Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 3 Mar 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Brighton Ontario Canada
Posts: 40
Last month on a series 400 highway east of Toronto Canada a lady had her face completely rearranged by some idiot that tossed a big rock off a highway overpass. Years before that my own son as a child pitched a rock at a car and managed to take out the windshield. It cost him his allowance for the next thirty years and he had quite a job to sit for a while...This all happened in a first world country. Don't sweat it and just keep your eyes and brain alert.
__________________
Ride Safe...Stu
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 3 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Spain
Posts: 128
So, it seems that I can have a stone trown at my car when I drive to university, as it is not something endemic in Africa and the Middle East.
Do you know of some especially bad areas in the Sahara and/or a bit south?

Another solution would be to travel in a tank. It would be also a useful vehicle when I hit soft sand.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 4 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Southern England
Posts: 205
Normally when encountering stone throwing kids (so far mostly when passing through Tunisia) we just slowed right down. This gives them the feeling the might get caught and dealt with if they did the deed, and it seems to work. We also adopted a policy of 'wave and smile' (whilst slowing down). The only time our group was hit by stones was when blasting along, windows shut looking straight ahead (It was our German friends who were doing this and got a hit).

Throwing sweeties is of course very non pc and therefore must be avoided at all costs.

Andrew

Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 4 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: London
Posts: 144
So why suggest it? Throwing sweets, that is...

Jeremy

------------------
pigapitcha
__________________
pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 4 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK
Posts: 113
throwing sweets from a moving car at children could cause injury to them - perhaps its a double stone throwing preventative......
__________________
www.desertbiking.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 4 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Southern England
Posts: 205
Wish I hadn't suggested throwing sweeties really, it seemed like the simplest answer to counter stone throwing kid anxiety without explaining as above the highly technical process of slowing down and engaging with the local population instead of taking no interest in them and just exploiting their country for amusement. That (disinterested tourists syndrome) is more likely IMHO the reason for stone throwing, not the fact you didn't throw a cadeaux. After all stone throwers don't wait to see if you're going to give them something, they are intent on attacking you regardless. And as for the possibility of injuring someone with a high velocity boiled sweet...

Andrew
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 4 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456

Hmmm... I don't know, a well-aimed pear drop might sting a little.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 5 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK
Posts: 113
personally when kids throw stones at me on a bike, I sometimes go after them, even down alleyways and back yards and try and give them a good kick

all pointless of course, but sometimes I see red. I guess they find that even more exciting, and do it more.

I also do the same with dogs after my ankles....


I think pear drops which are aimed nicely could be a usefull alternative. perhaps we can start a topic titled 'Best object to throw back at stone throwing kids?'

or have we killed this topic :-)

Karim desertbiker


[This message has been edited by coolkarim (edited 05 March 2006).]
__________________
www.desertbiking.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 6 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Giant gob stopper would make them think twice, or not! Maybe you could lassoo them with liquorice string before dousing them in sherbert powder and beating them with sticks of rock.
of course, when I were a lad................

Andy
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 6 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Spain
Posts: 128
So, you suggest me to throw things back to the children?
What about stones?

Please, don't think that I am a sniper or something the like.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 6 Mar 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
You spray bleach in the eyes of dogs, gringo? You think that hitting a child with a heavy-duty slingshot is a good idea? Perhaps you find pleasure in torturing kittens, too. You do seem to enjoy offending people.

James
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 7 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
[QUOTE]Originally posted by coolkarim:
[B]personally when kids throw stones at me on a bike, I sometimes go after them, even down alleyways and back yards and try and give them a good kick

all pointless of course, but sometimes I see red. I guess they find that even more exciting, and do it more.

I also do the same with dogs after my ankles....


ha ha - I'm all for leaving the vehicle and giving chase - even if you don't catch anyone it expends a little "bad energy." and keeps them on their toes!

Gringo - I hope you're joking? blinding dogs with bleach?... holy moly - I bet you leave a trail of good will.

After losing a chunk of thigh (and my best trousers) to a particularly hellish hound in Kenya, I carry a tin of mace -- no permanent damage and wins any argument.

[This message has been edited by Richard K (edited 06 March 2006).]
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 8 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Bringing the topic slightly back on track (!), I usually find that if I tuck in close behind a truck/bus etc. going through a village then they don't see you coming.

Ie instead of overtaking the thing (normal plan) just sit with it and enjoy the ride...

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 8 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
and dodge the stones thrown up by the bus/truck!! I find a good cure for that is to spray bleach in the eyes of the bus driver, especially if it is a school bus travelling at high speed!

by the way, I think mace is illegal in the uk, so it maybe elsewhere too so watch out.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 8 Mar 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
If everyone would do as I do and Solve The Problem, it would make it easier for the next biker to pass through, and the world would be a better place.

And yes, I think it is a fine idea to shoot a kid who is throwing rocks at you with a high powered slingshot.


Blinding dogs with bleach hardly solves the problem of strays wandering the roads. Firing at children from slingshots designed to kill animals is even more moronic.

I'd suspect that you are trying to wind me and other people up, but going by this and other posts you've made, you really are a colossal ***** , gringo.

James

[This message has been edited by JamesCo (edited 08 March 2006).]
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:58.