I took a day off work to take advantage of the fine weather we have been having here. I set off for a pleasant season ending ride through the fall countryside. I generally go out towards Stockbridge, but I hadn't yet been to Jackson this year so I found myself on Seymour road beyond Waterloo. There were a few cars parked at the various turnouts in the state rec area, presumably bow hunters.
I was lucky, I saw the deer coming from behind the trees about 30 feet off the road. I slowed from 45 when I first saw it, but it was clear that we were on a collision course. Sometimes I ride one handed or put my feet back on the rear pegs for a little stretch. I was at full attention at this particular moment and grabbed and stomped every bit of brake that I had as the distance between us closed. This deer was determined and I thought it might run into the side of me as I came to a roll but as I flinched he veered and cleared in front of me, inside of 10 feet, waaaaay too close.
I've never hit one, never been this close, dog cat skunk coon, lifetime, car or bike. It would have been a helluva bad way to end the season, but the brakes were good, and I saw it early enough to react.
