SsssNAKE SeasoN ......,(merged threads)
- Thread starter Garrett
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profnachos
Member
Finally a photo contribution! This was taken on Bommer Ridge Trail in El Morro.
I completely missed it and whizzed right by. Somebody yelled "Snake" and I looked back and lo and behold.
Here is a lesson. I missed it because I was following a rider who did not stop. Because I subconsciously thought the rider had "cleared" the path ahead of me, I was lulled into complacency and stopped scanning the trail for potential hazards. Do not trust the rider ahead of you to have processed all the potential dangers. It is still up to you to stay alert and keep your guard up. Nobody else can do it for you.
I completely missed it and whizzed right by. Somebody yelled "Snake" and I looked back and lo and behold.
Here is a lesson. I missed it because I was following a rider who did not stop. Because I subconsciously thought the rider had "cleared" the path ahead of me, I was lulled into complacency and stopped scanning the trail for potential hazards. Do not trust the rider ahead of you to have processed all the potential dangers. It is still up to you to stay alert and keep your guard up. Nobody else can do it for you.
YES! Two strips of cloth to tie 2" above the bite and 2" below; band should be tight as getting your blood pressure taken (you still need blood flow but the bands prevent the toxin from traveling through your bloodstream). Only exception is: do not tie around a joint (ie. elbow, knee). Don't move for 20-30 mins; seek medical attention asap(you have 4hrs before serious trouble can arise).
Hope that helps ease your fear.
westcoaster
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i assume you would tie off the bite then ride out. are you saying wait 20 min before riding out?
Yes, it stabilizes and keeps the venom from traveling through your bloodstream and cause more harm to vital organs. Stay calm, keep your heart rate down. Also, do not place the bitten area higher than your heart, for example: if bitten in the arm, do not raise your arm over your head.
Thanks for the helpful info on snake bite treatment. Hopefully I'll never have to use it.
I used to ride El Moro a lot, and saw a couple of snakes just about every ride, usually laying across the trail, trying to get a tan.
Would have to chase them away just to get by.
Keep in mind 911 is your friend but if you have no reception or ride solo (like I do a lot), I've given you precautionary measures to help you. Only .2% die from venomous snake bites. More people die from bee and wasp stings - I'm more afraid of them now than snakes. I carry an epi-pen now since I had a bad allergic reaction while out running; it was called Exercise Induced Allergic Reaction...it hasn't stopped me from riding or running...we're all gonna die sooner or later.
scottywc
New Member
Thanks for the info.
profnachos
Member
I am not sure if this topic has been discussed, but are there guards for shins and calves we can wear while riding? I know it would look a little ridiculous, but might be worth it for the peace of mind.
I am not a medical expert. If you search on the internet all of the medical sites say do NOT use a turniquet of any kind. Also you should not move the affected area and you should try to remain calm (HOW THE HELL AM I GOING TO REMAIN CALM. I JUST GOT BIT BY A FREAKIN SNAKE.) No disrespect intended to anyone here but the best way to stay safe is to know where the advice you are following came from.
I just learned something interesting. Adult rattlers don't like wasting venom so they usually just give you enough to get you to back off because they would rather use the venom on their food. This is why baby rattlers are more dangerous to humans.
I just learned something interesting. Adult rattlers don't like wasting venom so they usually just give you enough to get you to back off because they would rather use the venom on their food. This is why baby rattlers are more dangerous to humans.
I would think standard armor. I WILL NOT wear earbuds so I can hear rattlers (or anything else); rattlesnakes warn you w their rattling, they're not gonna strike unless you piss them off - if they're coiled, that's their striking pose....stay far away. If you crash in tall grass or brush, you might not be as lucky bc they'll strike before warning, I'm most sure.
I'm not an expert either but I read up on them to know what to do, so no offense taken.
I said tie around w some pressure NOT a turnequet. Baby rattlers venom is not as potent as an adult so adult rattlers are still more dangerous.
FFW
Member
Saw this guy on Sierra Pelona Fire road (SW Palmdale) last Saturday - about 2.5' long and 4 rattles
Almost ran over this guy yesterday evening in Joshua Ranch (in back of my house) - almost 4' long with 8 rattles
Yesterday my little chihuahua got bit on her snout by a baby rattler - on my back porch (right outside the slider). I got her to the vet within 15 minutes so she will make a full recovery but my wallet is going to be hurting for a long long time.
Didn't get any pictures of it as my friend came over and killed it and tok it away while we were at the vet.
be careful out there!
Almost ran over this guy yesterday evening in Joshua Ranch (in back of my house) - almost 4' long with 8 rattles
Yesterday my little chihuahua got bit on her snout by a baby rattler - on my back porch (right outside the slider). I got her to the vet within 15 minutes so she will make a full recovery but my wallet is going to be hurting for a long long time.
Didn't get any pictures of it as my friend came over and killed it and tok it away while we were at the vet.
be careful out there!
profnachos
Member
I am more worried about going downhill, and turning sharp corners and not having enough time and space to stop. But I guess that is why we should not whip around blind corners. This is also why I tend to stick to fire roads. Agreed on earbuds.
That's when you raise your legs!! :lol:
melster
Member
Amazon.com has snake gaiters you can buy at reasonable prices.
Fuel&Fire
New Member
Came across a Rattlesnake while riding Chesebro Today, was hanging out into the trail about half way. Probably about 1 mile in from the parking lot - It was pretty large.
I almost ran over a 2' southern pacific at Irvine Regional yesterday. I was going slow (uphill) and it blended in so well I was only 3 feet from it when I served away and went around it. It stayed stretched out sunning like nothing happened. I tried to take a pic but it slithered away wanting nothing to do with me. A week earlier I saw a fatty coiled up at Irvine Regional where you cross Santiago Creek to get to Roadrunner for Santiago Oaks.
Andy
Member
Saw this little guy (well, about 1.5 feet) while I was out today, trying to catch some rays on the side of the trail. Managed 2 pics before he looked at me and retreated back(wards) into a hole
