That’s why I still carry a full-size Zefal HP pump on my Trek.  Much better than a CO2 cartridge when it comes to repelling dogs or other nogoodniks, and — as an added benefit — if you need it to fix a flat or top off a soft tire it’s good for more than a single use.
I’m suddenly reminded of I ended up dealing with squirrels the last time one made a run at me. It managed to get between the tires of the guy to my right, but suddenly had a headache when my right pedal connected with its head. We both stopped to see the squirrel rolling on the ground, then it picked itself up, and made a dash for the other side of the road.
While that might work against a dog, bike pumps make lousy defensive clubs… I got into a scrap back in the 90’s with a driver and his buddies. I ended up with a concussion, a hole through my lip (and a scar I can still feel inside my mouth), and a bent up bike pump. The motorist managed to escape back to California (or so I’m told his plates were), and I was left without justice.
I’ve often yelled at a dog to “SIT” and that really seems to distract them/mess with their head… Also used a bike pump a few times to great effect, never actually had to hit a dog.
The one I carried for “just in case” when I used to tour was almost the same model, just a longer barrel. I never tried drilling it to reduce weight. Mostly for piece of mind when far from civilization.
You know what works really well? Those little Chinese “poppers”. They are like little concussion firecrackers. Throw one down on the road, and dogs run away real quick!
Might have been worse 😉
Only want to Play….
I do it the other way around. If a dog actually tries to bite me, it’s lunch.
We used to turn around and chase the dog… confused the hell out of them.
Aaron
That’s why I still carry a full-size Zefal HP pump on my Trek.  Much better than a CO2 cartridge when it comes to repelling dogs or other nogoodniks, and — as an added benefit — if you need it to fix a flat or top off a soft tire it’s good for more than a single use.
I hit the brakes once when a habitual offender dog was 6″/15cm behind my back tire. It bounced off and never bothered me again.
I’m suddenly reminded of I ended up dealing with squirrels the last time one made a run at me. It managed to get between the tires of the guy to my right, but suddenly had a headache when my right pedal connected with its head. We both stopped to see the squirrel rolling on the ground, then it picked itself up, and made a dash for the other side of the road.
I was fully expecting Yehuda to use a long pump to hit the dog. That’s why vintage bikes have pump supports for.
While that might work against a dog, bike pumps make lousy defensive clubs… I got into a scrap back in the 90’s with a driver and his buddies. I ended up with a concussion, a hole through my lip (and a scar I can still feel inside my mouth), and a bent up bike pump. The motorist managed to escape back to California (or so I’m told his plates were), and I was left without justice.
I have read that the way to fend off a dog is to tell it “Go to your bed!”
I’ve never tried this.
Circa 1900 French used to offer “VeloDog” when you by a bike.
That was my first thought!
I’ve often yelled at a dog to “SIT” and that really seems to distract them/mess with their head… Also used a bike pump a few times to great effect, never actually had to hit a dog.
You can also yell “Go Home”, that works pretty well.
I always went just a little faster than them and tired them out.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/6874735554_28166a91d8.jpg
No good in the UK Bill 🙂
The one I carried for “just in case” when I used to tour was almost the same model, just a longer barrel. I never tried drilling it to reduce weight. Mostly for piece of mind when far from civilization.
Pepper spray. You don’t even have to look at the dog, just aim it directly behind you. You’ll know when the dog hits the pepper cloud.
You know what works really well? Those little Chinese “poppers”. They are like little concussion firecrackers. Throw one down on the road, and dogs run away real quick!