I squirted a dog! Thanks TE :-)

[Pedal Wench]

...and I also had a nightmare about being chased by a horse after reading pedalwench’s post a while back. Today I was riding the Cartersville Century (http://www.cartersvillecentury.org/)

Ha! You know that my horse-chase incident happened at Beautiful Backroads -- same roads as the Cartersville Cent!!! Last time I rode by that farm, the horses were happy to stay on their side of the fence...

[CATWOMAN]

I carry a pepper spray, ordered through a neighborhood watch program, when I hike. I have thought about carrying it somehow on my bike; not just for dogs, but I cycle alone a lot too. Since I fell and consequently rolled over on my back a few times, I don't think the pocket of my jersey would be a good place to keep it. That would have really bruised my ribs!! It needs to be easily accessible though. If you have a Road ID http://roadid.com/Common/default.aspx you could clip a pepper sray to it I suppose.

I don't dislike dogs, but if it's them or me, they're going down!! Now a cat, that's a horse of a different color

[spindizzy]

Recently, I was doing the last hill of repeats. Just going over the first little roller, saw 2 dogs up ahead, about 400 metres sitting in the middle of the road. I looked at them. They looked at me. I stopped, got off of my bike. Was debating, "should I do this hill, or just head home, and if I head home are they going to chase me anyway?" Then they both started running towards me. I thought "that's it, I'm toast." Was preparing to protect myself with bike. I realized when they were very close that they weren't barking, but panting and wagging their tails. When they got to me they were jumping and licking me like they knew me. (Thank God!) Trying to get that hill done was murder, they just wanted to run along side me and play. But I'll take that anyday than those little dogs that nip your feet and dart in front and side of your bike

[SouthernBelle]

I've been nipped by one dog and knocked off my bike by another. So I'll spray a dog at the drop of a hat.

On the other hand, I was riding down a country road and heard the thump of doggie paws behind me and it was a dalmatian. He ran a long ways along side me. Just made me feel good.

Then there is Buddy. The terror of his neighborhood. Would like your wheel for lunch. Until, that is, you are properly introduced (I have been). Then he is your friend forever.