knew I was there (wave arms, some hollering, etc). Watch when you corner them into a fence or something where their only response is to come back towards you.
Also, beware of the mother/calf bond.
As with any animal, the responses are generally predictable, but there is an unpredictable nature to them.
We had a fairly docile herd that determined that one of the neighbor's goats was a threat, and attacked and killed it.
The cows are often a bit timid, but will also come to you out of curiosity, or perhaps in hopes of getting a handout.
And, you could just get in their way. So they may not mean to trample a person, but may not really care either.
Anyway, I would give them as much space as I could, slow down, and try not to startle them.
Perhaps make sure they knew I was there (wave arms, some hollering, etc). Watch when you corner them into a fence or something where their only response is to come back towards you.
Also, beware of the mother/calf bond.
Sometimes there's bulls which I find kind of intimidating. Last year I detoured around a couple, which was kind of irritating.
Usually I just talk loud saying fake cowboy things and hope theyll move. They usually do.
09-21-18, 02:43 PM
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I run across open range cattle a lot. The joys of being remote in the American West where I often pass way more cattle than trucks. Think 5-6 vehicles in 30 miles, it is wonderful, the trade off being there really isn't any way to get water, but that is my problem. Sometimes big herds, like 100 plus all over the road and both sides. Now if the cattle are moving, I stay out of the mix, I have stopped for a herd crossing which is sometimes what they want to do. These are essentially unsupervised herds and there is no one around and the roads are "open range." Now if the cattle are just milling about with a few on the road, I will slowly approach and whistle a western tune. My favorite being "Home on the range." You might think this is ridiculous, but I know several of the ranchers who have told me if the heard gets spooked, while on horseback, they will whistle to the herd. I have never had a problem this way. I know it sounds stupid, but I have been with Eastern US riders and they are stunned while I whistle and lead though. Usually bulls aren't with the herd, what has horns are steers. If a bull is really out there and squares, you better haul a*!. And not toward the animal. They are very large and most cattle weigh in excess of 1500 lbs on the hoof. If they step on you, it will hurt.
More concerning is open range donkeys, these critters are smart, but if there are little ones around and the little ones are adorable, do NOT mess with them. Donkeys will stomp you, they have been known to kill mountain lions. For donkeys, I just let my Chis King hub spin and they will move off, they don't like the sound or it bothers them. They have approached me, I think out of curiosity, but when I have stopped pedaling they have always moved off.
Use your head, if some big cow was to square off with me, I am going the other direction, even if it means the other way I wanted to go. They are herd animals and don't want problems. They are not going to chase you very far. I have had coyotes run next to me and antelope run beside me until they decide to leave me in the dust. Antelope can hit about 60mph or so and are the fasted herd animal in North America. Elk and deer kinda scare me because one never knows which way they are going to go and usually will go the other way, but outside of Flagstaff on Lake Mary road, a large cow elk ran next to my wife for about 40 yards, the cow was huge. She kept her pace and the elk went its own way. I don't normally see too many deer, I do see more elk and antelope and certainly more cattle.
The ranchers really do care about their herds, and if a cow gets hurt and it is your doing, it could be a problem. I don't chase them, or go off road around them. Be especially careful in spring when there are calves around. Stay steady, don't try to pet or feed them and if it is a tight bunch on the road, approach slowly. It appears to me, most cattle don't want anything to do with me on a bike. And I guess as some see me from time to time, I am just another passing object which means no threat.
That is the best advice I can give.
More concerning is open range donkeys, these critters are smart, but if there are little ones around and the little ones are adorable, do NOT mess with them. Donkeys will stomp you, they have been known to kill mountain lions. For donkeys, I just let my Chis King hub spin and they will move off, they don't like the sound or it bothers them. They have approached me, I think out of curiosity, but when I have stopped pedaling they have always moved off.
Use your head, if some big cow was to square off with me, I am going the other direction, even if it means the other way I wanted to go. They are herd animals and don't want problems. They are not going to chase you very far. I have had coyotes run next to me and antelope run beside me until they decide to leave me in the dust. Antelope can hit about 60mph or so and are the fasted herd animal in North America. Elk and deer kinda scare me because one never knows which way they are going to go and usually will go the other way, but outside of Flagstaff on Lake Mary road, a large cow elk ran next to my wife for about 40 yards, the cow was huge. She kept her pace and the elk went its own way. I don't normally see too many deer, I do see more elk and antelope and certainly more cattle.
The ranchers really do care about their herds, and if a cow gets hurt and it is your doing, it could be a problem. I don't chase them, or go off road around them. Be especially careful in spring when there are calves around. Stay steady, don't try to pet or feed them and if it is a tight bunch on the road, approach slowly. It appears to me, most cattle don't want anything to do with me on a bike. And I guess as some see me from time to time, I am just another passing object which means no threat.
That is the best advice I can give.
Last edited by GeorgeAz; 09-22-18 at 08:02 AM. Reason: sp error
09-21-18, 04:13 PM
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Barbecue.
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09-22-18, 08:50 AM
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I give cows with new calves a wide berth. I also give bulls a wide berth, especially when they are actively courting. That said, cattle that are familiar with humans tend to be interested in whether there is a food delivery or not...I hunt a farm where the cows regularly follow me for a period. Lol...once I set up for coyotes and was surrounded by the herd after sitting there for about ten minutes—-a couple of them nosing me. These are not free rangers, however, I’d be much more cautious about them.
