Hi, Paul,
It is not silly moments rather victorious! It was about same time in 1975, I was riding in rural North Carolina as you seen on Andy Griffith Show, 5-6 dogs came out to chase me, or running along with me. Some so close that my pedaling was hitting them.
Well, I stopped and as I screamed, raised my bike up in air, and I was ready to push dogs away! Guess waht, they shut up and bow down, then went away.
When you are chased on the road, fight back, show your superority/territory. They will go back home. But it might be a good idea to carry a sort of weapon as old beated-up air pump??
KEN TODA, over the hill rider in NC, beautiful cool fall day in 50's.