Goose Attack!

The  Canada goslings hatched this week.....hundreds of them along the Olentangy River.......cute, little balls of yellow fuzz. Mom and dad are always nearby, shepherding them on their way........and are understandably protective. Experienced cyclists know to avoid Mama and Papa Goose this time of year.

I've been hissed at dozens of times and I've seen geese put their heads down like they're ready to charge me, but today was the first time I've ever been attacked.

I was almost downtown and as I neared a 90 degree turn in the bike path, I saw a family of geese crossing the path. One of the adults had already crossed and the other adult and a half dozen goslings we getting ready to follow. As I slowed to make the turn, the adult goose nearest the path put its head down and started to hiss. Having seen this behavior many times before, I didn't think much ot it. But as I passed 3 feet in front of this hissing goose, it suddenly took off and flew right at me with its mouth open. I was shocked, but instinctively contorted my body to avoid his charge. Fortunately this was enough to cause him to miss me. The adrenaline rush enabled me to accelerate quickly so he didn't get a second chance to nip me.

I hope to have many reinforcements with me on Monday when we do our opening day ride to commemorate National Ride Your Bike to Work Week. I'll be ready for the geese if they decide to attack again.