I rode headfirst into a roe buck – it’s rutting season right now and UK gravel riders should be aware
The roe deer mating season runs between mid-July to mid-August and during this time the animals are 'particularly active'
A few years ago, the reporter participated in a 24-hour ultra-endurance event where a barn owl followed them closely during daylight hours. The reporter then encountered close to a personal wildlife encounter while riding gravel bikes. It was late afternoon, the temperature dropped, and the hills were waiting. The journalist prepared three off-road ascents, focusing on high-intensity efforts, but added extra minutes for threshold training.
As the journalist was pushing hard, a roe buck suddenly jumped into their path, less than a meter away from their front wheel. The buck's antlers posed a significant threat, and the journalist slammed the brakes, clipping the buck with their right leg and falling to the ground. The buck managed to escape, seemingly unharmed, but the journalist suffered injuries, including a shredded pair of cycling shorts, a torn jersey, and a heavily-crumpled helmet. The reporter had to replace several items and recover from the physical trauma.
British Deer Association's technical advisor, Charles Smith-Jones, attributes the incident to the time of year, as roe bucks are particularly active during the rutting season. The author of literature on deer-based matters further explains that the buck's behavior is due to the mating season, causing them to move quickly and survey their territories. Smith-Jones advises that cyclists should be cautious of erratic movements in foliage and avoid veering towards deer while in a car.
The highest risk period for these types of encounters is between sunset and midnight, as well as the hours shortly before and after sunrise. Smith-Jones emphasizes the importance of being aware of surroundings and warning others about the potential for wildlife crossings. The journalist intends to continue riding hard on gravel, but limit high-intensity efforts to open expanses, where wildlife can be preempted, and always be cautious when navigating through leafy countryside corridors.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
