Does anyone have a good solution for getting dogs not to chase you? I don't want to hurt the dog, just stop it from chasing me!
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Does anyone have a good solution for getting dogs not to chase you? I don't want to hurt the dog, just stop it from chasing me!
I could race and win if you put a dog behind me. My friend Linda and I are usually tied for the "dog sprint". The only thing I can say is talk to the game warden and get him to notify the owner of the dog that is a threat to you. You could also call the owner yourself if the name is listed on the mailbox or you know them. I have done this in the past when we have a weekly ride. I let the owner know we will be riding by their house every Tuesday night at 6:15 so please keep your dog in.
My bike club posted an article saying that you should yell "Go Home" to the dog and I have been doing that ever since. It works sometimes.
The best method I have found is to get faster!
I have been have seen shouting "go home" loud work. Also, riding faster is good advice, the dogs natural instinct is to come up from behind, which is where you want it to be, behind you, not at your side or at your front wheel. Often, once the dog has run to the end of his "territory" he will stop. Try squirting your water bottle at it if it gets too close, I've seen this work too. I have heard of a commercial dog repellent call "Halt" though I haven't tried it.
Is it always the same dog? If so, see if you can befriend it. Say "Come on! Let's go!" While I have never been chased by an aggressive dog (and I know they're out there), I have raced a few. And they always win the sprint. I'd rather have it be a friendly race than a race with a bite at the end. They can put on an amazing burst of short-term speed. Not sure of their top end, but pretty sure it's higher than mine.
My philosophy as regards dogs is this: they are instinctual pack animals with a strict hierarchy. They want to know where they fall in the pack; and are, of course, instinctively mistrustful of members of other "packs" (which includes us). Let the dog know, right away, your position in the pack. And that position is... above his/hers. If you don't want that dog bothering/following/chasing you, say so, loudly, firmly (and don't let your voice crack while commanding "No. Go home!") ;)
This will sound like a cliche, but don't show fear. If you show fear, you are inferior, and they can take you down (look it up... it's in the rule book... unless, of course, you're a puppy, then that's against the rules... "Not allowed to hurt the puppies"... but human adults are never "puppies"... kids are sometimes, but not necessarily).
If a dog attacks, get something (like your bike) between you and it, hopefully until it loses interest or someone arrives to help. As much as I love dogs (I've grown up around dogs, and have three now), I've made a determination to myself that if I ever have to fend off an attacking dog, I will hurt it, as badly as possible. If it's attacking me, it's because one or the other of us has violated the rules. Once someone breaks the rules, it's gonna be a fight.
Having spouted all my brave rhetoric, I have to admit to quailing inwardly when I pass a Rottweiler ("Please, please, please, doggy, stay inside the fence. Don't eat me."). So far, they've all stayed inside the fence. Here's a corollary to The Rules: Don't Mess With A Rottweiler (or any other aggressive breed). I think that the aggressive breeds also operate under the same rules of behavior of the other other dogs, with the exception that they'll break them sooner, and once they clamp on, they won't let go.
Whew! I think I'll go home and play with my Golden Retrievers now. :)
Lin
dsfa :eek: My experience with dogs has been that most will leave me alone once they are used to seeing me. I don't race them; I stop, turn around to face them, and yell very loudly-NO! GO HOME! Most will turn around or at least calm down. The really mean ones I shake my pump at; if that doesn't work, I have just recently begun carrying that Halt! spray. I hesitate to use it-I don't want to hurt the dog-it's really the owner who is at fault if a dog is misbehaving. But while walking my dog back in early May, he got attacked by an Akita-the owner was with it-and I ended up with a badly chewed dog and a broken hand. So far I've not had to spray any dog, but I did come very close once. The problem with sprays is that if you don't get the dog in the face, you'll probably just make them madder; and if there is a breeze, you may end up spraying yourself.
Overall though, if I yell really loudly and face the dog, they usually realize that I'm the boss, not them.
by the way, earlier in the thread, someone stated Rottweilers were mean dogs to be avoided-not so. They are actually quite friendly, if the owner hasn't ruined them. Try not to badmouth an entire breed over one poor owner. 'Course, I realize that's hard to remember when you have one chasing you....
