Snakes at Whiting

Haven’t seen a post about snakes in a while. Been riding whiting 3-5x a week for the last few years. Since the recent heavy rains and brush growth, i’ve seen tons of snakes at Whiting. Took a shot of a gopher snake on Live Oak yesterday just chillin and in my way. Took about 5 minutes before it moved on. Had another gopher snake recoil and hiss at me last week, and countless racer snakes just scurrying across.

Today i saw a 2ft baby rattlesnake on the main whiting fire road. My wife is freaked out by any reptiles, so definitely staying away from Whiting til fall.

Question for the group. What is the best way to deal with a snake on a singletrack? Sometimes i’m going so fast i roll over them or try to bunny hop, but i’d rather not. Is it okay to throw twigs or sand to encourage the snake to move on, or is that just a good way to piss it off?

 

Doesn't matter where you go....they are everywhere. Early mornings while it is still cold/cool is about the only way to avoid them.

Otherwise embrace them....they are so neat to see while out on the trail.

 

I just try to avoid them. Usually when I see one it’s to late to stop. So, I just ride right passed them. Bunny hopping if necessary. I only stop if others are stopped already. Even then, I usually ride right by them. On a rare occasion I have to stop and help them get off the trail.

 

Get a stick or a branch and gently tickle the back half of the snake. That will get it moving.

 

Sounds good. Will trust the words of the dude named Snake Charmer

 

For the rest of us not named Snake Charmer, the following has NEVER failed me (about 20-0 record).

At a relatively safe distance from an un-coiled rattler (or presumably, any other less dangerous snake), stop your bike, dismount and start stomping your feet. You can also bounce your bike. Mr. Snake will sense the vibrations and take shelter. This has never not worked for me. It can take from 30 seconds to two minutes.

You're welcome.

 

I might pay real money to see you doing the “go away snake shuffle”.

 

No shuffle, just marching in place. Feel free to ask my wife, my daughter or my usual riding partners. Works every time.

Now, if I am riding fast and don't see it until the last second, I bunnyhop and hope. It's the NEXT rider I am worried about.

 

It's works, really it does.

 

I'm sure it does. I have no doubt about it.

I'd just like to see it play out on video.

 

Keep your fingers crossed next time I ride with him that we encounter a rattler then...

 

I can pretend there's a snake and do the snake-clearing march/bike bounce, if it'll keep @SnakeCharmer entertained...

 

Yes, please.

 

Just stop your bike, and pretend that you want to take a photo. The snake will be gone almost instantly!

 

I'm not sure you'd really want to see that....I've heard @herzalot been know to do the dance w/o the shorts on. scares the poor rattlers away....

 

Snake’s at Whiting? You can’t catch a ride in a pickup there, boss.

You didn’t actually think you could live that down, didja??