Bees....Bees...Bees...... [Archive] - Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists Discussion Forums

manual63

08-02-2003, 01:21 PM

I was stung twice today right after the table in the XX Loop. Anyone know of any bee hives in that area and is there anything we can do about it if we find one? Another guy told me he was stung last week. I had a horrible day today. I was stung in the leg and back at the same time and I crashed twice, once on the log right after the table and then later in the rock garden not too far from the XX Loop exit.............I still had tons of fun though.....so who cares.

gopherhockey

08-02-2003, 01:37 PM

Hmmm.. I've never run into the bees, but I'll keep an eye out. If anyone spots something let us know, perhaps there is a way we can go out and take care of it. I'd hate for more people to get stung.

Maybe you just jumped higher than most and got their attention...? ;)

Dr. Guitar

08-02-2003, 02:02 PM

My friend got stung twice at Battle Creek not too long ago. Maybey it is a boom year for hives.

legoshoe

08-02-2003, 10:54 PM

Your going to start seeing more bees around starting this month and into september as they start to become more aggressive. (They must know that their butts will become frozen or something).

Last year, I ran into a hive while riding around late August and got popped 5 times by those bad boys. YAHHH!:shocked:

jcm44

08-03-2003, 12:07 AM

I got stung in the LIP last weekend. First time at leb too.

yetirider

08-03-2003, 08:27 AM

Got stung yesterday (Sat.) morning in the just after the log ride. There must be something there.

Right on the top of my head through a vent in my helmet.

There must be a hive around there!

socrates

08-03-2003, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by manual63
I was stung twice today right after the table in the XX Loop. Anyone know of any bee hives in that area and is there anything we can do about it if we find one? Another guy told me he was stung last week. I had a horrible day today. I was stung in the leg and back at the same time and I crashed twice, once on the log right after the table and then later in the rock garden not too far from the XX Loop exit.............I still had tons of fun though.....so who cares.

Rode it 3 times yesterday morning didn't see anything...Thursday I ended up walking through here because of a broken chain and didn't see anything so I don't think the hive is too close

manual63

08-03-2003, 11:31 AM

I day later, now the two stings itch like crazy, but I can't even feel the scape on my knee from one of my crashes yesturday. Must mean I should go ride again....huh.

socrates

08-03-2003, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by manual63
I day later, now the two stings itch like crazy, but I can't even feel the scape on my knee from one of my crashes yesturday. Must mean I should go ride again....huh.

Just got back...no sign of bee's...but I must say I rode through that section as fast as I could just in case :D

Crash

08-03-2003, 03:07 PM

They have moved on to Murphy. :crazy:

Rode their yesterday with Bright Yellow and we both got bit :mad:

socrates

08-03-2003, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by Crash
They have moved on to Murphy. :crazy:

Rode their yesterday with Bright Yellow and we both got bit :mad:

Gosh I haven't been stung last last summer back on Akron when unfortunately I was riding an old canal boat path doing about 20mph and my finger ran into a bee who left me with a reminder of our visit...guess I'll have to ride really quick for the next few weeks to avoid getting stung......you know at Leb today on my first lap, the climb out from the parking lot there was a honey bee about 2 feet infront of me keeping pace...with all the posts about bee's in the last few days I can't say it didn't cause me to get off the path to try and get away from it.

Dr. Guitar

08-03-2003, 05:49 PM

My half-brother is alergic to bee stings. My other half-brother isn't, and I don't know if I am. If someone was to get stung, and start to have a reaction, what are you supposed to do?

jitterjepp

08-03-2003, 10:53 PM

If you find yourself in a situtation where someone is having a alergic reaction to a sting or a bite and they are not prepared you need to go get help. You can't do anything else. It's basically a severe form of life threatening shock. The only life saving thing that can be done is to give the person a shot of epinephrine (adrenalin) . If they start getting welts or start acting like they have asthma get out the cell phone or start running/riding for help. Don't wait around to see if they are going to be ok. They aren't.

