The following is an edited version of an inclusion within the Green laning Associations Newsletter of late last year which has direct implication to us as users of Green Lanes and the countryside in general.
I hope you find the details of the report interesting.
Certainly provoked a little thought for me, if not many unhappy memories and tales of animation!

More than 160 competitors reported symptoms such as Diarrhoea and vomiting following a Welsh mountain biking event last summer.

Over 660 riders took part in the event in the summer and half of them filled in an online questionnaire after an initial report of people falling sick.

Despite rumours of suspicions within rambling circles that it was simply divine retribution for recklessly using paths without the aid of farcical ski poles, a report from the National Public Health Service for Wales concluded that the outbreak was most likely Campylobacteriosis, spread to the cyclists by mud which was contaminated with sheep faeces.

Heavy overnight rain was likely to have contributed to the outbreak by increasing the amount of liquid mud on the course.

The report further recommends pre-packaged food being eaten out of the wrapper at future events, avoiding the use of soiled drink and food containers and washing hands wherever possible.

A set of decent mudguards and keeping a firmly closed mouth might help.

Campylobacteriosis is an infection by Campylobacter.

Although a relatively small number of these organisms cause illness in humans, it is the most common cause of stomach upsets.

The usual routes of transmission are Fecal-Oral, ingestion of contaminated food or water and the eating of raw meat, particularly raw or undercooked poultry.

Whilst some infected people show no symptoms at all, many get a severe dose of the trots, mostly including cramps, fever and pain.

The infection usually lasts up to a week.

The bug is not usually spread from person to person, but this can happen if the infected person is producing particularly large volumes of Diarrhoea.

So, whilst unlikely to be fatal, the effects of picking up the infection are pretty unpleasant, both for the sufferer and immediate bystanders.

What has this to do with Green Laning? Well, mundane chores such as repairing a flat tyre, or even just opening a gate may be enough to pick up the bug.

That isnt a problem as long as it doesnt get ingested so particular care should be taken when eating. If possible, hands should be washed with soap and clean water, or perhaps an Alcohol based cleaner before eating food.

Hmmmm!

Bosun