One Friday afternoon after work, I went over to some friends to hang out, and, after many hands of canasta, I left at about 1:30AM. Downtown Phoenix is empty at 1:30, and the industrial section I was biking through on my way to Tempe is even emptier. I was cruising along, passing some big industrial buildings, when three things happened, simultaneously. First, I noticed some old, chain link-fenced houses sandwiched between these big buildings. Second, I spotted three large dogs hanging out in front (one doberman, and two mixed breeds). And third, they spotted me!
They moved like every pack of wolves I've seen on film, spreading out and running at angles to cut me off and close in from behind. I started a sprint and went up through the gears as fast as I could, but they had me. And there was no where to go: no side streets, big high curb to my right. At the end of this stretch of road, there was a major intersection, but it was about a quarter of mile away.
They approached from behind and to the left, with a low growling that pulsated as they ran. I was spinning as fast as I could, a race to see who could go faster and farther. One dog pulled up even with me, and began to close the gap between himself and my leg. I was almost free if I could just get past this one dog. Out of terror, I turned as the dog came within biting distance and did what any prey would do ... I let out a primal scream -- A howl! A roooar! A terrified death cry! -- first shrill, then deep, and as loud as I could manage.
And the dog pulled up! A slightly bewildered look crossed its face for a stride or two, and then it came on again, even with my back wheel but out of biting distance. Energized, I turned back to the front and pushed as hard as I could. The other dogs had taken worse angles, so I had an empty road in front of me. Once past them, the dogs gave up the chase, though they continued trotting in my direction, and I continuted to haul toward the major intersection, planning to run the red, rraffic or no. But they lost interest in me and had turned around by the time I got there. About five minutes later, as the adrenaline wore off, I could barely bike, my legs were so wobbly.