Kingbozo

08-04-2003, 07:36 AM

Ran into some at Battle Creek yesterday. Somewhat on topic-Does anyone know where to get that new "Ultrathon" repellant from 3M? I have checked at Target and Menards without any luck. I used this stuff in Wyoming and it is unbelievably effective.

SuperClydesdale

08-04-2003, 09:00 AM

Sean

Midwest Mountaineering carries Ultrathon in cream form only. I am sure I have seen it at Target as well. In any case, here is 3M's list of retailers who carry ultrathon (http://http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/scianglers/ultrathon_buy.jhtml).

Regards
Mark

Kingbozo

08-04-2003, 09:25 AM

Thank you kindly

manual63

08-04-2003, 09:36 AM

Speaking of Ultrathon, I was wondering if there is any type of repellant that also acts as sunscreen. If not, we need some investors.

Some camping trips I end up putting on sunscreen in the day and then repellant on after and it just starts to feel awful with all that crap on my skin.

KleinCrazy

08-04-2003, 09:52 AM

There are a number of sunscreen/bug repelant mixtures out there.

They all come in lotion form and I havn't scene any effectiveness studies.

I do know that Ultrathon comes in a lotion but I don;t know if it includes a sunscreen.

James

cheese4brains

08-04-2003, 09:58 AM

There's an article about combination sunscreen/bug repelents in the August issue of Outdoor Photographer. Here's a link to the article:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/content/2003/aug/solutions_repellent.html

It mentions bees in the introduction, so I assume that most of the products apply to ticks, mosquitoes and bees.

manual63

08-04-2003, 10:17 AM

I can see a repellant working on most insects, but bees, like what got me Saturday, usually sting in a sudden encounter. I don't think they have time to be sent away by a repellant. I was stung on the back on my neck when I was airborn over the table. I am sure I just ran into it when it was flying and it's first reaction was to sting the large object flying through the air......LOL. The second one got into my shorts leg and was trapped and stung my inner thigh. Luckily I had the good ol tights on under my baggies......:shocked:

debermart

08-04-2003, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by Dr. Guitar
My half-brother is alergic to bee stings. My other half-brother isn't, and I don't know if I am. If someone was to get stung, and start to have a reaction, what are you supposed to do?

I am allergic and (usually) carry an epinephrine injector with me. However, if you have never been stung and think you might be allergic, you should carry a container of benadryl with you. Take the benadryl as soon as you are stung and it should head off the reaction. If you are really concerned, go and see an allergist and get tested so you can get a prescription for epinephrine if needed. Speaking from experience, anaphylaxis is not a fun experience.

Cheers

Steve

jcm44

08-04-2003, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by Kingbozo
Ran into some at Battle Creek yesterday. Somewhat on topic-Does anyone know where to get that new "Ultrathon" repellant from 3M? I have checked at Target and Menards without any luck. I used this stuff in Wyoming and it is unbelievably effective.

I work at 3M. I think we might have some in the company store. I should just buy a case and sell it at the trailhead.

gopherhockey

08-04-2003, 12:00 PM

Ultrathon rules. Better than anything else I have used out on the trail during trailwork or riding.

$3.99 at Cub Foods this week... look right inside the door where they put all the bulk cheap stuff.

Crash

08-06-2003, 09:33 AM

Damn, I got stung again last night :mad:

This time at Lebanon. This is like the third time this year. Weird thing is, I can't remember the last time I was stung by a bee in past years.

manual63

08-06-2003, 09:41 AM

Must be bee season......

Kingbozo

08-06-2003, 09:42 AM

They were all over Battle Creek this weekend. I got nailed in the cheek.

Brick

08-06-2003, 09:49 AM

What is it w. Bees and bikes?? I was stung on the eyelid several years ago (crashed the bike badly as a result) . It got up under my glasses on a downhill and was quite pissed off.

