So it was the first day of the rally in Mongolia and this would be my introduction to the crazy dogs. We started out weaving around on mountainous roads. Then came into a valley very similar to Nevada, other than the fact that the whole landscape was covered in grass. Feeling good and comfortable I was going as fast as the bike could go.  Out in the distance I could see one hut. I really didn't think anything of it as I could see the herd of Yaks was far on the other side of the valley with no other signs of people around. As I got closer though, the first thing that went through my mind was, wow I'm going to see a bear in Mongolia. I really didn't slow down at first because it was so far away. But it didn't take long to realize that it wasn't a bear and that the animal was running straight at me. So I sat up and got on the brakes really hard and tried to decide what to do. Still a long ways away though I couldn't really make out what it was.  I got off on the side of the road as far as I could which was easy because the terrain was smooth, short grass. I then got back on the gas. Now I could tell it was a dog.  It was a huge dog and it was still running as fast as it could. It had a look in his eyes like it really wanted to eat me. But I was back up to speed by the time I got very close to him and he went behind me like a dogfight in top gun. By now I had made it back to the road and realized that the dog had ran close to a half mile away from the little hut. Right on the other side of the hut we had to cross a river. It really wasn't that deep but it was rocky. I made it through the first three little river crossings just fine then on the very last one I made a mistake and lost my momentum climbing up the river bank. Then I had that really weird feeling somebody was watching me, but my next thought was that I hadn't seen anybody in 30 min. I had seen the crazy dog, then all the hair stood up on the back of my neck.  Right as I was getting traction up the hill and back onto the flat of the road I looked down at my left leg to see the dog running as hard as he could trying to bite my leg. I rode away amazed by the dog's stamina and his fearlessness as he had covered close to a mile of ground on a dead run. I really didn't think I would see that again but as the days went by I would say 80% of the dogs that we came across did the same thing. Crazy

Edited by Jonah Street, 19 April 2012 - 09:18 PM.

Damn,  that would scare the shit outta me!

glad you were able to get away,  not a good time to break down or run out of gas....

Its crazy how dogs chase motorcycles,  ive been chased a few times (nothing like you)  and it always freaks me out for some reason.

I love dogs, but if it's down to him and me----look out, pooch!

That is a great Dog story Jonah! Never had one run that far to give chase! But I've heard about Mongolian Dogs from RTW riders going through Mongolia. First thing they learn to say when approaching a "Yurt" in local language is "Hold The Dog!"   Good luck with the Rally!

I've encountered Dogs in Mexico and Central America a few times, been riding bikes down there since the 80's. Usually a pack of half dozen will lie in wait. Coming into Creel (Copper Canyon, Chi) there are 4 or 5 dogs there to greet you. These aren't your usual little Mexican Chihauhau's. Some Gringos must have brought some big boys down there and let them go.  
These were prett BIG; various Mutt mixes that resembled Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shepherds, and a few big hound mixes ect. Riding through you had to dodge them. I'm good at this as I've done it since I was a kid. I take one at a time and, if possible, head straight at them, make them change their line, then at last minute, turn sharp away, and watch out for the next one. I've bumped a couple doing this, never run one over. The guys to watch are like the one that almost got you ... they swoop in from the side, in your blind spot.     This is where I've been nailed (lightly) once or twice. Most Dogs down there don't chase motorcycles ... but once in a while you get those that really like it. Creel gets tons of bikes all year round.

But it's much worse if you are on foot, at night, in absolute pitch dark. When I lived in La Libertad, El Salvador I used to walk home from town. I always used the old Mexico trick of reaching down for a rock. It works! Even in pitch black of night! Never could see the dog ... just hear them charging you. Scary!

Ride safe!

Jonah Street, on 16 April 2012 - 10:37 PM, said:

makes very good reading (was reading it out aloud and my daughter was like did he lose he lose his leg i think he needs a faster bike but she is only 8 and had to explain to her in kiddy talk so she would understand next time chuck a snickers @ the dog

Edited by gavin198, 18 April 2012 - 11:11 PM.

Cool story! Thanks Jonah!

I have a 100+ lb German Shephard at home but I'm still scared to death when I meet a wild dog in the woods. When it happens I head out quick and save it for another day.

Great story.  I had a bicycle paper route out in the country when I was a kid and was chased by dogs many times.  Sure wished I had some horsepower back then.

Awesome story!

Pics or it didnt happen

how big a dog are we talkin' about? good story btw.