Have You Ever Been Chased and/or Attacked by a Dog While on your Bike? Defensive Tactics/Precautions?

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on March 7, 2015 at 11:03am

Several of the 10/27 (old Turin) team do a training camp in Alabama each march. It is very rural out there and most people have dogs that are not leashed. On an average ride we would encounter 3-5 separate dogs who started up the chase. The most effective way is a very stern yell, "Get back in your yard" I have done this camp 2 times myself and that has worked every single time.

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on March 7, 2015 at 5:47pm

The Rothco Storm whistle can be heard from 50 feet away underwater.  Imagine what it can do on land.  Be careful with this monster, as your ears will be ringing for awhile after you use it.  If it hurts your ears, it's a problem for the dog as well.

In the hills of Wisconsin these things echo across the landscape.  In one case it completely stunned and confused one large angry golden retriever.  That's the experience I have and I haven't encountered any dogs since then since I'm not riding as much. 

So it's a good investment at $10.  It beats hospital visits and rabies shots (or worse).  But I wouldn't be too overconfident, however, and make sure to have some pepper spray on my arm as a last resort if the water bottle trick doesn't work.

So this is my stray dog protection kit:

Storm Whistle (like magic when it works - it's awesome)

Water Bottle

Pepper Spray with case and armband as a last resort.  

Pepper Spray is also good idea if you're miles away from civilization and someone (or something - not just dogs) decides to assault you.  The same applies to the city, of course.  I think the Storm Whistle is pretty effective for this problem in the city as well.

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Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on March 8, 2015 at 7:01pm

Yes but more interesting was being chased by a coyote. I still have the willies riding at twilight because of that day. I was in northern Bolingbrook/Woodridge area in a residential neighborhood. I was rounding a curve when I saw him out of the corner of my eye. I slowed down and looked at him about ten yards away. He was the biggest healthiest one I'd ever seen. He was close to a house and seemed to be trying to be discreet. I let out a very loud "no shit!" and as soon as I did he turned and started after me in a loping run. I pedaled hard and glanced back only to catch a glimpse of grizzled fur fast on my heels. I gave it everything I had and rounded a mandatory corner and then another without looking back. I saw a guy walking a small dog "now I only have to be faster than that guy" I thought. I turned back and there was no sign of the beast. I'm pretty sure he could of caught me if he wanted to, so probably nothing to worry about in the future; but I still do worry.

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