learn how to deal with dogs running after my motorcycle
in the developing world.
Having been a paperboy for years as a teenager, I'd
learned how to ward off unwarranted dogs and these skills
helped me transition into third-world dogs hell-bent on
chasing and snapping at the invading motorcycle.
A new phenomenon I discovered was that of children
throwing rocks. After speaking with many locals, the
rock-throwing is an equal-opportunity issue for locals as
well.
The profile is quite simple – boys in the range of 7-12
years old – period. No girls throw rocks as don't older chil-
dren.
As you approach, they size you up, home in on your ve-
locity and location, slowly bend down and pick up rocks
and prepare to hurl them at you as you ride by.
After much practice, I learned the secret of avoiding the
projectiles: slow down … stare them down … hold your
finger up … and let them know you see them.
Just like the dog that stops chasing you once you take
your feet off the pedals, the child will succumb to your
gentle intimidation and drop the rocks. Problem solved
and you are not blinded by rocks with a velocity of 100
kilometres per hour as you whisk by the thousands of vil-
lages.
NUMBER 5
Police The Police. The police are your friends. Really!
Truly! Most of the time ...
In many countries, police simply wave and smile as you
ride by with never a thought of pulling the rider over to
‘control’ and check for documents.
When I did speak to the police, they were genuinely very
interested in knowing where we were riding from, where
we were going, the speed of the motorcycle, the cost of the
motorcycle, and the size of the engine.
I always waved to the police as I rode by and they waved
back.
Zimbabwe was the only exception to the norm, it is no-
torious for police hassle.
After entering Zimbabwe from Zambia, I was pulled
over within the first few hundred metres and told I would
pay a fine for a bogus, fabricated infraction.
TRAVERSE
Observe the rule! Be polite, firm, and let the police
know that you are not being intimidated. It's important.
Before they even threatened with their 'fine', I offered to
go to the police station and talk with their boss. Don’t let a
few corrupt police impact your trip after seeing hundreds
of hard-working and honest police throughout the conti-
nent.
NUMBER 6
Untangle The Red Tape. How you present yourself
does, and will, make a difference!
Meet officials with respect, greeting them with a smile,
and a good attitude, makes the process go more smoothly.
First, educate yourself ahead of time about the different
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