October 5th (dia cinco) - A day of rest
Sleeping, eating, relaxing, lounging -- all things taken for granted, things so badly missed. We're a tough sort, us adventure riders. It's not all fun and games, and we have to deal with so many unique challenges everyday, some that are life threatening, all of which will become far more challenging once we cross the border into Mexico.
Originally planning to depart the following morning, we have been delayed with some parts that needed to be ordered for Mihai's bike. His chain is starting to collect more than a few kinks and we fear it could snap at any time, possibly getting locked into the rear tire at any moment and bringing him down. I insisted we wait another day in Houston until the parts arrive to prevent any kind of possible injury. We're on vacation, remember? ;-)
The day has been spent mostly running around from store to store, gathering the last few things we might need. From a knife for protection to more stuff bags to squeeze the things we have into smaller bags so we can fill up our bags with even more things while in Mexico! We've also repackaged all of our gear again and separated what we can leave here and what we should take. I had to install a new front tire at the garage and get an oil change which all said and done managed to cost me a whopping two hundred and fifty US dollars. A necessary but painful expense when we're on such tight budgets. I came out of the garage feeling more confident with my bike until I noticed a new and disturbing noise from my front brakes which wasn't there prior to the work. Looks like I'll be back to the garage tomorrow again to get this sorted out.
Otherwise I've been spending all day catching up with friends and family. I installed the Cisco IP phone with my work so that I can make free calls back home over the internet... such wonderful technology! Trying to figure out our future stops in Mexico, as my brother's girlfriend Liz has some friends we can visit in Monterrey and Mexico city, providing us with some excellent opportunities to meet the locals and get to know the people of Mexico.
Also waiting news from Mihai's garage and hoping all the parts will arrive tomorrow so we can depart Friday for Mexico!
Comments
I can't believe this shit!!! What a small world. Remember I told you I had a friend that was doing the same trip you were going to do well guess what, it's Mihai!!!! I just realized when I saw the picture on your website. I went to the same high school as this guy. Ask him about Daniel... I heard he was doing the same trip you were but it never clicked that you guys knew each other... 2 funny!!
Posted by: DannyBoy | October 8, 2005 6:17 AM
Hey guys..where are you now? Logged on to weather site..for Monterrey, noticed rain forecasted. Keep dry, watch out for slippy roads
lots of Love!!!
Posted by: Lorraine Knudsen | October 9, 2005 9:00 AM