As far as allergies go, if you know you have this condition, make sure you have a bee-sting kit, and make sure the people you are riding with know how to use it, and someone should have a cell phone to call for help. I've had to med-evac several folks out of the woods for this very reason over the years.

jcm44

08-06-2003, 10:25 AM

i got stung in the arm, and now my arm is all red and itchy. i know my dad almost died from a bee sting, but i don't think they bother me. i just don't know why my arm would turn all red around the sting...

manual63

08-06-2003, 11:00 AM

I was stung on Saturday and both of my stings are now little tiny scabs. They still itch though. I don't know if this is normal, because it's been about 10 years since I have been stung.

socrates

08-06-2003, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by manual63
I was stung on Saturday and both of my stings are now little tiny scabs. They still itch though. I don't know if this is normal, because it's been about 10 years since I have been stung.

yes it's normal...most over the counter allergy (anti-itch) medication should help keep the slight swelling/itching down

noise_is_life

08-06-2003, 11:17 AM

What is it w. Bees and bikes??

Maybe it's the buzzing of your freewheel, so just keep pedaling.:cool:

viv

08-06-2003, 11:36 AM

I had one fly into my jersey. after it stung me I think I did more damage swatin the thing against my chest. It was one of those little ground bees. I also got one on the leg near the narrow rock climb.

manual63

08-06-2003, 12:44 PM

Originally posted by socrates
yes it's normal...most over the counter allergy (anti-itch) medication should help keep the slight swelling/itching down

Call me weird maybe......but not only am I against SUVs/SUTs, I am against taking medications if I can help it. I believe the body was meant to heal itself and taking medication weakens the bodies ability to heal itself. So unless I absolutely have to take a medication for something serious, I will not do it.

socrates

08-06-2003, 12:52 PM

jcm44

08-06-2003, 03:19 PM

Originally posted by manual63
Call me weird maybe......but not only am I against SUVs/SUTs, I am against taking medications if I can help it. I believe the body was meant to heal itself and taking medication weakens the bodies ability to heal itself. So unless I absolutely have to take a medication for something serious, I will not do it.

Oddly, enough I am the same way. People pop so many pills just to get rid of a headache, but rarely do people take the time to figure out what caused it. I took a few pills over x-mas to help with a headache and I nearly puked. They make my stomach uneasy and then I ended up with a stomach ache and a headache.

I feel like a little exercise and LOTS of water will keep almost anyone feeling good. Too many people don't drink enough water a day. Once I started drink 50 oz a day, I peed alot, but I always felt good, never thirsty either.

I also feel like a lot of the medicines just don't work or they only work for an hour. When I dislocated my shoulder in high school, I use to have to take about 3 advil every 3 hours just to help with the pain. After that I have taken maybe a handful of pain relievers.

edit: I hate SUV's too but for personal reasons

socrates

08-06-2003, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by jcm44
I hate SUV's too but for personal reasons

Maybe it's time we brought back the "I hug tree's all the time and hate Detroit because they force us to buy SUV thread again"

:sick:

funky-funky-chicken

08-06-2003, 03:47 PM

Okay, I'll admit it... I like drugs, sometimes just recreationally. :) I say better living through chemestry all the way. Sometimes, what the heck... take a couple of ibuprophen when riding.

Here at work, sometimes I take what I refer to as the "Triple Cocktail" just to stay awake: 2 Excedrine, 1 Snickers, wash it down with a Mountain Dew (Fully leaded of course.)

I'm sure I will die at an early age, but I will think it over while driving home in my H2.:laugh: :laugh:

Brick

08-06-2003, 03:52 PM

Originally posted by funky-funky-chicken

I'm sure I will die at an early age, but I will think it over while driving home in my H2.:laugh: :laugh:

....eat right, excersize, die anyways.

socrates

08-06-2003, 04:17 PM

Dupe Post

socrates

08-06-2003, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by funky-funky-chicken
Okay, I'll admit it... I like drugs, sometimes just recreationally. :) I say better living through chemestry all the way. Sometimes, what the heck... take a couple of ibuprophen when riding.

