So, last week I was up in the RTP riding Rocky Road/286 with my brother... I had flatted out and was in the middle of fixing my flat when two unleashed dogs approached us.  One was extremely aggressive and started barking, growling, showing excessive teeth and trying to get at us.  We stood our ground and about 60-70 yards away I could see the owners (hiking).  The dogs had been barking and aggressively circling us for what seemed like forever, I stayed calm and put the bike between us and the dogs.  Given I was able to see the owners it was pretty obvious they could see/hear their dogs but they made no attempt to rush to the scene and continued to let the whole thing ensue for what seemed like forever at which point I yelled out to them to call their dogs off.  Only then did they seem to want to have some sort of urgency.  When they got there they apologized and advised that the dog had a shock collar and the owner had been shocking the dog.  Well, apparently that didn't work so for any hikers with dogs who read these forums... please be wary of other users on the trails.  If you hear your dog getting aggressive, please make an effort to hurry to the scene.  Someone or Something may be getting attacked/hurt/mauled.  Next time, I won't be as kind to both dog and owner and will be packing Knives and Bear spray for my own protection.  What are you other riders doing?

Survival of the fittest.  You dont have to be faster than the dog(s) just faster than your brother.

I would give up mountain biking if I thought I had to carry while riding.  I ride because it is an enjoyable escape from urban life.......

BTW not anti gun as I have a carry permit and am ex-LE....

Many years ago when I road biked, I carried dog spray and had to use it a couple times. One time that really ticked me off was when I was riding by a house where the owner and his dog were out in the yard. The owner actually sic'ed the dog on me while I was riding by minding my own business! I took pleasure in leaving the dog wallowing in the grass trying to get the spray out of his eyes while I rode off. I half expected the man to get in his car and come after me himself, but I guess he knew there was some for him too if he did.

There's no excuse for the behavior of the owners in the OP. Too bad you didn't have spray with you.

bikermedic wrote on 01/08/14 at 3:17pm:


I think my friend looks at it as "get to carry" as opposed to "have to carry." To each their own I suppose.

SirNotAppearing wrote on 01/08/14 at 2:28pm:

This is lame. Disclaimer: I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. No need for a handgun on the local trails. Hope the safety is on. On a side note one of my dogs is great to ride with but sketchy with people at times. Hence no/not much riding for him. Beech springs was the only place I would take him off leash.

FireAnthem wrote on 01/09/14 at 5:42am:



Take that Camelbak and let the dog bite/lock on to it... then go to town with whatever weapon you have going for vital points.  That's what I'd do.  I'd recommend mentally putting yourself into such a scenario so that you are at least mentally prepared if ever come the case.  In any situation having a clear mind and presence is key as things can happen so quick.  It was just disturbing knowing that any second that dog was going to pounce and I ride alone a LOT so better to have some kind of preparation as it's always possible to have such an encounter.  Of course there is no replacement for the real thing but I believe being mentally prepared puts you far ahead of the curve.

I’m sorry for your mishap. I have a large dog that I run with. He is not aggressive and I only take him when the trails are less crowded, never on Thursday or Sunday evenings and never on Saturday.  Unfortunately some people are not smart enough to control their own dogs. These same people make dogs and other dog owners look bad not to mention they screw up the day for everyone else on the trail. Again I’m sorry for your mishap. BTY I am a canceled weapon carrier but I really hope I don’t have to start “carrying” while I’m running or ridding. “Overlook the stupid; they can spoil your day”.

Ridefour15 wrote on 01/10/14 at 2:40am:


this. I actually ran over a dog that lives about a mile from my house, he was running perpendicular to the road coming at me but tried to stop when he hit the road surface. Problem is he was moving so fast that his paws slipped on the asphalt and i missed him with the front wheel but he slid right between my wheels and i half rolled/half bunnyhopped the rear wheel over his shoulder. It basically stopped me dead in my tracks, and im lucky not to have toppled over. But in good news the dog was fine, just a little confused, and i finished my ride in one piece without even a scratch in my carbon frame(which to be 100% honest, i was more worried about cracking than hurting myself  ).

Guys and gals.

Next time you have an aggressive dog. Get off the bike and put it between you and the dog.

Then yell 'SIT'.

90% of the time I think you'll be surprised at the dogs reaction.

The psych behind it is most dogs are socialized by their owners to respond to this command, particularly. At the very least you'll notice the dog become confused, possibly looking around wondering 'who said that'. 

This is the amount of distraction you need to make it far enough down the trail to remount your bike and continue riding.