Now even cycling gets you killed

Wife and I came up on a Black bear two years ago mtn biking near Sisters Oregon. The wife was further back and didn't see it as I came around a corner all I saw was the rear end hauling a$$ away from me. The bear was I'm guessing either getting a drink form a small stream or eating. Needless to say I think both of us were startled. I was concerned at the time that it could've been mom and a sow or two. Ever since then we start ringing the bells on the bikes way ahead of that area.
I do carry, but I don't think I would've had time to grab it. It was probably 50' away.