Today, I was the prey
03-06-20, 02:14 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,546
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5223 Post(s)
Liked 3,579 Times
in
2,341 Posts
Likes For rumrunn6:
03-06-20, 02:22 PM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Coolest chase I ever had was by a dog that would have laughed at your 400 watts. 1977, at the height of my racing days, I was going downhill and passed a house at the back of a big front lawn. Dog was on the front steps and saw me as I passed the walk. 20 feet behind me at the corner of the lot after I accelerated for all I was worth. Quickly beside me. Then it just paced me down the hill. No bark, no growl, no move to either get ahead or get close to me. Never passed my BB. But we both knew that if there was a finish line anywhere on that hill, I was taking second. The dog was just cruising. When the hill leveled out, he turned around and trotted home. Job done.
15 years later, my neighbor got a whippet. Looked very familiar. Like my pursuer, a classy dog. And also a rocket.
Ben
15 years later, my neighbor got a whippet. Looked very familiar. Like my pursuer, a classy dog. And also a rocket.
Ben
Cheers
03-07-20, 10:26 AM
#28
I'm the anecdote.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: S.E. Texas
Posts: 1,822
Bikes: '12 Schwinn, '13 Norco
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1110 Post(s)
Liked 1,176 Times
in
795 Posts
I was paddling my kayak across a small lake in Northern Ontario Canada when a fellow in a boat came up to me and asked if that was my dog. It was. I had got my dad to drop me off at the start of my trip and this was the end of it and he was back to pick me up. He had brought my dog with him and she decided she'd join me. Fortunately she was a terrier/lab cross and was not a full size lab and Iwas able to pull her into my kayak.
Cheers
Cheers
When I was in middle school we had an Irish Setter that would follow you into water whether you were in the water or in a boat. I remember firing up my grandpa's john boat with no dog in sight and that Irish Setter would come bounding across the property wanting to be part of the action. He'd jump in the water and swim to you even if you were 50 yards out and moving away. I always had to turn back to get him back on shore, or take him with me.
Likes For Cougrrcj:
03-08-20, 01:16 PM
#30
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,694
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,527 Times
in
915 Posts
I've been lucky; there's only one house on one ride with loose dogs; the big one ambles out to say hi, and the little 10lb beast comes roaring out, trying to cut us off at the ankles. And of course it's near the top of a very steep hill. Hijinks usually ensue, but no blood so far.
Likes For Korina:
Likes For FredoLentamente:
03-08-20, 03:49 PM
#32
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
I didn't used to worry much about dogs chasing us, but a friend was badly injured when a free range dog on the MUP knocked her down. She's had 11 surgeries to reconstruct the elbow and repair nerve damage. She's back to her former jolly self, but a couple of years ago right after the injury she was pretty down.
And right about that time on the same MUP another free range dog nearly clobbered me. He appeared to be on a leash but it turned out the human wasn't actually holding the leash. I skid-braked a flat spot in the rear tire.
So I started carrying pepper gel spray. I haven't used it yet. But if I do it'll be to discourage the dog from chasing anyone again, so humans and dogs will both be safer. I'm usually more tempted to hose down the irresponsible humans than the dogs.
The world needs more skunks ambushing cyclists.
Closest I've come to this scenario was along my favorite rural route. Baby skunk wanted to check me out but mama body checked and shooed baby back to the roadside.
And right about that time on the same MUP another free range dog nearly clobbered me. He appeared to be on a leash but it turned out the human wasn't actually holding the leash. I skid-braked a flat spot in the rear tire.
So I started carrying pepper gel spray. I haven't used it yet. But if I do it'll be to discourage the dog from chasing anyone again, so humans and dogs will both be safer. I'm usually more tempted to hose down the irresponsible humans than the dogs.
The world needs more skunks ambushing cyclists.
Closest I've come to this scenario was along my favorite rural route. Baby skunk wanted to check me out but mama body checked and shooed baby back to the roadside.
Likes For canklecat:
03-08-20, 05:25 PM
#33
Senior Member
Yep, this past fall. But the dog on my wheel was about 100+ lbs. Think I was saved by the owners chasing it down in their car. I was 100% eyes forward and focused on watts.
03-08-20, 07:24 PM
#34
Senior Member
I'll admit (now well-past the statute of limitations) that I literally took out such a doggie. I was riding home late one summer night after a few hours on the local tennis courts, playing against my buddy who worked there...
