I was riding one day this week with my regular group, a bunch of roadie friends who do an early morning 20-mile loop. While on the back half of our route, I spotted a flash of brown leather, a guy's wallet laying in the street. Circling back, I picked it up and took it to a nearby police station. It was real handy to get my good deed for the day knocked out so early in the morning. I didn't have to be nice to anyone at all after that.
Now I have no idea how long it had been there, but I know any number of cars had passed that spot before me and no one had seen it. A whole bunch of motorists had missed what stood out clearly to a guy on a bike. It reminded me of the earlier post where everyone chimed in about the kinds of interesting things you find riding your bike, as well as the guy I talked to when I was riding on Florida's Gulf Coast who told me he had found an $8000 Rolex while he was riding. For sure you can find good stuff when you ride when you keep your eyes on the ground.
There is another benefit to this too. Fewer flat tires. The people I know who always seem to be finding stuff when they ride are also the ones who get the fewest flats. That's because when they're looking down, keeping their eyes on the ground in front of them, they are also seeing the glittery stuff that indicates broken glass, as well as spotting in enough time to be able to dodge all the screws, wires, potholes and sewer grates that can wreck your tires or worse, wreck you and your bike.
So when you ride, sure, look around and enjoy the scenery. But also take the time to scan what's ahead of you on the ground. Chances are you can help yourself -- either by finding some treasure or else avoiding some trouble.
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Comments
Can’t count the amount of loose change I pass on my local rides. Sometimes I stop and pick it up, sometimes just take note of it- but you’re right, being observant of the road immediately ahead points out both possible hazards and rewards!
Gee, and I thought I was lucky to find a $20 bill!
Yes!!! do keep an eye on the road, I ran over a snake once, lucky it did not bite back at me, perhaps I was going a little to fast before it reacted, a few weeks later I saw anotherone but this time I did see it on time and stopped. Haven’t found anything else but for sure keep an eye on the road.
Have a good ride everyone.
It really helps to be aware or your surroundings! I see lots of squirrels on the road, and you know how unpredictable those critters are. I have seen someone crash when he run over a squirrel and end up with a broken collar bone.