Two Bears

I have ridden quite a few time in Payson Canyon over the years.  In fact 26 times just last summer could have been a season record.  Although I have heard Payson Canyon is full of black bears, I have never seen one there.

Right at the mouth of the canyon where Peteetneet Creek crosses the road a Big Black Bear loafed across the road as we were driving up the canyon to ride.  He kicked it up a gear when we came upon him and scrambled up the hill.  The bear was only 10-15 feet from us.  Jesse turned to me and said he had never heard or seen a bear down so low before.  We watched him climb up the hill and then drove up the canyon for our usually morning mountain bike ride.

Until this morning my Utah bear sightings were at one.  Once in the La Sal Mountains a couple years ago and now this one in Payson Canyon.  Crazy I know with how much I am outside riding and doing different things.

We coming down Jones Ranch just after the lower gate we spotted another large Black Bear off to my right.  He climbed up the hill and dove into the deep foliage out of sight.

Hmm.  Two Black Bears in one morning on the same ride?  It was awesome but also makes me start to wonder. 

Is it better to ride faster so the bear can get your slower friends?

Or

Is it better to be out in front and come around a corner and have your light shine face to face with a bear before your friends get there?