Subject: Silly Bike TAIL
My silly bike TAIL was an ongoing event that started in the summer of 1970.
I was back home in SW Pennsylvania from college.The area where I grew up was
primarily small family farm country;that was quickly being developed into
subdivisions.I had carefully mapped out a 15-20 mile loop that required
little riding time on busier paved roads.Most of the ride consisted of
lightly traveled farm roads made of graded hardpacked dirt covered with
oil hardened surfaces.
At the midpoint in the ride was a downhill section leading to a crossroads
where I turned left.From here the road was a gradual uphill for about a
half mile.This was the most demanding portion of the entire ride every day.
I would slow at the intersection to make the left turn & begin to pedal
vigorously to top the upcoming hill.
There was a farm at the intersection that was the home of a large,shaggy,
mean,viscious,MANEATING canine.He would patiently await my approach to
HIS INTERSECTION.Just as I would complete the turn & my back was finally
toward him,[The Coward]he would mount the attack.Me spinning furiously
to stay out of the grasp of his awesome ferocious jaws;while he avoided
my whirring spokes & crankarms.
This BATTLE ROYALE occurred every day for about 2 weeks.Then I finally
took matters into my own hands.I drove my car to the farmhouse,pulled
into the drive,& was greeted by the friendliest dog I had ever met.
Yes this was the same dog.We had mended fences.
The next day;back on my bike;the same viscious,snarling,bloodthirsty
beast was at my heels.This routine continued through the summer &
resumed the following year.
To this day,I know he could have caught me any time he chose.Thank
goodnees he never chose.I will always remember our silly bike TAIL.
Nick Zatezalo
Atlanta,Ga