Deer strike.

[Cormanus]

Flynrider, In Australia we'd say "what a bast*rd, mate!" Bad luck—and I fear it is bad luck; you can't really control deer. I'm really pleased you and the bike came through that hideous experience with relatively little harm. It's even good that you were able to get back on the bike and continue your ride. Even better, you're going to ride about it.

Normally I'd say deer aren't a problem in Australia, we just have to worry about kangaroo, but someone's erected a deer warning sign not far from my home. I guess someone's breeding them and they get out occasionally to torment motorcyclists. I suppose I'll have to start being very careful indeed.

I've had a bee go up the sleeve of my jacket and sting me. It was alarming when it happened and very uncomfortable for a time afterwards.

Glad you're OK.

PS, when you guys mention roads you really like, I often try to look at them on Google Maps. Both the ones you mentioned in the foregoing tragedy look excellent. I wish I could've had a lot more time in the US!