Cow Poo

BiggerBoat

I ride in south Cheshire (UK), which is mostly dairy farming. When it rains the roads get pretty messed up with mud and cow muck. It takes ages cleaning my bike when I get back as the stuff is very corrosive. Could someone recommend a clip on mud guard for road bike. Also, has anyone else had problems with cows? Thanks!

Bronzie

Raceblades will keep the muck off you and should even fit a race bike with tight clearances. Note however that they won't keep the cack out of the face of anyone riding behind you (they are too short), so if you intend to ride with others, maybe look at trying to fit full guards, or bodge something together that will do the job.

heavymental

I think SKS Raceblades are the standard. I don't own any myself but they are often recommended. I do have the same problem here which makes some of the rural lanes on my favourite rides pretty unpleasant. Thats why I'm a fairweather cyclist :oops:

Richie G

I use SKS Raceblades- certainly noticed when i'd taken them off for summer and got caught in a downpour! Mind, wish the guy in front of me on sunday had got some- got splattered!

davecooper

The other thing about wet cows muck is that it is the most slippery thing this side of very slippery ice. In fact I'd rather come off on ice if I had to choose.

OnTow

Yeah, but if you slide on cow poo, you'll glide - unhurt - for miles
It's the worst substance on earth - There's a farm on my regular ride, that's rather inconveniently at the top of a hill - plus they have pigs - so the descent is something quite entertaining at the best of times.
I reckon it's got to become a TUV standard grip test for bike tyres!

The theory is that you don't need a tread pattern on a bike tyre - however I suspect that's only true with regard to aquaplaning on a wet road - I'm considering a treaded or at least dimpled tyre for this winter's patty infested lanes (he says, stealing the wife's Rubinos).

BiggerBoat

Thanks for all the replys and recommendations. This weekend looks like more fun and games in the rain. Its the only chance I get. I'd rather put up with cow muck than sit at home!

Monty Dog

Yup - learn to ride and breathe through your nose and don't lick your lips afterwards. Also wipe your bottle top before taking a drink - cryptospiridium is commonly carried in cow muck.

giant_man

Yes lots of mud around my way - again farms mostly - had come from tractors coming off the fields I'm guessing - and I didn't have my mudguards on today. Oh well time for a clean I guess.

3leggeddog

Strange how builders are required by law to clean public roads which they have muddied, farmers however are a law unto themselves.

A little bitter after a 20 min delay due to a herd of cows!

giant_man

Yes you're right. Farmers are not held viable for much these days it seems.

APIII

3leggeddog wrote:

Strange how builders are required by law to clean public roads which they have muddied, farmers however are a law unto themselves.

Ah yes, but then farmers don't tend to run you off the road with their tractors

3leggeddog

APIII wrote:

3leggeddog wrote:

Strange how builders are required by law to clean public roads which they have muddied, farmers however are a law unto themselves.

Ah yes, but then farmers don't tend to run you off the road with their tractors

They do round here wher the roads are only tractor wide

stu99

On a related point, you might want to make sure that the top of your drinking bottle is well protected from any fine spray that might come up from your front tyre.

I doubt that UK cow poo carries the risk of any significant illnesses but avoidance is better than cure!