I had planned to go 50 miles today to buckhorn campground but I decided to call it a day after only twenty miles and a few steep hills and the promise of more steep hills in the next thirty miles. I got chased again by two sets of dogs today, but this time I had my pepper spray ready, so now when a dog gives chase, I stop my bike and get out pepper spray and usually don’t need to use it.
First time it happened, I was actually stopped beside the road to have a snack when three juvenile labradors came barking at me and getting closer and closer. I aimed the spray but they stayed out of range until I got on my bike and started riding. One got near biting distance and got a face full, then they all backed off. Another dog surprised me by running out from under a car as I was slowly riding by. I quickly jumped off my bike and aimed and yelled at the dog and he thought better of it and politely buggered off. I bought another small canister of mace today at Walmart even though I have a big can of bear spray I need to mount somewhere on my bike. I like the small canister I can keep in my pocket. I’ve used similar before in Philippines on a couple dogs while biking there.
Trying to rest up today for 30 miles tomorrow to campsite, then 66 miles the next day to Berea KY and the end of second segment of the tour.