See you on the road-good luck!
Don't look the dog in the eyes, but yell "Go Home" and/or "No" forcefully. Don't increase or decrease speed and be aware that vehicular traffic may be cluless to what is going on so will not be ready for you to swerve. Have Mace, Halt or similar easily accessible on your handle bars and do not be afraid to use it. It will only have a temporary physical impact on the dog, but may help it learn that cyclists are not lunch on wheels.
Just chatted with someone at my LBS. They said you can pick up some kind of noise-maker at a pet store that will keep dogs away from you. Haven't checked it out yet, but she swears by it. Keeps them from even getting close. I love dogs, bu not enough to provde them lunch if I am the entree!:p
My problem with dogs locally hasn't been with dogs that want to eat me for lunch. Rather, I've had a problem with a couple of too-friendly dogs who want to follow me for long distances. I had one follow me for 3 miles uphill recently. There was no way I could go faster to get away from it on the 8-9% grade (until I turned around at the summit and literally left it in the dust), so it just kept following me, wagging its tail the whole time. The scary part, was that despite my constant yelling for it to go home, it frequently stepped in front of me and I was afraid I was going to hit it and crash. A couple of cars coming down the hill as I was going up had to swerve to miss the silly dog too. I haven't seen any of the noisemakers to keep dogs away. I would be interested in hearing more about them.
I have an Astralian Cattle Dog... a herder to his very last tail hair. It's instinctive and no matter what I do (short of buying one of those remote control shock collars :( ) he will herd. Fortunately he's a 'heeler', meaning he does his herding from the rear, nipping at the 'heels' of whatever he thinks he needs direct.
He has an obsession with bike tires... he's not interested in the riders, he just wants to stop those black round things that are ignoring his yipping demands. Plus, he discovered they're rubber and now believes they are the coolest chew toy going.
When I'm out with him on an off-lead run or playgroup, I keep my eyes peeled for cyclists. I snag him by his collar or leash him up until the cyclist is well out of site. However, I have missed a couple, and Quidditch being true to form has run a speeding trail biker down and stopped 'em cold... he actually grabs the back tire (while its moving) and chomps it. Then his job is done and he says hi to the rider.
Yes, I always pay for the tire... and have given a couple of cyclists rides home when they were way out of walking distance.
All have been very understanding... even amused. Thank goodness.
On another doggie subject: heres a link to a velonews article by Tyler Hamilton about his buddy, Tugboat. It's a 'kleenx required' read...
http://www.velonews.com/diaries/ride...es/6639.0.html
I have a blue heeler, too! Her name is Lucky Lucy aka Lulu. When I go running it takes her a few minutes to get it out of her system to not 'heel' me before we can get into a groove. We have 8 fenced acres I run with her in but I don't take her cycling.
The mechanic at my LBS said to squirt dogs with water bottles. So far I've 1)practiced my sprinting 2) put the dog between me and hubby 3) yelled in a firm tone, "NO GO HOME"
Then there was the time about ten years ago when hubby and I were in a 50 mile bike race and a huge labrador came running out at us and I panicked and rode blindly into a car, who fortunately saw it coming and had stopped so the damage was minimal.
The "NO GO HOME" seems to work best for us.
Someone once mentioned pepper spray but I'd hate to have to use that. I don't mean them any harm. I guess if I were facing a Cyclist Eating Monster Dawg I'd reconsider but the two dogs that bug us on the road are really old ancient mutts that mean no harm and just trot out to the edge of the road and bark like mad at us when we cycle by.
Speaking of cycling....gotta go ride!
I'm a dog lover too ... was a groomer and trainer for 17 years. We get more than our share of loose dogs around here but most of them are no problem. Dogs who aren't familiar with bicycles aren't likely to recognize right off the bat that there are humans attached so we look like fair game to them. Most of the time these are friendly family pets and a gentle eye contact with a softly-spoken "well, hello there, fella" and you can watch their eyes soften as they realize there's a person up there and sit back. You can almost see the "oh bummer, THAT'S no fun!" thought-balloon over their heads. If that doesn't work, most dogs have at least learned the meaning of the word "no."
