Ruff Ridin'

On the weekdays, I spin 15 or so miles after work from the rural ridge of Pipersville to the river banks of Lumberville and back. The perfect way to unwind after a demanding day at work. (OK, maybe a cold beer would do the trick—but it tastes even better after a ride, anyway!)

Yesterday, 10 miles into my ride and on a 20 mph downhill, I ran over a dog! A first for me—and probably the dog. In lieu of swerving and taking out my riding partner and myself, or colliding with Fido’s middle and flipping over the handlebars, I braked—a bit belated—and clipped the pooch’s paw. A distraught shriek escaped my throat, and the dog hightailed it home unharmed.

Turns out I'm not the only one who's hit a dog and lived to tell about it...check out Tour de France rider Marcus Burghardt's close call!