The creepy crawly factor for me is tripped by
#1. the # of legs it has... Centipedes/millipedes, GROSS!
#2. Is it any kind of cockroach? Absolutely hate them.
#3. Jerusalem Crickets. I don't know why they freak me out as bad as they do but I honestly just cringe when I see them...
I was doing a 24 race in Lake Oroville a few years ago. I wasn't in shape, so I was taking it pretty easy. I noticed a lot of the Jerusalem Crickets out on the trail - they really stood out with the helmet light. Decided to take a little siesta at the top of a hill. Pulled over out of sight of the trail, laid down on my jacket, back flat to the ground and fell asleep. I felt something on my hand... Opened my eyes and could see the Jerusalem's cricket on my hand.
Screamed like a little girl!!!! Jumped up, swatted myself in case there were more, jumped on the bike and rode like hell. Heart was going about 140 before I turned a single pedal stroke!
angela