I cross Dallas from near DFW airport to NE Dallas at the 635/75 interchange. I cross all the main none highway N/S roads. Since being hit in July of 2007 I avoid some of the multi lane roads and take more "back" roads.
Ok so this was a great morning for a commute. Nice and cool, no wind, and traffic was light. I was really enjoying the ride, about half way to work I am peddling through a nice North Dallas neighborhood just as the sun is lightening the thin layer of clouds. Beautiful colors, the birds are singing and I?m singing the song that has been stuck in my head all morning ([url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGVnH39UzI8]Storokin by Clarence Carter?[/url]). I am coming by a real nice house set off the road by about 40 ft, with an alcove front door, when I hear 3 words said very sternly and loud, coming form somewhere back in that house?s alcove, they scare me ridged???GET IT BOY.? The next thing I see as I turn my head, solo mate shining brightly, is a large black dog sprinting down the driveway right at me, full gate coming hard. Now in the 1-2 second I have my mind is racing and my heart rate has gone through the roof. I think I might be able to dismount and put the bike between me and this giant monster, but doubt I can do it before he knocks me over and tares my throat out, or worse. Then just as I unclip my right shoe and think to begin to through it over the bike?????????????????????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? The dog stops, picks up the newspaper laying on the sidewalk and happily heads back to his master waiting in his bath robe and boxers??For the next mile or so I am laughing internally, and waiting for my heart rate to decrease, and I?m sure the dogs owner had a good laugh too. I can?t believe how ones mind plays tricks on it?s owner. Oh well it was a great ride in otherwise, but I was sweating like a stuck pig thanks to the dumb weather men?s 9pm predictions of low 30 deg weather that turned out to be low 50s??? Guess I need to turn on the tube I the morning.
Cycling has saved my life, I have lost and kept off 100 Lbs reduced or stopped taking many medications, and my overall attitude has been extremely changed for the better. Commuting has helped my life even more through even better health, money saving, an