Leather jackets? Nope. Gasoline? Definitely not. Facial hair? I guess maybe at some gravel races. Two wheels — okay, that is one of the few pieces of common ground between cyclists and motorcyclists.
For those who are strictly cyclists, motorcycling seems like bizarro world. There are some similarities, but for the most part, everything on the other side just seems a little … weird. After 25-odd years as a competitive cyclist, I finally caught the moto bug a few years back. I enjoy mixing things up when it comes to two-wheeled recreation, but I get it, twisting a throttle isn’t for everyone.
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However, in my journey to learn the ways of the moto, I stumbled across one seemingly trivial trick that actually could be really useful for us bikers … err, I mean, cyclists. It’s a simple hand signal.
Cyclists are already trained for this. For starters, most of us give a friendly wave when we see others on bikes. (And if not, you should be waving!). More to the point, when we ride in a bunch, we point out potholes or debris in the road. Moto riders do this too, except they usually point with their feet. See, we do have something in common.
But what about oncoming riders? Especially on fast descents? No way we can help them spot an errant pothole. Sorry, you’re on your own there! But can you think of another hazard that’s maybe even worse than choppy tarmac? Okay, folks in Phoenix, you’re excused from this pop quiz.
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The answer is: Deer.
Yes, just like for motorcycles, an errant ungulate can really ruin a bike ride. I have several friends who have crashed into deer on fast descents and ended up with serious injuries. Worse still, it ruined their bikes (gasp!).
So what do you do if you’re climbing a beautiful canyon and you see a few deer mingling alongside the road? No worries for you because you’re traveling slowly. But what about that rider you see bombing downhill a couple corners later? Well, our gas-powered kin figured this one out, and now it’s time for us to adopt their simple hand signal to call out oncoming deer.
All you need to do is this: Raise a hand. Extend all fingers like the number 5. Stick your thumb on your head. And voila! Now you’ve got an antler!
This hand signal is unmistakable. Why else would someone make a goofy antler with one hand? The downhill rider will know it’s not just a friendly “hello.” It is an urgent warning. This way, they can slow down, cover the brakes, and keep an eye out for those silly Bambis.
My fellow cyclists, I implore you. You don’t have to grow a long, braided beard. You don’t need to wear a bandana (unless it’s a Marco Pantani tribute). You don’t need to go to Sturgis and end up in the ER after a barroom brawl. All you need to do is adopt this hand signal to help your fellow riders get home safely.
If we can all get on the same page, it may save your bacon someday.
