Dikmen

Alice is now carrying a newly created pebble pouch on her front handlebars. Carefully sewn from a discarded workmans glove found on the side of the road. Containing 3 medium sized not at all special pebbles. That she sincerely hopes not to need.

Ammunition.

Turkish dogs do not get a good press with cyclists. And with justification. At best they are a nuisance. At worst they are downright terrifying. This year we have had much more difficulty with dogs ie more serious aggression. We are in more remote areas and they are less accustomed to wierd cyclists passing through.

Broadly speaking there are 2 main categories (and 2 main breeds) of dogs.
The wild strays are typically noisy and playful but basically gentle and good natured. Its a bit daunting cycling through a gang of them. And they are a pain when we are camping as they tend to “adopt” us and sit by the tent all night. Try eating breakfast with 7 dogs and 2 cats in tow.

The guard-dogs, whether for property, sheep or cattle are in a different league. They are big and strong and clearly not to be messed with. It is not advised to try to pedal away fast as they are even faster. Which means, counter intuitively, slowing down or stopping to face and deal with them. So far I have had one dog grab my pannier strap (and break the clip) and another bite or bump the pannier. Its really scary but I am so glad it was not my leg. Alain had his tyre bit (but with no damage). We have had several episodes where we have had to stop and walk to get past …its very daunting. We have come out the other side complete but quite shaken.

Alain is doing well at Shhh -ing the dogs. Leaning down to pick up a stone also seems to deter. Next comes throwing a stone (hence a pouch, in case there are none to pick up). We ideally throw to miss, but if need be to hit.

We asked the locals what to do. They said “Are you afraid?”, us: “Yes”, them: “We are afraid too….Maybe throw stones?…”. Oh well.

I am so very grateful for our rabies jabs (just praying that they are not needed).

Wish us luck (a lot of it).Læs mere