Other muses

Night rides and animals -
Why is wildlife so unaware of cyclists? We had a badger pass through between the cyclists in a group of ten riders one night. Still don't know how we missed it.
Had a big dog wander into the road - shouted at it, it stopped and then as I got closer it turns out to be a deer! Surely they are supposed to be timid.

Other animals -
Tried to clear a cat out of the way by hissing at it - it took off but straight up the path beside me! A cat can keep up with a fat slow cyclist for 4.3secs before admitting defeat and sitting back down!
Squirrels - if in middle of road aiming at them to miss them may not work as they are liable to run off one way change their mind and run under your wheel.... yuk!
Dogs, just scary! Don't you just love the ones that can't get out so wait until just AFTER you ride by to start barking furiously! Slightly better than the damn collie on my commute which will attack and is faster than me
Ducks, Low flying no concept of avoidance tactics will fly into you and knock you off. So nearly happened at the weekend!
Buzzards, too bloomin’ curious will fly over/in to you to see what you are!

4000 miles - You might be interested in the cost thus far of all these miles, now a lot of this stuff was very secondhand at the start but it all has had to be binned, some was even brand new this year (ish!):
12 brake blocks
1 bottle cage
1 set of brake calipers
3 tyres
3 chains
8 batteries for lights
1 set of cleats
About 20 inner tubes - rubbish roads, Grrrr!
And I think the rims on the winter wheels are too worn to be safe now.

Might start a log of all the bits that wear out - what do you think? No I wont be including knees, teeth or such like even if they are going.
Actually is it normal for your knees to make grinding squelching noises as you walk up stairs? Double Yuk!