On the other hand, if a dog challenges me I'm not strong enough yet to try to outride him so I'll challenge him right back with my best top-of-the-lungs bring it on pal and I'll beat you to death with my bike voice accompanied by two more steps and I'll have you by the throat body language. The trick to the whole thing is to MEAN IT. If you don't firmly believe, beyond a shadow of a shade of a doubt, that you can kill that dog, don't start it. Thing is, I do ... at least, in that moment. ;)
That behavior on my part serves two purposes: First, I haven't met a dog yet that wasn't impressed enough to slow down long enough for me to get into a defensive (behind the bike) position, and second ... my voice is loud enough to bring the entire neighborhood out to see what's going on. Good fun at 5:30 in the morning. :D
I normally wouldn't respond to a 3-year old thread, but I think the last two posters missed the point. spazzdog brought up this old thread and talked about how her dog nips at tires. Yes, the old "NO! BAD DOG" seems to be the preferred defense. But in this case, I think spazzdog needs to be more responsible and keep her dog leashed unless she has complete voice command. This is for the safety of both the cyclist and the dog!This indicates that your dog has done this more than one or two times. What is it going to take for you to realize that you don't have control over Quidditch? The biggest problem you've encountered to date is paying for a few chewed tires. You, Quidditch and the cyclists have been very lucky.Quote:
Originally posted by spazzdog
I have missed a couple… I always pay for the tire… have given a couple of cyclists rides home
You don't know how the cyclist is going to react. You know your dog is harmless, but the cyclist doesn't. A panicked cyclist could easily crash or run into a car and not be as lucky as Kim. There is also the risk of injury to your dog.Quote:
Originally posted by Kim
a huge labrador came running out at us and I panicked and rode blindly into a car, who fortunately saw it coming and had stopped so the damage was minimal.
Also, please think about the fact that you have spoiled a more than one cyclist's ride. I assume that if they were "way out of walking distance", they were planning on riding more that day. But they ended up getting a ride home from you. And I'm not sure taking a ride from a stranger is such a great idea…Quote:
Originally posted by spazzdog
have given a couple of cyclists rides home when they were way out of walking distance.
I hadn't read this thread carefully but now I have.
all I can say is, you have got to be kidding - I am flabbergasted that you would allow your dog to do this more than once.Quote:
he actually grabs the back tire (while its moving) and chomps it. Then his job is done and he says hi to the rider.
As a dog owner and a cyclist, I totally second AG's leash advice. Better, leave him/her at home until you can get it trained. Cyclists everywhere will thank you.
Ultimately it's the owner's responsiblity to train the dog properly, or control it so that it doesn't cause problems. Nothing ruins a ride more for me than a dog that doesn't have good manners, no matter how well intentioned the owner or how sweet the dog. Mine is a dork and although lovable he's not well trained ( my fault, not his) therefore he stays home.
And before someone says that it's in their breeding and they can't help it (herd instinct etc) , I took a malemute to blue ribbon in obedience. He knew the difference between a slack leash proper heel and his pulling harness. Hire a professional trainer if you don't have the skill to break your dog of this inappropriate behavior.
Irulan
OK folks... before the flame gets any hotter. ..
Yes it is an issue and yes I continue to train my dog. I am a cyclist and 'get' the need, responsibility thing. It is a work in progress and he is getting better. I don't cop-out to the instinct thing... it is what it is. He's learning.
I have never endangered another cyclist. If he is out of reach I give a very loud warning to the cyclist, which has always been met with understanding and gratitude. There are lots of dogs around that cohabitate with the off road cyclists. The couple of rides I've given were before my dog was even a yr old. The riders were understanding... both were dog owners.
Be that as it may, I appreciate and understand your input.
I'm sad that you feel that two women expressing a strong opinion, politely,
that runs counter to your point of view is flaming, it is not. It's just a
different point of view. One should expect to encounter different points of view when posting to a public forum, people aren't always going to agree with you.
No one called you names, no one is hostile. I suspect that neither AG nor I would want to be on the recieving end of a dog that's training is a work in progress, that thinks bike tires are a chew toy.
I'm not known for my tactfulness, but I see nothing wrong with expressing
my opinion in a direct manner.
Irulan
Public apology!!
