Originally Posted by
solipsist716
This is stupid, I'm assuming you're joking.
Carry some kind of OC spray if it makes you feel safe. You'll probably never have to/get to use it, though. I've been chased before, but only ran into a problem when I was on a trail I was unfamiliar with. Flatted out after hitting a massive dip in the gravel while sprinting out of the saddle away from a massive german sheperd, thus smashing los huevos on my TT. Ran into a dead end 1/4 mile later and ended up running through a field full of thorns, thus cutting myself all the **** over. Also tripped and fell facefirst into an anthill, thus completely covering myself in ants. Like, I'm a cup of soft serve under a sprinkle-dispensing machine covered. The dog caught up to me after I gave up running, picked up a stick and decided I'd beat it to death.
Turns out he just wanted to play. I informed the owner if his dog wasn't leashed by the time I retrieved my bike, I'd be beating him to death, though.
TL ; DR, Be the alpha like johnny said. Dogs don't wanna get hurt. If you try and sprint in an unfamiliar area you can royally screw your day up like I did.
Wow, what a trip!
Yeah I think the alpha dog advice is pretty good because when it comes down to it, if a dog actually gets you off the bike and attacks you, it doesn't take the hulk to hurt it back. That said, a full size diesel pickup roaring down the street puts no fear in the heart of my miniature dachshund and he will attack it relentlessly. Commanding respect can be easier said than done.