As I was riding home through a residential housing development, I suddenly heard that scratching behind me. I looked back to see a white German Shepard about to tear into my right ankle. As I was carrying my tennis racquet across my handlebars, I instinctively grabbed the racquet and swung against the threat. My right backhand caught the doggie-noggin square in the side with the edge of my racquet, knocking its head into my rear spokes. My body was putting out 1000w due to Adrenalin, so I didn't stop. I heard the next day that 'the dog must have been hit by a car' because it was found dead in the street -- I had caved it's head in...
One other time a few years later in college, I was riding in a pack of 10-12 riders at 25+mph when a little white yapper ran out to chase us. The third rider hit the doggie with his front wheel and knocked it down, and the rest of us piled on. Again, dead doggie -- Death by Peloton. Lots of damage to all us riders (and bikes), too.
Around 1960, my folks used to live in 'the sticks', and Dad carried a squeeze-bulb full of ammonia solution to discourage the farm dogs from chasing him...
As I was riding home through a residential housing development, I suddenly heard that scratching behind me. I looked back to see a white German Shepard about to tear into my right ankle. As I was carrying my tennis racquet across my handlebars, I instinctively grabbed the racquet and swung against the threat. My right backhand caught the doggie-noggin square in the side with the edge of my racquet, knocking its head into my rear spokes. My body was putting out 1000w due to Adrenalin, so I didn't stop. I heard the next day that 'the dog must have been hit by a car' because it was found dead in the street -- I had caved it's head in...
One other time a few years later in college, I was riding in a pack of 10-12 riders at 25+mph when a little white yapper ran out to chase us. The third rider hit the doggie with his front wheel and knocked it down, and the rest of us piled on. Again, dead doggie -- Death by Peloton. Lots of damage to all us riders (and bikes), too.
Around 1960, my folks used to live in 'the sticks', and Dad carried a squeeze-bulb full of ammonia solution to discourage the farm dogs from chasing him...
03-08-20, 08:50 PM
#35
Senior Member
Unfortunately, due to living situation, I used to cycle alot in the city, and in some areas not so nice. I was riding with a friend of mine named fred, very solid rider. We used to like one of the trailer-ish areas as it was kinda built like a nice circular crit with less traffic than the city streets. But that area was kinda rough...nice ride going until we heard something that would terrify any cyclists...a large bang of a screen door being knocked open and a child screaming "No cujo nooo!!!"....we turned around to see a huge rottweiler with hungry eyes streaking at us. Thank the Lord above we had a good jump and we peddled at a blue streak that woulda smoked lance on any mountain!!! After the beast finally gave up, we both dismounted, layed in the grass and made sure rest legs, heart and nerves....I've been chased a bit, but that was the worst beast that almost ate us for sure
Likes For Chad991:
Likes For Rides4Beer:
03-09-20, 09:59 AM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: East Coast Canada
Posts: 129
Bikes: Ratty ol' fixed gear and a 2013 Kona Dew Deluxe (SS conversion)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
8 Posts
My previous bike route included a 10 km stint on the highway (well, actually on the paved shoulder of the highway). One morning I looked across to see a coyote galloping along across from me, head down, causing me to question "how fast can them suckers run, anyway?"
03-09-20, 10:12 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
My previous bike route included a 10 km stint on the highway (well, actually on the paved shoulder of the highway). One morning I looked across to see a coyote galloping along across from me, head down, causing me to question "how fast can them suckers run, anyway?"
During pursuit, a coyote may reach speeds up to 43 mph (69 km/h), and can jump a distance of over 4 meters (13⅛ feet).
For a coyote, moderate distances are considered up to a few miles. In order to retain enough stamina to maintain a constant speed, coyotes go slightly slower at this pace--about 20 miles an hour.
WOW!
Cheers
03-09-20, 11:21 AM
#42
mosquito rancher
I was on tour a while back. A big dog (bloodhound? Don't recall) see me coming from at least 100 yards ahead, and just sits down in the middle of the road. Obviously there's no way I could outrun him, even if I weren't beat and schlepping 60 lb combined bike and gear. I slow down, and as I approach, it's clear he just wanted me to pet him. That was easy.
Also, on the same tour, I passed through Mississippi, and although there were a lot of loose dogs, they all stopped at the edge of their yards. Every one. I figured the Invisible Fence salesman must have just passed through. I recall a pair of spoiled-looking lap dogs trotting to the edge of their yard, and out of some vestige of territorial instinct that hadn't quite been bred out of them, one gave me a single "yap." I laughed.
