Dam turkeys

[skypilot]

I went for a last ride New Years Eve, 2005, before the snow got too deep. By the time I got near home it was really starting to stick which meant I had to stay in the tire tracks and go slow. 1 mile from home these two turkeys ran out in front of me forcing me out of the tire tracks. The bike tipped but touched nothing but the crash bars to the pavement, no slide, no crash, no kaboom! The turkeys however would not leave. Someone took my camera and snapped a few pictures. Then I learned not to turn my back on them when one bit me in the butt.

Riding away, fleeing to save myself, they actually ran after me. I pulled into the feed store that was conveniently about 50 yards away. I figured I’d get them some food and they will leave me alone. No such luck as they took up position between me and my bike, Guard duty? Getting this picture required using the riding gloves to keep them from my head, remember, turkeys bite!

When I finally rode away they started chasing me again. To keep from causing an accident over the next mile to my home I rode on the dirt along the side of the road. That kept them out of the way of the cars but got some really strange looks. I couldn’t ride fast because it was slippery so they kept up, albeit at a full run. Ha, work for it you bastards! At home they again took up position between me and the bike, Protecting it?

When my son came out to grab the camera they finally gave up and walked away into the woods. I still have no idea why they chased me. Some have said the sound of the bike may have attracted them, it does sound cool. Others think the red helmet or something about how the bike looks.

My best guess is that even the beasts in the forest revere the GS as a God!
Sincerely,
Skypilot

[HMarc]

Here's a photo Skypilot sent me awhile back...

[sfarson]

I can relate for it's almost a daily occurence here. Once I start the bike up outside the garage, the tom turkeys come a runnin from the forest. The bike exhaust note drives them crazy. During the rut they view the bike as a challenge to their harem and will attack. I've had them chase me, fly up and hit the windshield with their claws, run down the long driveway after me. I'll have 25-30 turkeys around here at a time, and when the hens are around, the toms really want to show off how brave they are.

[GelStra]

Hmmm, reminds me. Isn't some big ol' food fest coming up soon that centers around ROAST TURKEY?