Here at work, sometimes I take what I refer to as the "Triple Cocktail" just to stay awake: 2 Excedrine, 1 Snickers, wash it down with a Mountain Dew (Fully leaded of course.)

I'm sure I will die at an early age, but I will think it over while driving home in my H2.:laugh: :laugh:

Oh Lordy John you better close this thread quickly....funky chicken is trying to get Shad uptight again

jcm44

08-06-2003, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by socrates
Maybe it's time we brought back the "I hug tree's all the time and hate Detroit because they force us to buy SUV thread again"

:sick:

This is completely off the subject of bees, but my mother was riding in an SUV, actually asleep in the passenger side, when the driver was startled by a dog in the back and went slightly off the road. When she corrected (going about 55 mph), the suv crossed the road again and flipped. Not once, but 3 times. The first time is was completely airborn and it came crashing down on the passenger side. The roof caved in 29 inches coming down on my mother's head. The suv continued to roll. Why did the suv flip? Because they are top heavy and have large tires that are bouncy and raise the center of gravity. The suspension is made to ride like a car so its not made to hold the weight of the suv. Why did the roof crash down? Because the door handle was not designed properly and the door flew open. The roof depends on the door for structural strength. In several tests this particular suv could not do a simple U turn at 45 mph without rolling. What's worse? The company knew all the problems for a number of years and "corrected" them by changing the name of the suv.

So its not about tree hugging and the envirnoment. Its about improperly design vehicals being driven by people that think 4WD means being able to drive 75 mph in any condition. They should try just making a simple U turn at 45...

Kingbozo

08-06-2003, 08:43 PM

Oh god, here we go again.

manual63

08-06-2003, 09:10 PM

U turn at 45 miles per hour. I think you are talking about the U turn test by the NHTSA which is not as tight as doing a U turn. I don't think my GTI couldn't do a U Turn at 45?

I am not going to get into the SUV thing again. The one mentioned below is the Bronco II turned Explorer. The Explorer is just a modified Bronco II and is very dangerous. This is the bee thread......so I will shut up now.........

Rest of MORC members sigh in relief as Shad does not go off on SUVs again.......

Dr. Guitar

08-06-2003, 09:17 PM

Up on top of Battle Creek there is a hot bed of bees. I was at the clearing on the very west edge that over looks HW61, at the top of the hill with a zigzag climb. I had a Bumble bee hit me in the cheek. Nothing happened. Later, I was passing back through that area, and came upon some other riders. I pulled off to the grass and kept riding. I had slowed a bit, and then noticed I was about to plow though a bit of brush where I saw several regular bees. Luckily I was able to stop w/o pissing any of them off.

Has anyone considered contacting the park service or a beekeeper? There may be someone other there that might like to collect, and remove them.

As for the Bennidryl (sp), does it matter if they are in pill form? I take that from time to time, and will carry some with me from now on.

socrates

08-06-2003, 09:42 PM

Originally posted by jcm44
They should try just making a simple U turn at 45... Sorry I'll just post once John and let it go after that....I'd love to see a standard car do a "simple U turn at 45"

socrates

08-06-2003, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by Kingbozo
Oh god, here we go again. Nope...this threat is about Bee's and Leb...and thankfully I haven't seen any out there yet...but I probably just cursed myself...as a side note as a caution on yesterday's group ride I did make sure there was enough distance between Shad and myself cause it seems the Bee's really like him

socrates

08-06-2003, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by manual63
U turn at 45 miles per hour. I think you are talking about the U turn test by the NHTSA which is not as tight as doing a U turn. I don't think my GTI couldn't do a U Turn at 45?

