Ignoring the "No cycling "signs I rode onto the four lane expressway out of Santiago. I was worried the police would stop me, but they drove on by. Sometimes the four lanes shrunk to two so I waited for a gap in the traffic and was wearing my high vis rain jacket, I got through unscathed. So far.
After 30 miles I had escaped the city and stopped for a toilet break at a cafe. As I got back on my bike there was a bark, a snarl and a a stabbing pain in my right leg. I looked down and saw a dog with its fangs embedded in my calf. I twisted my leg and shouted. The dog let go and trotted away with its mate. At least they looked like healthy animals, but what should I do?
I resolved to ride to the next big town where I could consult Dr Google, check my vaccination record (which was buried in my luggage) and if necessary see a real doctor. Shortly afterwards I bumped into another cyclist going my way. Actually he was riding home to San Francisco via Argentina. He spoke fluent Spanish and got us a lift through a couple of long tunnels, the driver dropped me at a town with a hospital, and took him a lot further up the coast.
The next day I saw a pair of touring riders. Two days later they passed me in a truck, their bikes lashed to the back. I don't blame them.
The Pan American Highway is brutal. It rolls over the foothills of the Andies for the entire length of South America. To my right I sometimes see snow covered peaks, or the profile of volcanoes, sometimes to my left I see the Pacific
Ocean. Sometimes there is an isolated cafe, rarer still a small town or city. All of the tine there is desert. Whether I enjoy the ride entirely depends on the wind direction. You crouch down into a headwind and see little and make slow progress. With a tailwind I sail along, admiring the view, doing perhaps 20mph with no effort.
The forecast is for a week of tailwinds. That should help me conquer the Atacana desert and reach Peru.
Dog bite. Fortunately the dog had a shiney coat, clear eyes and a wet nose. so little risk of rabies.
Will - the rider from San Francisco - fixing a puncture. He also had been attacked by the dogs, but got away unscathed.
After 30 miles I had escaped the city and stopped for a toilet break at a cafe. As I got back on my bike there was a bark, a snarl and a a stabbing pain in my right leg. I looked down and saw a dog with its fangs embedded in my calf. I twisted my leg and shouted. The dog let go and trotted away with its mate. At least they looked like healthy animals, but what should I do?
I resolved to ride to the next big town where I could consult Dr Google, check my vaccination record (which was buried in my luggage) and if necessary see a real doctor. Shortly afterwards I bumped into another cyclist going my way. Actually he was riding home to San Francisco via Argentina. He spoke fluent Spanish and got us a lift through a couple of long tunnels, the driver dropped me at a town with a hospital, and took him a lot further up the coast.
The next day I saw a pair of touring riders. Two days later they passed me in a truck, their bikes lashed to the back. I don't blame them.
The Pan American Highway is brutal. It rolls over the foothills of the Andies for the entire length of South America. To my right I sometimes see snow covered peaks, or the profile of volcanoes, sometimes to my left I see the Pacific
The forecast is for a week of tailwinds. That should help me conquer the Atacana desert and reach Peru.
 |
| Surfers at Antofagasta, I had a rest day here |
 |
| The Pan American Highway has a wide hard shoulder to ride on. Many of the truck drivers say hello as they pass. |
The dog obviously liked the look of you. Keep safe x
ReplyDeleteChile has the most aggressive dogs I've met. So now I have a 4 foot bamboo stick to scare them off. Although as its lashed to the back of my bike it looks a bit like an animal's tail. Maybe that's why the dogs still chase me.PS There is no rabies in Chile.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Findog we hope you're okay, can't wait to see you again in year 11, stay safe and enjoy the rest of your trip. From 10o1 and Mr.Ball
ReplyDeleteHello Zak, 10o1 and Mr Ball, good to hear from you. Yes, I am fine, just a little tired. In 3 days I should be in Peru to try and see some of the sights. I hope you are all well and enjoy a great summer. Mr Findon
DeleteHello Dom , Hope it's only been tail winds that have chased you all the way up that stunning 'film set ' looking Pan American Highway ,although possibly it has'nt !
ReplyDeleteLook forward to your next installment .
Edward
I'm in the Andes at the moment. There was a great tail wind today, but I was also chased by several sheepdogs. A shepherdess took out a sling shot, spun it around and shot a stone her dogs. That doesn't happen in Dorset.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant wildlife, off to Lake Titicaca tomorrow.