Came upon this freshly deceased but seemingly undamaged ratsnake a few miles out of Rocky Gap, probably missed saving it by 5-10 minutes. It should have ducked down into 1 of the enormous long potholes, almost pot-valleys that have developed on 61 since my last ride. Hope it was not one that Alex encounters often. Made a good decision to ride despite the forecast rain which did not materialize after the last shower that I waited for to pass through. And a 2nd good decision to not try the Kimberling or Grapefield climbs with my fitness level. But a 3rd decision was bad, to extend 61 into all of Lurich. After feeling decent at 1st, I really slogged it back those last 10-12 miles uphill and into a significant enough headwind, and with my by- then really painful distal extremities from arthritis, despite trying to preempt w/ pre-ride Tylenol-8hr. Lily season in full swing, as is the Kudzu coming on. I used to do farm calls for I think it was Jimmy Caudill 30-35 years ago @ the currently Sarvers farm, they have spruced up the entrance quite a bit there now, since Mr. Caudill passed away.