Dogs really are my biggest fear while riding. First of all, I'm basically terrified of dogs, so it's hard to think straight when one is coming after me. I think it's that "fight or flight" instinct...I'm not sticking around to fight. Nope, I'm running! Or in this case, pedaling my little heart out. I know I should stop and get off the bike, but I'm too scared. And each situation is so different. Like the dog that was chasing me while I was slowly grinding up a very steep hill. I really didn't think I could get unclipped and stop before he bit me, so I rode up that hill like a mad woman while screaming bloody murder. I've had three really scary (well, really scary to me) dog encounters this season. So I do carry pepper spray, I try to be prepared and tell myself what I should do if I get chased, and I hope like hell that I luck out and the dogs stay away!