Also, on the same tour, I passed through Mississippi, and although there were a lot of loose dogs, they all stopped at the edge of their yards. Every one. I figured the Invisible Fence salesman must have just passed through. I recall a pair of spoiled-looking lap dogs trotting to the edge of their yard, and out of some vestige of territorial instinct that hadn't quite been bred out of them, one gave me a single "yap." I laughed.
__________________
Adam Rice
Adam Rice
Likes For adamrice:
03-09-20, 11:34 AM
#43
Full Member
Once cycling in the Santa Cruz mountains back in the 90's I had a pretty vicious dog chase me. As I was scurrying to get away I looked back and saw he only had three legs...this made me all the more tense because I figured he was probably dedicated enough to lose that leg chasing the last guy...
A number of years ago a woman was jogging at the Stanford Dish and was attacked and killed by a cougar (no, don't go there with that joke 
And a couple of years or so ago some guy in So. Cal was attacked (don't remember if he was killed) by a mtn. lion while riding a mtn. bike with his friend in the hills.Moral of the story....there are worse things out to get you than a dog nipping at your feet.....
03-09-20, 01:45 PM
#44
Senior Member
I have a dog that predictably chases after me at a place where I'm nearing the end of a climb. I call him hot dog and have gotten to a point where its a competition between he and I as to when he spots me and if I can accelerate fast enough to leave him in the dust. He's little so I worry more about his safety than mine. One day I came up near the crest of the hill as usual and he came out and started to chase. I chuckled as I knew I had him beat. However, he had a friend over for a visit and this friend was no joke (pit bull). He also started further up the road and had me in his sights. I don't think I pedaled so hard in my life but escaped unscathed. I haven't seen him since but I am really wary now every time I'm on that road.
03-09-20, 02:28 PM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: RVA
Posts: 86
Bikes: 2001 Trek 8000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 53 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
18 Posts
This happened to me when I was probably 12 or 13.
Riding my bike on a fairly familiar route, next to a highway with lots of retail around, so I'd ride through the parking lots. Came near a corner and this dog just comes out of nowhere, growling and snarling like a mad hound. Looked like some sort of sheppard / husky mix. No getting away - he came at me from a front angle. SOMEHOW I managed to dismount and the get bike between me and the monster. We circled around each other like that for what felt like a really long time, all while I'm trying to find some angle where I can get the jump on him and take off, but he was having none of it.
FINALLY a guy in a van comes off the road and eases in between me and the dog. I was grateful as hell for that kind stranger, but I didn't wait around. He gave me the opening and I took off. If the dog gave chase I never noticed. Did NOT look back...
Riding my bike on a fairly familiar route, next to a highway with lots of retail around, so I'd ride through the parking lots. Came near a corner and this dog just comes out of nowhere, growling and snarling like a mad hound. Looked like some sort of sheppard / husky mix. No getting away - he came at me from a front angle. SOMEHOW I managed to dismount and the get bike between me and the monster. We circled around each other like that for what felt like a really long time, all while I'm trying to find some angle where I can get the jump on him and take off, but he was having none of it.
FINALLY a guy in a van comes off the road and eases in between me and the dog. I was grateful as hell for that kind stranger, but I didn't wait around. He gave me the opening and I took off. If the dog gave chase I never noticed. Did NOT look back...
Likes For eja_ bottecchia:
03-09-20, 04:46 PM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,892
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4792 Post(s)
Liked 3,918 Times
in
2,548 Posts
No, it was a whippet, just like my neighbor's. Recognized it instantly when I saw that second one. I don't know the whippet story but I've heard many times that they are considerably faster accelerating and higher top end than a greyhound. The perhaps 35 mph I was doing was nowhere near my pursuer's top end.
03-09-20, 05:52 PM
#48
Space Ghost
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,762
Bikes: Bridgestone, Fuji, Iro, Jamis, Gary Fisher, GT, Scott, Specialized and more
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 292 Post(s)
Liked 412 Times
in
318 Posts
Salukis, whippets and greyhounds are all dogs from the sight hound family, meaning they are ALL fast as heck! Dunno which is fastest. Just count your blessings you were able to get away from whichever sight hound was on your six.
Last edited by Rage; 03-09-20 at 06:12 PM.
03-10-20, 07:31 AM
#50
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Likes For livedarklions: