I'm just about to climb one of those hills when i hear a dog to my right start to bark. He's with a young boy and i assume his older sister and yes, he unleaded and running for me. I'm not too worried at first because there is a deep ditch separating us and it's only getting deeper as i climb. The kids are screaming, "Bandit! No! Stop!" Bandit has other plans kids. He went right into the ditch and up the steep embankment like it was nothing. I grabbed the pepper spray that's Velcroed to my bike and aimed it at Bandit's border collie head. Now here's the thing, i really like dogs but I'm not going to let one bite me again. I also realize Bandit is just being.. well.. a dog. So, I showed restraint but if he got in reach of me, game on. Thankfully his little game ended. Because i also realize if i have to pepper spray a dog, the real danger is the owners of that dog when they find out and come after me down the road. Then it's, game over.
OK, back to the hills, nats, and purifying water from some green muddy looking creeks. I need a hotel! I'm dehydrated most of the time and sooo sore. I need a rest day! Not yet.. I'll rest when it's raining. Plus i have to get ahead of the rumors. There's a whispering low growl out on the street, "Dogbait is riding again".