I am not going to get into the SUV thing again. The one mentioned below is the Bronco II turned Explorer. The Explorer is just a modified Bronco II and is very dangerous. This is the bee thread......so I will shut up now.........

Rest of MORC members sigh in relief as Shad does not go off on SUVs again.......

Remember this is about bee's but if I was a bee I'd be able to tell you that the Bronco II and the Explorer had difference chassis (and I'd also agree the Bronco II wasn't even close to being bee worthy)

socrates

08-06-2003, 09:53 PM

Originally posted by Dr. Guitar
As for the Bennidryl (sp), does it matter if they are in pill form? I take that from time to time, and will carry some with me from now on. No any form of Benedryl will do...actually anything with an antihistamine will help keep the swelling/ichiness down so Claritin D will work too and a ton of other meds

ryno lite

08-09-2003, 08:27 PM

Looks like I'm a member of the bee sting club at Lebanon! One stung me today at about 5pm on the XX loop right after the ugly looking log pile early in the XX loop. One of those things that never crossed my mind till this thread started and sure enough I get nailed myself! After you get stung, you start to notice all the bees flying around. I actually did see a ton of them flying around on the XX loop! Watch out, they sure seem to be active. I usually ride later and it doesn't seem to ever be a problem. Oh well, just glad I'm not allergic to them! Other than that though, great day to ride!

SPR

08-09-2003, 09:25 PM

Interesting topic about the bees. As I was riding leb Friday afternoon I was keeping an eye out but did not come accross or see any of them. What is strange however is I got stung getting into my vehicle after work on Monday and I was stung again this evening on my toe in my backyard. :( I guess I'm not allergic but it sure hurts.

Brick

08-09-2003, 11:04 PM

I think it's just the time of year--I just got back from a week out in Vermont, and was buzzed constantly by bees whenever I was outside.

I also have vague memories of bees getting into partially full soda cans @ this time of year, as well as having to kinda not linger too long by the garbage cans at the state fair.

A couple of good hard freezes should date care of the problem.....:crazy2: :crazy2:

gopherhockey

08-10-2003, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by Brick
A couple of good hard freezes should date care of the problem.....:crazy2: :crazy2:

Not to change the subject too much, but I cannot wait for it to start cooling off and get dark earlier. Last year the riders really started to thin out as it got cooler - but then we had a really long nice cool spell with no snow and the riding was great!

Trail work in September and October is sooo much more fun than any other time of the year as well. When the leafs start falling you can really get in and flag/built trail - and being nice and cool out with so few bugs. Ahhhh... come on fall! ;)

(sorry, must be the northern Minnesotan in me...)

Nite riding is going to rock this year at Leb... especially since it won't close to biking until we get a heavy snow.

socrates

08-10-2003, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Not to change the subject too much, but I cannot wait for it to start cooling off and get dark earlier. Last year the riders really started to thin out as it got cooler - but then we had a really long nice cool spell with no snow and the riding was great!

Trail work in September and October is sooo much more fun than any other time of the year as well. When the leafs start falling you can really get in and flag/built trail - and being nice and cool out with so few bugs. Ahhhh... come on fall! ;)

(sorry, must be the northern Minnesotan in me...)

Nite riding is going to rock this year at Leb... especially since it won't close to biking until we get a heavy snow.

YUCK...COLD?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?! DOUBLE YUCK

That's great news about the trail staying open for riding until a "heavy" snow :banana:

noise_is_life

08-10-2003, 12:51 PM

I love riding in the spring and fall, it is always a little hard for me to stay motivated to ride in the middle of the summer.

One note on bee stings, my wife is a professional gardener, so she has lots of run-ins with bees. She said that vanilla takes the sting away (and a little dab behind each ear helps with that post ride funk :) ), they always keeps some handy on site.

manual63

08-12-2003, 09:33 AM

I don't like the cold. I will take the bees over colder weather anyday. My body gets stiffer in the cold and it's...................well.......cold out.

gopherhockey

08-12-2003, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by manual63
I don't like the cold. I will take the bees over colder weather anyday. My body gets stiffer in the cold and it's...................well.......cold out.

