Stealth Bomber

Today was a 3 ½ hour ride on the Kal-Haven trail with all my gear. I still have the 36:16 (2.25) gearing on the bike, but I can’t decide if it is going to be too big of a gear. I keep thinking it is not how I feel at mile 20, but rather how I feel at mile 120 or 220 that is going to make the difference. I have been riding the trail for several years and today was my first dog encounter. We always see dogs on the trail with their owner, usually not on the required 6 foot leash, but they have never been a problem. As I approached Gobles, I noticed a black Labrador off to the side of the trail, she seemed to be harmless. As I came upon her at 15 MPH, I realized she was coming after me barking with her teeth showing. She caught me and I barely avoided a crash as she cut in front of my bike. I was able to pull away from her, but not until my heart rate was over 175. I continued on my ride, warning others that I passed heading out West. On the return trip, I couldn’t stop thinking about whether the dog was going to be there. When I got back to Gobles, I decided to pick up a stick and carry it with me. I must have looked like I was going to a joust as I crossed M40. Speaking of joust, I really enjoyed that video game when I was in high school. As I came upon the site of the first attack, I didn’t see the dog and felt relieved. A few more yards down the trail and here she came, low to the ground like a stealth bomber. This time she was barely able to catch up with me and I had a surprise waiting. The stick made a huge crack as I hit her upside the head. I made some oriental noises, spun my weapon around, and felt like a champion ninja warrior. I called the sheriff from my cell phone and advised of the potentially dangerous situation, hopefully they took care of the problem. Finished to ride without any further problems and averaged almost 16 MPH.