Baboon 'protocol'

[Sidersky]

Used to come across small monkeys often at places like Northern Farms. They are totally not fussed and even sit in the middle of the road as you ride through them.

 

But the first time I came across baboons was a few years back in Knysna. Week day, on leave, not another rider or person in sight, crested a rise and a huge troop was ambling across the road up ahead. I kakked myself. The fella I assumed was the big chief was massive. When he saw me, he sat on his bum in the middle of the road to sit and stare at me. I’m convinced his head would have been nearly face height with me if I had ridden past him. I had no idea what to do. Go all the way back? Wait? Barrel head long towards him? (Not likely)

 

Eventually, what was probably 5 or 10 minutes later but felt like hours, a couple of riders came up behind, clearly locals, who just flew towards them full tilt without hesitation. I got going as quickly as I could to follow behind them... The baboons just scattered.

 

Saw more baboons more recently on a Breedts ride, with no issues, but my mate and I nearly got knocked off our bikes like skittles by a family of warthog….

[Knersboy]

Where I ride I encounter baboons almost every ride. I just gaan aan, maybe ring my bell just for fun. They always get out of the way.

 

Sometimes there are two troops having a war, then I stop and watch, they don’t care about me they only have eyes for the enemy then.

 

Last resort that I have never had to use, spray then with the water bottle.

[Chingy182]

I have acquired quite a bit of knowledge on Baboon behavior from my better half as she studies them and has been dealing with them for quite a few years now.

 

Wild baboons should not be of any real concern or threat to you.

Just don't make eye contact or show your teeth as this could be perceived as a challenge and a threat.

 

Your more "domesticated" baboons that you find roaming the south peninsula, who have figured out the art of opening car doors, etc. could possibly be more dangerous to you, especially if you are carrying food in your pockets and they come looking for a snack.

 

If this does happen, just empty your pockets of anything sweet they might enjoy to eat and throw it to them.

[SuperDooperSnooper]

I have acquired quite a bit of knowledge on Baboon behavior from my better half as she studies them and has been dealing with them for quite a few years now.

 

Wild baboons should not be of any real concern or threat to you.

Just don't make eye contact or show your teeth as this could be perceived as a challenge and a threat.

 

Your more "domesticated" baboons that you find roaming the south peninsula, who have figured out the art of opening car doors, etc. could possibly be more dangerous to you, especially if you are carrying food in your pockets and they come looking for a snack.

 

If this does happen, just empty your pockets of anything sweet they might enjoy to eat and throw it to them.

 

I read up to there and thought - "you're a brave man!!"

[Reg Lizard]

My friend believes he is the "alpha male" and whenever we encounter a troop of baboons he "barks" at them. Needless to say I always try and ride in front of him  apparently makes getting past a troop of angry baboons a lot easier.

[carrera4s]

My friend believes he is the "alpha male" and whenever we encounter a troop of baboons he "barks" at them. Needless to say I always try and ride in front of him  apparently makes getting past a troop of angry baboons a lot easier.

 

I once "Ahoooi" - ed a baboon in the road in Suikerbosrand.  He looked at me, casually got of the road a meter or so and gave me a proper bark as soon as I passed him.   

[lechatnoir]

My friend believes he is the "alpha male" and whenever we encounter a troop of baboons he "barks" at them. Needless to say I always try and ride in front of him  apparently makes getting past a troop of angry baboons a lot easier.

 

Sounds like you don't need to be faster than the baboons, just faster than your friend 

[Reg Lizard]

Sounds like you don't need to be faster than the baboons, just faster than your friend 

For some or other reason my climbing has improved   :clap:  

[Reg Lizard]

I once "Ahoooi" - ed a baboon in the road in Suikerbosrand.  He looked at me, casually got of the road a meter or so and gave me a proper bark as soon as I passed him.   

Did you take the "KOM" on that segment after that?   :w00t:  

[Stoffel76]

Your more "domesticated" baboons that you find roaming the south peninsula, who have figured out the art of opening car doors, etc. could possibly be more dangerous to you, especially if you are carrying food in your pockets and they come looking for a snack.

 

 

Or like these who try to hotwire Audi's and take them for joyrides? 

 

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn94/stoffel30/IMG00069-20130420-0847_zpsec4ded92.jpg

 

Taken about 5 years at Tokai... Bet they never left the top down again!!

[Dirkitech]

I sometimes come across them in Suikerbosrand on solo rides. I give a few coughs to make them aware and then try to do the blank look ahead.

Once at Rietvlei I came across some Zebra. There were a few foals and mothers very close. I stopped and made that sucking noise that grandparents do with babies and puppies. Then in my head I saw the headline: "Moutainbiker Bitten on Nose By Zebra."

I pushed off qiuetly.

I've also come across the troop of baboons at Suikerbos. I stopped when I reached them as they were crossing the road and I didn't think it smart to put myself in a flanked position, cutting through the troop. I just parked 25-30 meters ahead of them and practiced track stands

[carrera4s]

Did you take the "KOM" on that segment after that?   :w00t:  

 

No, just had to go wash up...  .

 

Luckily not.    

[Reg Lizard]

No, just had to go wash up...  .

 

Luckily not.    

   

[Kranswurm]

Boggom !

[Shebeen]

Tokai and baboons seem to be very much conversation piece currently, and heard some serious verbal moermakering on the radio the other day. With basically everyone calling everyone liers.

 

i had a quick look to see if I could learn a bit more on what is actually going on.

seems like an old white ladies' issue.

 

https://www.facebook.com/BringBackKataza/posts/141806524328487?__xts__[0]=68.ARDTsBLQghxB1SBRQ90aDh2PKPrvHrvH734ETbzxmt9A6hMhOXElBEgusEo4lGAJp4yPx25X5TrJ1-14fQqcecSNiXCBg-uyRN-_qXDbuufkpkn7POFQA-ATlktJL-PSKcGaOx6-d_L41RjEWlPSDEEqNug446_5gpzSEYkwK1BJA5Q8vN8T1-In0_ei39I-SUwjO2cVajk-_ucL8zTjJWPbSNRar7nMTC_zy4akrKc-71vrbDsuWwro6dnDiffcGVn_IczcJRfOZiCU1BoZzNWcbXFRP-iT-KNNlexw1O6mOpzELsVP_IN4Wl-XWE8irAkHJyXjRg9f1rZJVI7dJP0&__tn__=-R