Caught on Camera: Free-Range Cow Rams Woman on Bike!

These days there's often a lot of talk of the benefits of free-range farm animals. But for one Fresno, Calif., woman, the more animal-friendly rearing technique could have turned deadly. A free-range cow charged her while she was cycling, causing her to fly 30 feet down a hill off her bike.

The local ABC affiliate (KFSN) reports that Melanie Spigelmyre was left "battered and bruised, but okay" after the bovine slammed into her over the weekend. Spigelmyre was training for a cross-country bike race and the team photographer happened to catch the action.

KFSN has more:

A 10 person cycling team was riding in the foothills near Trimmer Springs Road in Eastern Fresno County Saturday. Just 10 minutes into the ride, they came upon this herd of free-range cattle.

"As soon as I come around the corner, he just barrels and t-bones me. Sends me about 30 feet down the hill."

Watch the local report:

Spigelmyre was airlifted to the hospital with no serious injuries identified, except a severe bruise that has her arm in a sling. Her bike -- called Orbea Princess -- and her helmet got the rougher end of the deal. The bike's frame splintered and the helmet cracked.

Spiegelmyre told KFSN that she is moving on and it was for a good cause. She and her teammates are riding to raise awareness about organ donation after Crystel Stanford, a 29-year-old cyclist from Calif., died in a bike crash last May but left a legacy, donating eight of her organs.