Hi, everyone. Wanted to introduce myself and say how much I have enjoyed reading the threads and advice/encouragement...

I do have a question. Have you found anything that works as far as deterring dogs? My main route has at least 5 aggressive dogs. Mind you I love dogs, but dogs and bikes don't mix. The roads by my house are hilly, winding, and narrow so if the dog(s) comes at me there is no place I can go to get away... Been having this discussion with my bike shop and they have been trying to get "Halt" for me. Unfortunately they don't have any dog-tazer guns... One guy advised me to fill a water bottle up with a water-tobasco sauce mix. That has been okay, but I hate the thought of giving up an entire water bottle because of the animals... The theory of getting off the bike if a dog tries to chase you is fine, but a couple places have more than one dog and I don't want to deal with the pack mentality. Yeah, can talk to the owners, call the animal control, etc.

Worst part is I had a wreck with two dogs about three weeks ago. Two of my normal dog-harrassers chased me (I didn't bring the tobasco that day, so I was trying to get them with water) down a little hill and around a corner before they stopped dead in front of me. I didn't have time to stop, even though I wasn't even going fast! Don't know how I landed, as my shoulders and elbow were all beat up and my helmet cracked; my legs only got bruises. Nothing broken, but it hasn't been until this week that I've been able to put any weight on my one arm. Everything is still sore to the touch. My bike fared better than I did. She is still at the bike shop because I haven't been able to move well enough to go pick her up. Gonna pick her up this week! I miss seeing her in my house...

Tomorrow is my second biking attempt to see if I can get moving again. A week ago I could only handle a few miles on the old hybrid before my shoulder gave up. I am trying to emotionally psyche myself up to going back out and biking again on my regular routes, but it has really done a number on my enthusiasm and desire to ride. Any hints? Advice? Ways to mount a crowbar on a road bike?