09-23-18, 12:08 PM
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As long s your chain is lubed with the proper lube, your tubeless tires are aired up properly and your carbon frame not cracked then I would just take a few swigs of a proper electrolyte drink and proceed with caution.
09-23-18, 01:02 PM
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I did not know it's possible to levitate a foot from the ground from a dead sleep.
09-24-18, 10:04 AM
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I grew up on a cattle ranch. If the question is serious . . . make the least sound necessary to let the protective leaders of the herd know you are there. And start making that sound some distance away -- 1/4 mile or so, if possible. You don't want to startle, just inform. If they know you are there before you come within their personal space, they are likely to move the herd to get out of your way. (It may not be as fast as you like, but they will do it.) If you startle them and some of the cattle start to bolt, the herd can become unpredictable and dangerous. What is the "least sound necessary?" In my younger days, I herded cattle all the time. I never yelled or whistled. A little forceful hissing/swishing sound with the mouth usually suffices.
On open range, buffalo are a more serious matter. If a buffalo sees you coming, they are as likely to intentionally block your path as anything. They will not give ground. They will not get out of your way. Find a new road.
Not long ago, three of my bovine-unfamiliar friends were out on a ride. They came down a steep descent single file and there was a herd of cattle dining in a wet, manure-filled area near the bottom. The first rider startled the herd. The herd bolted. And the herd churned up enough manure to cover the second rider. The odor was so bad the other two riders couldn't stand to ride within 100 yards of him. Cattle can be hazardous even when they charge in the opposite direction!
On open range, buffalo are a more serious matter. If a buffalo sees you coming, they are as likely to intentionally block your path as anything. They will not give ground. They will not get out of your way. Find a new road.
Not long ago, three of my bovine-unfamiliar friends were out on a ride. They came down a steep descent single file and there was a herd of cattle dining in a wet, manure-filled area near the bottom. The first rider startled the herd. The herd bolted. And the herd churned up enough manure to cover the second rider. The odor was so bad the other two riders couldn't stand to ride within 100 yards of him. Cattle can be hazardous even when they charge in the opposite direction!
09-24-18, 11:41 AM
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I grew up on a cattle ranch. If the question is serious . . . make the least sound necessary to let the protective leaders of the herd know you are there. And start making that sound some distance away -- 1/4 mile or so, if possible. You don't want to startle, just inform. If they know you are there before you come within their personal space, they are likely to move the herd to get out of your way. (It may not be as fast as you like, but they will do it.) If you startle them and some of the cattle start to bolt, the herd can become unpredictable and dangerous. What is the "least sound necessary?" In my younger days, I herded cattle all the time. I never yelled or whistled. A little forceful hissing/swishing sound with the mouth usually suffices.
On open range, buffalo are a more serious matter. If a buffalo sees you coming, they are as likely to intentionally block your path as anything. They will not give ground. They will not get out of your way. Find a new road.
Not long ago, three of my bovine-unfamiliar friends were out on a ride. They came down a steep descent single file and there was a herd of cattle dining in a wet, manure-filled area near the bottom. The first rider startled the herd. The herd bolted. And the herd churned up enough manure to cover the second rider. The odor was so bad the other two riders couldn't stand to ride within 100 yards of him. Cattle can be hazardous even when they charge in the opposite direction!
On open range, buffalo are a more serious matter. If a buffalo sees you coming, they are as likely to intentionally block your path as anything. They will not give ground. They will not get out of your way. Find a new road.
Not long ago, three of my bovine-unfamiliar friends were out on a ride. They came down a steep descent single file and there was a herd of cattle dining in a wet, manure-filled area near the bottom. The first rider startled the herd. The herd bolted. And the herd churned up enough manure to cover the second rider. The odor was so bad the other two riders couldn't stand to ride within 100 yards of him. Cattle can be hazardous even when they charge in the opposite direction!
Thanks for the insider knowledge. We dont have open range bison here. Lots of elk though, and a few moose.
09-25-18, 10:29 PM
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I give cows with new calves a wide berth. I also give bulls a wide berth, especially when they are actively courting. That said, cattle that are familiar with humans tend to be interested in whether there is a food delivery or not...I hunt a farm where the cows regularly follow me for a period. Lol...once I set up for coyotes and was surrounded by the herd after sitting there for about ten minutes—-a couple of them nosing me. These are not free rangers, however, I’d be much more cautious about them.
09-26-18, 09:14 AM
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dunno, they keep them fenced in up here, so I just ride by & wave
09-26-18, 12:58 PM
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09-26-18, 01:47 PM
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There was a defiant looking cow blocking the Rendezvous Basin trail. I eventually turned back the way I came.
09-26-18, 11:27 PM
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09-27-18, 09:52 PM
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Was mt biking with a friend and his wife on their tandem. Past the cattle gate, herd ahead. His wife was nervous about passing them. He tells her not to worry about them,slaps one one the ass passing it. It kicked them, knocked them down. Preceeds to let loose a torrent of cow crap, dousing them. It was a quiet ride home......