Had one of the scariest moments in my life today while out on a MTB ride with a friend here in Laguna. I was flying down this single track when I came around a corner to see a rattle snake laying in the trail. I panicked a bit and tried to come to a stop, but instead I got caught in a rut and fell over, landing right over the snake. I was on the ground with the bike on top of my and the snake was literally right between my legs. I was in shock, but kept very still, as I have had snakes before and know a little bit about their background. As I sat there for a couple seconds thinking what to do I remembered that my friend would be coming in the next 30-40 seconds, which would have either scared the snake, or he would have ran into me laying in the dirt. I wasn't sure if I should be still and hope he would slither away, or if I should make a quick move for it. At about that time he flickered his tongue, but it was a slow flicker. I knew what this meant, that he was cold and not real active, so I made the decision I was getting out of there. I through my bike off me and jumped up and back probably quicker than I could ever duplicate. My heart was pounding and about 15 seconds later my friend comes rolling around the corner asking if I was OK.
Definitely won of the scariest moments I have ever had and thank god I came away with only a few scrapes from the dirt and rocks... which is fine by me.
Note to be taken, when the weather heats up, the snakes come out. And there are plenty around CA, especially in Laguna Beach, so look ahead and be prepared to bunnyhop or slow down quick.