Discussion Board

One question I have for your bicyclists is what do you do about dogs? I'm trying to get out on my bike and start riding the short distance to and from work. Just the first mile I have to contend with three dogs after I get on the road, then a German Shepard that's very aggressive, then a Pitt Bull ditto. The area I live has lots of bicyclists but I've also heard stories of a few being badly bitten by roaming dogs. It kind of intimidates me because I had a couple of scary experiences years ago, once while running and a second time on a walk.

Ah, dogs. Can be a problem. I have found dogs are most excited about the wheels turning round and round on the bike. Sometimes, if you stop and get off the bike, the dog goes from "attack" to "oh, it's a person ... you may pass" mode. But, if the dog is seriously aggressive, I carry pepper spray (useful for other aggressive types you might encounter, too) - shoot it with a spray of water from your water bottle. Sometimes, just pedal like crazy and get out of there. If it is a dog defending its territory, it will sometimes consider you chased off once you are past its yard. And, of course, if it remains a problem, you might consider calling the local authorities about the loose aggressive dogs. I don't know where you live - urban or rural, or if that is an option, but it is something to consider.

Read up a little on some dog psychology - be assertive and calm. Meet with dog's aggression with your own attitude of "oh yea, you think you can take me ... I think not .. I am bigger and stronger and tougher than you"

Keep riding!

Sharon

Sharon, Big congrats to you on the first century of the season! This is wonderful! Man, my bum hurt just reading about it. You're inspirational!

Thanks! I rode 101 miles yesterday. I ride a recumbent bike as I have shoulder problems that even after surgery, prevent me from comfortably riding an upright bike. So, no rear pains, no shoulder or back pains - I love it! The bike I have is designed for long distance riding and is very efficient. It was hot and a little windy, but a great ride!

Sharon

I bought a new road bike on April 2nd, and have put 955 miles on it since. I've been on several rides of 40+ miles, including around Canandaigua Lake (one of the Finger Lakes in NY) twice in the past two weekends.

I'm working up to a century ride, I think I'll go around Cayuga Lake which is 101 miles. The idea of it is a bit intimidating, although I've done a lot of riding in the past couple of months. My longest ride so far has been just over 50 miles, so I'd be doubling that.

Of course, I'm concerned because on this McD WOE I'm not sure that I'm getting enough protein.

If you can comfortably do 50 miles, you can do the century -- piece of cake! Be sure to eat and drink enough to keep your body fueled. When you are biking, it is easy to get dehydrated before you realize it because your sweat evaporates in the "breeze" of you moving on the bike. I have been making granola bars (Happy Herbivore recipe) out of oatmeal, applesauce, some cinnamon and a few chocolate chips and a little salt. You need to keep the body fueled and watch your water and electrolytes -- not as complicated as it sounds. GO for it!!! Let us know how it goes.

Sharon

Thanks, Sharon. I'm considering building up to it by going around Seneca Lake first, which is a 77-mile trip, this weekend. I'm doing the elimination diet right now which limits my ability to bring along snacks, but I'll just stuff my gut with potatoes and rice in the morning.

You can do it! Please post your progress! I do urge you to eat during the ride -- if you don't, you can seriously bonk - not good. Since you know your route, you could drive the route and stash some food along the way to stop and nosh on if you don't want to carry it with you. Also, you need to pay attention to your electrolytes - some Gatorade or GU Shots will do the trick.

Hmmm, I never thought of stashing food in the bushes along the route...won't the squirrels get to it first!!??

I will bring something to eat, and I always make sure to hydrate (a.k.a. "drink water") plenty.

well I rode for 36 miles but i had issues after I past 20 but I don't think i would of had those if I had brought something with me to eat. we ended up stopping at a store and getting me something and once it was in me and processed a little I was fine and we finished out the ride.

8/10 of the way to a century ride, rode 80 miles today around Seneca Lake in NY. The last 10 miles it felt like the brakes were on the whole way! I stopped after 45 miles and had lunch, so that made it a bit easier. Was great weather too. Boy am I sore now

Good job! You will do that next 20 miles next time. You have feed and hydrate your body to keep those wheels turning!

Woot! Woot!

Sharon

If I do that last 20 miles holding onto the back of a truck, does that still count as a century ride?

I've seen a couple of different estimates for the distance around Cayuga Lake and one is less than 100 miles. So I'm afraid that I'll make it around and come up a couple of miles short, and then end up riding around a parking lot a few times just to make it an even 100!

I am a firm believer in that last "victory loop" after a bike ride - a ride around the parking lot or whatever to make a nice even number for the miles ridden!

Keep us posted!!!!

Sharon