Quote Originally Posted by Robyn Maislin
I also just started moutain biking and I am surprised that you see it as safer! Yes, there probably won't be dogs on the trails and the fat tires do give confidence, but around here mountain biking means skinny trails, rocks, and roots. There are some fire roads and flat paths, but I find it very challenging compared to road biking.
Oh yes, I do too ~ don't get me wrong! My husband put in a single-track trail around our 11 acres, and riding on it is very, very hard! There are rocks and roots and lots of quick turns. The first time I rode it on my new mountain bike, I was terrified, and I'd guess my average speed was like 6 mph! However, because I do go slow slowly, if I crash, I'm not nearly as likely to break bones. Yes, I could hit my head on a rock, but that's why I wear a helmet. I'm not anywhere near ready for any really challenging mountain biking, but for doing our trails, and the gravel roads back where I live (a rural subdivision), I do okay (or did, before my accident). But I do completely agree with your point. I think the longest mtb ride I ever did was about 45 minutes long, and I was pretty much dying at the end, where I can ride a road bike for hours. So, to me mountain biking is harder, but for me, it's less scary and just feels safer since I don't have to worry about dogs (nor cars/trucks, another plus).

Your area sounds lovely - I think Boston and New England are charming! But I'd never get my husband anywhere with so much winter, at least until I am retired and we can spend winters somewhere warm! Consider yourself very lucky for not having to deal with dogs. From the others who've posted, it seems like the south is really the worst for loose dogs, and that makes sense, since most of the folks who don't take care of their pets are the rural, less educated folks. It's really sad.

Emily