Excellent advice, eidsvolling.

I have three dogs that I consider children so I have much experience. I have yet to have a bad encounter on the trail though I am cautious of all dogs I meet. Yesterday I met 8 of them. If unsure, I always dismount and put my bike between me and the dog. A quick flip of the raised front wheel can be an effective tool though I've never had to use it.

The thing I hate worse than an ill-mannered dog is dogsh%t. Just disgusting. I've carried bags in my pack and handed them to offending owners when they tried to leave a pile next to the trail - that's just completely irresponsible, IMHO.