Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
Yes, they prefer cyclists to those on foot. Good to have a group ride.
My guess is the instinct to chase something that is running away from you, just like dogs. If true, stand fast and close together. I think if I ever ride in the hills, I'll want to bring some means of defense; I mentioned this story to locals near that area and they said there was another recent attack earlier than this one. I'd really rather not it be a pistol, I think that would freak out many fellow bikers and hikers, I'm very sensitive to that, not like many. I'm thinking a sheath knife (I recently saw a nice one of good steel and just below the maximum legal carry blade length of 3.5" in many municipalities), or my climbing axe. Somewhere I have some ancient 40 year old pepper spray from a temp job walking through neighborhoods. I guess I should replace that.