Biking the Outback Blacktop

     For most bicycle enthusiasts, any time you can get out is good. But there are some times of the year when it can be truly rewarding for those that pay attention to critters on the road. Sure, there's lots of DOR (Dead on the Road) to observe; but, there's also opportunity for seeing some other very interesting live creatures. This is particularly the case for the blacktops and back roads of the Red Hills. In this interesting land and at the right time of year and temperatures, you might find all of the various creepy crawlies seen in this post. On one recent late afternoon, the blacktops were alive with life. Bicycling has many benefits for the body and soul but one in particular is the slower pace of travel and the proximity of pavement that allows for better perception of life in the Kansas Outback. 

Some days on the more remote back road blacktops of the Red Hills, there is hardly
any car/truck traffic which makes for a safer trip. With the right weather
and temperatures, finding critters can be very fruitful.

September and October is the fall movement time for Texas Brown Tarantulas.
At the right times, dozens can be seen on any particular road trip.

Of eight legs available, this poor tarantula had one bad one.

Probably the creepiest critter of the outback is the Giant Desert Centipede.
This 8 inch one was keeping company with the tarantulas.

Don't let this thing crawl up your leg!

  

Many of these road creatures may not be your idea of a hand pet,
but, a juvenile Prairie Rattlesnake is certainly off limits!

And bicyclists can get on some of the gravel roads and just enjoy the scenery too!