I didn't mean flaming - flaming. I had a momentary lapse of cyber-speak there. And I certainly didn't find anything anyone said hostile.
Read this as shaking hands.
Now no giggling. As once again I have managed to step in the old cyber doggie doo, I need to retire to the curb and get it off my sneaker.
Limping off, with that squishy noise.....
I was surprised to see the dog thread pop up again too.
You can read my dog-encounter story here
I should mention that I am a huge dog-lover and a Cattle Dog owner as well.
I don't really care about the intent of the dog who took me down; I only know that my bike and my body were damaged.
So far the owner is looking at a tab of at least $600 US. More if he or his insurance company fight the bill and we go to court.
Getting off (so far) only paying for damaged tires is lucky .
If your dog takes down and damages a full XTR rig, you could easily be looking at a bill of thousands of dollars. If your dog should ever injure a rider (even just "playing") your tab could skyrocket to five or six figures. Your premiums will go through the roof....
Wouldn't you really rather save the cash for bike chi-chi's???
Not flaming, just being practical as usual
:cool:
i'm actually glad that this thread came back to the top.. because we seem to have a terrible time with dogs in my city :( and calling animal control seems to do no good.
first.. i have to agree with the others, spazz... i can't believe you've let your dog chomp on tires more than once :( i'm still a new rider with new rider bike handling skills.. i'm sorry.. but if you were in my town and your dog bit my bike.. i would call animal control on you no matter how nice you were! that's just downright dangerous and unless a dog is in a fenced secured area or in a house or in a dog park.. i'm a firm believer that they have no business being off leash..
as for deterring chasing dogs.. i'm going to remember the NO GO HOME! i do carry dog mace but am reluctant to use it (i am a dog mommie after all... and don't really want to hurt another dog)... but like someone said.. if someone breaks the rules.. then the dog is getting sprayed!
i had a new dog experience sunday... we actually had many dogs want to run with us... hubby would say "come on" and "race" with them.. however on the way back.. all the sudden at one house.. FIVE dogs! HOLY POOP! this is after 30 miles (the longest i have ever gone so far.. so i'm tired! it was a slight upgrade... hubby said to me "GO" and i took off... didn't know i had it in me... fortunately the dogs did stop at thier property line (i didn't know it) and hubby was yelling to me to stop (didn't hear/understand him.. just kept peddling for my life screaming "are they still coming"... looking back it's comical.. cuz like i said.. didn't know i had it in me!
now hubby jokes and tells me to push myself by looking for those 5 dogs...
Spazzdog,
I had to wait a day before I responded to this thread. I am still deeply upset by what you say you allow your dog to do.
What do you do, yell out "Uh, look out, my dog might take a chomp out of your tire... d'oh, terribly sorry 'bout that ....!!!" ?Quote:
I have never endangered another cyclist. If he is out of reach I give a very loud warning to the cyclist, which has always been met with understanding and gratitude.
I wholeheartedly disagree with your assessment that you "have never endangered another cyclist".
On the contrary, you have absolutely and without a doubt endangered other cyclists by your inability to control your dog and your unwillingness to restrain it appropriately under situations in which you are fully aware you cannot control it.
I laid awake last night imagining the terror I would experience if a dog chased me down and attacked me on my bicycle.
The fact that you are a cyclist makes your actions even more unfathomable and, in my mind, inexcusable.
If you do continue to disregard the safety and well-being of others by putting your dog in situations in which you cannot control it, you should probably have a good lawyer lined up for the inevitable day in which your actions cause serious injury and/or significant property damage.
I have zero tollerance for negligent dog owners. Google the name Diane Whipple.
- Joanne
In the helpfull, kind , supportive, non-flaming tone of this board as a dog owner (pitbull mix) and a cyclist, I second AG's leash/training advice.
I think the operative quote is this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
he actually grabs the back tire (while its moving) and chomps it. Then his job is done and he says hi to the rider.
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"his job"....every dog has a job, your dog thinks "his job" is herding tires. He does his job then is rewarded, gets to say "hi" to the "herd". You wouldn't work for free, right? You work, get a reward (pay), your dog is being rewarded for doing the thing you DON'T want him to do.
He needs another job ;-)
He needs to be payed for that job. Dogs are "learning machines"
His job could be a promotion to "sitting as the bike goes by or doing a "watch me"". Professional herding dogs have that behavior, sitting or lying low so as not to spook the herd. Your dog can learn it too. The closer he gets to that behavior he gets a reward from you (treat, attention, toy). What your dog will work for? You could enlist the help of another rider to ride by and if he sits THEN the rider stops for a pet, no sit? Just rides by.
When I adopted my dog from the pound she barely had two tricks (sit, shake) but was not leash trained or socialized. Walking? forget about it, she'd pull your arm out of its sockets, she could not see another dog or she'd go nuts-uncontrolable, likewise bikes.
I knew that if she became a menace in the neighborhood, bit another dog or cyclist I'd have to put her down or keep her totaly fenced/locked. If she could not be walked by others then I can't get away, no one would be willing to watch her.
So I took her to an obedience class and worked with her myself every day. She now walks well on her loose leash, heels, on the "wrong side" but hey, at least she heels.
She may never be able to go into a dog park, she is part pitt and though she looks like a lab she has that "genetic whisper". But now when she sees other dogs she barks "I want to play" not "I'm scared of you and want to eat you alive".
We go to the dog park but we walk outside. But she loves this and we could never have done it before.
She's fine with bikes too. On the bike part I trained her while riding my cycleops in the off season! I'd ride and tuck yummy treats in my pocket, as she did her tricks I'd reward her verbaly ("yes, good dog" etc) then do a "find it" (toss the treat, she goes to find).
Deliberately I did not want to reward her for approaching a bike or getting near the wheels but she now associates bikes with training/treat times and is calm when they ride by like if a kid is riding on the sidewalk where we walk.
She's not perfect but she's come such a long way, like a different dog.
You have a wonderful and smart dog, your dog can learn! and it's such a bonding experience to train your dog....
well gotta go walk Mae....hope this helps
oh, just another quick note before I go, I was previewing this note and saw my footnote, the LA quote.
Don't you give up on this dog. When I started taking Mae to the dog park I had so much support from "dog people" they saw how much trouble Mae had being around other dogs and constantly complimented us for trying. They all said "thank you for not giving up on your dog" when she had good days (not reacting to other dogs) they noticed, when she had bad days (went nuts) they kept encouraging us. Your dog can learn, your dog depends on you, don't give up on him.
I'm sorry- I have to get in here too-
I had a dog that was part border collie- herding was in her genes too. I worked at a drive in theatre, she had run of the property during the day. But she started to chase the cars coming onto the field.
I had to nip that behaviour in the bud right away- for her own safety. And you do too- you cannot take a chance that your dog,while not leashed - would, however innocentl you think it is- harm another cyclist or itself.
I have seen what happens when people walk their dogs down a busy thoroughfare while not leashed- in one case the dog ran after something out of the blue and was killed by a car,in front of the family, including the kids. Why? He'd never done that before- but he was not under control- and I'm sorry but the owners were responsible. I've almost killed dogs who were off leash and the animal just jumped out of the car, and into the road. And the owner gives me attitude!
My border collie cross saw a deer and jumped out of the car window to chase it - took us all by surprise- fortunately she had a harness and a leash on, and hung outside the window unhurt until I brought the car to an almost immediate stop.
But it just goes to show you, even the most obedient dogs- and she had been through full obediance training -can surprise you.
You are in denial, that it is a "cute thing" that your dog does. A cute trick...It isn't- it is potentially dangerous for both your dog and unsuspecting cyclists.
Don't get me wrong- I love dogs, have owned them all my life, and had some pretty spectacular and emotionally important animals. But I never trusted them- they still have pack instincts.
If your animal cannot be trusted around cyclists then it is YOUR responsiblilty to ensure that it are leashed while outside AT ALL TIMES.Otherwise you will find yourself on the other end of a decidely uncute lawsuit, and possible charges...and your dog may even lose it's life.
I'm sorry to be so blunt- but when you tell a story like this as if it is acceptable, and even amusing - then you are fooling yourself, and allowing your dog to maintain this behaviour, even though you say you are "working" on it. By laughing about it you are condoning it- bottom line.
