Thanks to all for your kind words of support and encouragement! This was a tough ride, made so by the cold, the rain, and the dark. I'm looking forward to trying this again when things warm back up and I can gauge just how much more difficult it was in these conditions.
Originally Posted by
valygrl
However... if a dog chases, it should be contained. For it's own good and that of the drivers and cyclists and animals in the area. What was the driver supposed to do? Apologize? For what? Driving on a public road? Approach the dog? You yourself indicate this can be dangerous. Are you implying he was speeding? On the evidence that the dog died from being hit by a car? It doesn't take that much.
It was the owner's fault, for letting the dog run in traffic. Sad for all, especially the dog, but don't blame the driver. Hopefully the owner will have learned her lesson, and will keep her next dog contained.
I don't think I was trying to place any blame, or fault for this accident. As a responsible dog owner myself, I'm well aware that it is an owner's responsibility to keep their animals confined, less they suffer the consequences of their action. I also don't think I was looking for anyone to apologize for anything, although it would have been nice, if not a minor display of humanity, for the driver to at least have shown some level of concern.
My commentary was more focused on the inaction of those involved... it never ceases to amaze me how folks will just stand around and watch dramatic stuff unfold without ever trying to help or lend a hand, but alas I think this is just the time we live in...
Around here, it is more of a cultural thing in the country where folks often let their animals out without fences. Dogs have an unnatural chase instinct when it comes to bikes, and an otherwise well trained or behaved animal will throw all caution to the wind just to chase down something on two wheels that makes no noise. I'm hopeful the owner will learn the lesson and take appropriate action to avoid this in the future.
Originally Posted by
JohnKScott
What was your route? You may have been riding on the same roads I ride on.
Here is a link to the PDF route sheet. You have some beautiful cycling country around middle Tennessee, and this is coming from someone who does most of their riding in the foothills and the shadows of the Great Smokey Mountains.