An especially important article for this time of year when Fido is out stretching his summer legs!

"How to Deal with Bad Dogs"

by Fred Mathenyand Ed Pavelka 

for www.RoadBikeRider.com

Dog attacks are high on the list of cycling fears. Maybe you can't stop Fang from giving chase, but
you can outsmart him if you know how dogs think-assuming that stinkin' mutt even has a brain! 

· Know dog psychology. The majority of dogs who chase cyclists are merely defending their territory. When you pedal off the section of road that they consider their turf, you no longer pose a threat to their ancestral instincts and they lose interest. Incidentally, this is why you'll rarely be chased by a dog you encounter way out in the boonies. He's not on his turf so he couldn't care less about you. 

· Know dog tactics. Dogs want to attack from the rear, coming up from the hindquarter. Even one who sits up in his yard ahead of you may wait till you pass before giving chase. You can use this to your advantage in the next tip because it gives you a head start. 

· Sprint! You often can outsprint Fido when he's more interested in fooling around than in actually attacking. You can tell his intent by how hard he's running and his expression. An easy gait with woofing and ears and tail up, no problem. A full-out sprint with ears back, tail down and teeth out, problem. Still, the territorial gene can save you. If the road is flat or downhill, stand up and sprint to get past the dog's invisible boundary. 

· Guard your front wheel. When a dog sees you
coming, he might make a beeline for your bike, then attempt to turn up beside you. The danger here is that his poor little paws will skid on the pavement and he'll plow into your wheels. If he hits the front one, you'll crash. Sprint so that you move forward faster than he expects, and give him a margin for error by steering farther into the road-if traffic permits! 

 read more about "Bag Dogs!"

John Sargeant

Hi there. My name is John Sargeant, " Sarge" to many. Where to start? I am a native Minnesotan (23 years), or as many would say, " a Golden Gopher." Thanks to a low draft number, I have been a Marylander ( "a Terrapin" ) for the last  41 years. I started biking when I was 9 years old, riding 25 miles daily to deliver papers. In fact, any, and all travel for fun was 2 wheeled. I took my first self contained tour to the St Croix River at 14 years of age. No one told me you had to be 16 to camp alone in the parks. Thank God for a great Park Ranger. Ranger Rick knows! Life was not complicated, and independent travel was a "norm." In those days, it was a Schwinn speedster. "Old reliable." Now, 2 carbon framed bikes are my steeds of choice. My serious riding has been since 1970, and I can't think of life without the bike.

My move to Maryland was for service in the Army as a physical therapist. My career has fostered my love of fitness. My love of the outdoors started from canoeing the Boundary Waters as a youth. I traveled Wisconsin near and far with my parents and grandfather.  In my 64 years, I have not tallied my mileage . . . more than 50K in the last 15 years. I hope life continues to allow many more tours, independent rides, and true bliss with every ride.

My group touring started in 2007 with the Tri State ride.

Sarge riding the Tri State in 2007

Other than 1 "3 H" day (Hills, Heat, Humidity), it was truly memorable. Shuttleguy was my hotel of choice.  I celebrated my 60^th on the first day, realizing creature comforts were the "only way to go." The logo on the shirt says it best: "Ride, Relax, Repeat." The entire team was not only hospitable, but totally accommodating to any and all needs. That has been the norm for the 2008 Harvest ride to the Island and the 2011 WISPRIDE. Rick was on both, and he is "the man!"  

2008 Harvest Ride

 I have ridden Bike Virginia, using a similar type comfort service, but, there is no comparison. Shuttleguy goes the extra mile. They provide first rate accommodations, A+ History & Americana stops, and opportunities to smell the roses. This is the essence of my interest inWisconsin rides, as all can be achieved  as well as fantastic scenery. I have had the pleasure of riding all the Shuttle guy rides with my best friend, Tom. While we don't live close, we reconnect  during the week as though we have never separated. Thanks, in large part, to the structure of the rides from Shuttleguy. 

Sarge and Tom

When not riding, my wife and I enjoy our St. Bernards. She doesn't ride, yet totally supports my passion in biking and animals. We started to rescue these big guys in 1987, and will continue until we can't physically continue. Hopefully, that will be when I can't findanother cog to allow me to climb the hills. Unlike people, the dogs (our family) know our moods, our pleasures, and provide us with true love and affection. When I get ready to leave on a trip, they recognize the luggage, and say, "oh no, here we go again", but the returns are the best. Several hours of: " where have you been, don't you dare leave again", and total slobbery, kissy reunion. Truly the best!

I also am actively involved in the Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure, having chaired the Maryland Ride committee for the last 6 years . . . a great way to ride, and, promote a great cause! "Life truly is good!"  

To all of you newbies, consider riding with this group, and for those repeaters, you know of which I speak! Stay up right, and ride on!