Controlling your dog is the only way to stop it.
And that means keeping it on a leash, and obedience training.
Sorry.
Kimba
Per mace/pepper spray: I'd think the risk of having that stuff blow back on you is too great to consider using it so it is really out of the question for me.
When I panicked and hit the car, which thank God stopped as she saw what was happening, it was ten years ago. I learned a highly valuable lesson: Kim is a 'take flight' rider so she better make sure she LOOKS before she flees in the direction of which she flees to.
I didn't realize this was an old post, however, a very interesting and valuable one. Ben and I tend to pick routes that avoid dogs if all possible. Right now our big worry is ratttlesnakes as they give birth here in Texas in August and you simply can't see the little critters until you are right up on and over one. Thus far I've not run over one, but probably would swerve into an eighteen wheeler preferring that over a snake any day. (Just kidding gals! I really have gotten control of my panic button in the past ten years. After all, this ol gal is nearly 40 ya know! Age and wisdom!)
i carry it... but do realize that if the time ever comes that i may have to use it.. it may end up on me...Quote:
Originally posted by Kim
Per mace/pepper spray: I'd think the risk of having that stuff blow back on you is too great to consider using it so it is really out of the question for me.
it never fails that i encounter the most dogs on windy days when i wouldn't/couldn't consider using the mace anyways :(
ultimately i guess if he/she were that close (or chomping on my and i still had my wits.. which is doubtful) i guess i'd give him a squirt!
First off - I appreciate and understand everyones feedback regarding my dog and his earlier tire obsession. As I said in an earlier post... I didn't feel uncomfortable with the concerns posted afterward. I wanted to clear up one other thing - i.e. the 'style' the story was written.
I tend to be lighthearted in my storytelling... I know that, with the absence of face-to-face obsevation, it may appear that I don't 'get' the seriousness of the issue - for that I apologize to the group. I do get it... I am a dog lover and a great believer in a well behaved pet. I also realize the dangers, both to cyclist and pet, regarding possible accidents. For those of you who may have been offended or thought I was simply a nutcase with a bad dog... again, apologies.
Now, as to mace/pepper spray deterants; I noticed for some there was a hesitation (in thought) to use them for fear of hurting the animal. Might I suggest a deterrant I've found to be useful: citronella spray. I use it on Quidditch as a training aid and it works where no other means has. It was recommended to me by a trainer.
The citronella doesn't hurt the dog physically, but a spray to the face really stops the action... most hate it. It's used in no-bark collars and the like as an alternative to shock collars. Admittedly, pepper spray is probably more of a sure thing since it tends to stop anything.
Just a thought...
I think its good that this thread is open again... it is an informative and supportive means of sharing info regarding what, for some, is a scary facet of cycling. The more folks that share their stories and what worked, the better equipped everyone is.
Respectfully - spazzdog
Thanks spazzdog. Very good advice, I appreciate it.
Where can one find citronella spray, is it known by some tradename ?
Regards, - Jo.
just a quick note, I favor a positive approach in all things...consider carrying treats if you know a dog is on your route!
You could toss the treat and the dog goes for that. Except that you are rewarding the dog for chasing but it could result in the dog LIKING cyclsits
my mailman does that! always has a box of milkbones in his vehicle! lol!:)Quote:
Originally posted by Trek420
just a quick note, I favor a positive approach in all things...consider carrying treats if you know a dog is on your route!
You could toss the treat and the dog goes for that. Except that you are rewarding the dog for chasing but it could result in the dog LIKING cyclsits
I use the stuff that came with the collar... I just buy a couple extra refill canisters. It's Premier Citronella Refill, found in pet stores and online pet supply under training collars.
The refill canisters are about 6 inches tall and easy to hold (think small bottle of hair spray/product). The only thing is, since it is made to refill the collar dispenser it doesn't have one of those little squirty buttons on top... you know the thing on top of the spray starch that falls off all the time :) ). So, I went through all the spray cannisters in the house (perfume, spray starch, etc) until I found one that fit... presto-chango a handheld doggie deterrant! There may be other sources for this stuff that come already equipped for 'combat', but this is works for me.