No way man - get your lights ready - its group NIGHT ride at Lebanon well past Christmas this year!!

Start buying your layers now everyone..... I feel a chill in the air already! (ok, so maybe its my air conditioner.. but I can dream...)

:crazy:

socrates

08-13-2003, 07:18 AM

Originally posted by gopherhockey
No way man - get your lights ready - its group NIGHT ride at Lebanon well past Christmas this year!!

Start buying your layers now everyone..... I feel a chill in the air already! (ok, so maybe its my air conditioner.. but I can dream...)

:crazy: Lemme get this straight, the guy who lives 0.5 miles from Leb Hills, who has to drive to the trail head really enjoys the outdoors especially when it's cold out???

I'm with Shad on this one John and maybe on my next transfer my company will finally realize when I ask for FL, TX, AZ I really mean those states not MI, OH, MN!!!

TML

08-13-2003, 02:07 PM

I'll have to chide in and back John on this one. Fall riding has to be some of the best, in my book at least. The cool air, the good scenery, that fall smell. . . Night riding. . . Ohh, it cant come soon enough!

-good campin' weather too!

:)

BrightYellow

08-13-2003, 03:33 PM

The fall is definitely the best time of year to ride. When the colors turn, you get that smell of fall. Night riding kicks ass! And, it is the only good time to ride the river bottoms.... Well, fall and winter. Winter riding at the river bottoms is pretty damn good.

Trevize1138

08-13-2003, 04:07 PM

You're all wrong!

Winter time isn't for biking, it's for boarding! :banana:

Get yo butts out on a long, skinny racing snowboard with hard boots this winter and learn yourself something about cornering with your face inches from the ground. It all applies to biking and you'll corner like a maniac come spring. :)

Plus, it's damn fun. Check these guys out:

www.extremecarving.com

martini

08-13-2003, 07:11 PM

Yeah boarding may be fun, but around here? uhg. can't stand it! Gimme a nice long run out west, and I'll join you anyday!

I have to back John up too. There ain't nuthin' like fall riding. Dry trails(ok, like we have wet ones now...), colors all around, the crisp smell, cooler, dry air, and most importantly, nearly empty trails. Shad, you're more than welcome to wimp out on us in the fall, leaves more trail for the rest of us!:D Autumn is THE season around here. As nice as summer and spring can be, autumn is the shizznit!

Trevize1138

08-15-2003, 12:04 PM

Autumn riding is just sweet. Many a happy memory of riding on sunny, cool, colorful days in early/mid-October :)

DUH: of course boarding in the mountains is better. I try to make the best of it here, though, and see it as good for keeping in shape for my yearly Bozeman trip :) But, yeah, we'll have to hook up sometime at Mt. Kato fo sho. Either for biking or boarding next time I'm in the neighborhood ;).

socrates

08-17-2003, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by BrightYellow
Winter riding at the river bottoms is pretty damn good. Hmmm..there's an awesome idea!!!! :banana:

manual63

08-18-2003, 02:03 PM

I bought a head mounted light for camping and since I know Lebanon fairly well, I will ride in the fall with it. It should do the trick and I don't want to spend a bunch of money for some crazy Hella type light system on my bicycle. The cold, well.......I guess I have to deal with it whether I like it or not.

manual63

08-19-2003, 01:53 PM

I can't believe it! I hadn't been stung in over ten years and this year I have been stung 3 times. Yes, I got stung yesturday at Leb. I was with Chris, Andy (not the one on here), and Dave in the intermediate loop when a bee caught on my front brake finger (you know which one that is........right?). Man it hurt like a bit#$!!!! So, counting the two earlier, which started this thread, and the one yesturday, I am up to three bee stings this year. Maybe I will go for the record.............what is the record anyway?