The Dogs

I was always expecting it, and it happened.  The dogs.

I am not sure of the scientific reason; but dogs chase cyclists, FACT! Just like they bark, chase cats, get excited about a walk, fight with the vacuum cleaner and wipe their bum on your new carpet; the sight of a person on two wheels with luggage will send them loopy (and territorial).

When a dog approaches there are a few techniques you can employ, I tend to either cycle straight at them, shout at them or squirt them with water.  Some people I have met just leg it, some people just ignore them and some just deploy pepper spray!

As I have crossed the USA I have noticed a few different types of dog.  So to save you the bother:

The Old / Lazy Ones

I love the Old / Lazy Ones.  A couple of barks and they’re done.  A really spritely one may even stand up first too.

The Noisy Ones

These dogs are all lip.  They bark a lot, and maybe even run to the edge of the yard, but so long as you keep moving, he’ll leave you be.

The Silent Ones

All you hear is the pitter patter of paw on concrete and then you look down and there is a snarly dog at your feet.  You know they mean business as they have expended no waste energy in the bark, it’s all about the chase with these guys!

The Fast Ones

It is truly amazing how fast a dog can run!  I have been caught by a dog from 100m away whilst cycling fast downhill.  The thing to remember is they can’t keep it up for long!

The ‘Friendly’ Ones

Some dogs approach with their tail wagging, with a genuinely friendly demeaner.  In have not had the confidence to stop as it could just be a trick to get your guard down!

The Comedy Ones

If a dog is small enough to stand on* then it poses no threat, but some of the little dogs out there don’t seem to realise this and still give it as good as their bigger brothers!

* this was merely to give an indication of size!

The Scary Ones

Teeth showing with ferocity in their bark.  These are the ones to get away from!

The Numerous Ones

When dogs attack in two or threes it’s pretty scary.  You just don’t know where to turn or which one to look at.  Another situation to get away from fast.

The Scary Numerous Ones

The two above combined!  I have not encountered this, but if I had I would probably now have stumps for feet.

The Wimpy Ones

Point and Shout ‘Back’ at an approaching dog and sometimes they’ll just stop dead in their tracks or even look a little sheepish.  These are the Wimpy Ones!