One of the good things about citronella, is that if blowback does occur, and it hits you, the worst thing that will happen is the mosquitos and flies will leave you alone :D . That is assumng that you have no allergy to citronella.
**Please use all tools in accordance with ones own health needs.
An even "cleaner" method is just a squirt of plain old water in the face--it will distract a dog enough for a cyclist to make their getaway. You don't need to carry any extra equipment and the only drawback is if you really need that water. I have been fortunate to only be "chased" by fenced dogs, but my husband has used this method a couple of times and it's worked.
vinegar and water works well too-
it gives a little something for them to be concerned about without hurting them...
they don't like the smell, and if it gets in their eyes it'll sting a bit. But a least you don't have to worry about blow back in a wind.
Kimba
A bit off-topic but I had to share this one with you, Kim -- one of the worst moments thus far of my (short) cycling career was last fall ... I was about fifteen miles out, decided to rest for a moment and catch my breath, coasted to a stop on the shoulder of the road, started to put my foot down, looked down to the ground where I was dropping my foot ... the look on that rattlesnake's face was probably similar to my own: sheer horror! I'm pretty sure that's the fastest I've ever pedaled.Quote:
Originally posted by Kim
Right now our big worry is ratttlesnakes as they give birth here in Texas in August and you simply can't see the little critters until you are right up on and over one. Thus far I've not run over one, but probably would swerve into an eighteen wheeler preferring that over a snake any day.
We could change the thread to:
Dogs, Snakes and Other Critters... :eek:
or
Critters and Speed... ;)
or
I Love Animals, But Can I Tell You About the Time... :rolleyes:
Ain't cycling fun!! :D
I could tell you about the time I got surrounded by a herd of goats ....
and then there are the crazy squirrels that like to dart out in front of me ....
and then there are the really nasty hissing geese ...
it's a freakin' jungle out there ! :eek:
- Jobob, crazed animal magnet
Oh yeah, even after my dog-incident the animals I fear most are....drumroll please....DEER. Yes, as in Bambi. I see so many, and feel that it is only by luck that we have avoided colliding so far!Quote:
Originally posted by spazzdog
We could change the thread to:
Dogs, Snakes and Other Critters... :eek:
or
Critters and Speed... ;)
or
I Love Animals, But Can I Tell You About the Time... :rolleyes:
I've seen what the poor beasts do to cars and can only imagine what bike/deer interface would look like :rolleyes:
I hit a squirrel going up Diablo the weekend of the Riv trip. :( Stupid thing darted in front of me, I weaved to go around it. It darted back the other way. The guy behind me said that it limped off the road. I HOPE he didn't say that just to make me feel better.
V.
Random thoughts....
First - ladies, be proud of yourselves. You've taken what could have turned in to an ugly thread, and found reason and calm. Dare I say, if this was anywhere else, the flame wars would be horrifying! Cheers and Huzzah!
Next - jobob, we'll talk about dogs on day 4 for academy :D
Critters - I've never had much trouble with dogs, though I was on a ride going through Fremont, our ride leader almost got taken out by a Bambi!
Squirrels - well, we already know they have a plot.....................:eek:
LOL!Quote:
Originally posted by jobob
it's a freakin' jungle out there ! :eek:
- Jobob, crazed animal magnet
My current favorite is the herd (too many to be just a flock) of geese on the bike path who stop dead in the middle of the path and look up at oncoming cyclists with the most hysterical myopic-bemused look on their faces. All we can do is slow to an almost-halt and weave through them ... 'scuse me, pardon me, watch yer toes, comin' through, do I need to get a bell? Whoops, mind the tail feathers, madam!
Too true. Especially if you believe the car insurance ads.Quote:
Squirrels - well, we already know they have a plot.....................
How about mountain biking with a herd of cows? They don't like to move.
V.
I got chased by a bull once on a moutain bike ride. Talk about working on your sprint!;)Quote:
Originally posted by Veronica
How about mountain biking with a herd of cows? They don't like to move.
V.
OH MY GAWD! i would have totally FREAKED!!!!!!!!!!!!Quote:
Originally posted by pedalfaster
I got chased by a bull once on a moutain bike ride. Talk about working on your sprint!;)