Day 294 – Caracas to Tinaquilo, Venezuela
June 19, 2011 1 Comment
Day 294 – Caracas to Tinaquilo, Venezuela 06/11/11 Mileage: 135
This morning I would say adios to Ian who was off to Cartagena to rendezvous with John and from where they had arranged to put their bikes on a cargo ship home. I would head southwest through the Andes mountains towards Bogota where my bike had an airplane reservation to Miami. Like John, Ian is a fun and easy guy to travel with and I hope this will not be the last time we share some miles.
Adios mi amigo, buen viaje…
But, I wasn’t back on my own just yet, Silviu and Nelson came by on their bikes to take me around a bit and show me the way to the highway. So, shortly after 9 they showed up and they took me up to a great overlook not too far from Silviu’s house.
Nelson, me and Silviu with the skyline of Caracas…
We took the requisite photo’s after which we went to a local bike shop where and found a cheap taillight lens until I can get a proper replacement back in the US. We swung by Silviu’s house where they helped me fit the new lens with the help of some duct tape and an empty Motul bottle.
Silviu, being the prankster that he is, also picked me up a Mack truck sticker in honor of my wreck. Bastard. lol
We also sat down with the map and he gave me more great information and waypoints for the various Venezuelan and Colombian border offices…something that will save me tons of time crossing the border. So with that done, we got back on the bikes and after a nice little ride on some twisty mountain roads, showed me the on ramp for the highway west. Muchas gracias mi amigos!
Silviu and Nelson waving goodby, ADV style… lol
On the highway I ran the bike up to speed and it felt fine…which is hard to believe given the hit that it took. The only thing I had noticed is a small antifreeze leak after the accident, which was now slowly getting worse. I kept an eye on it as I made my way west but soon it became apparent that I could not put it off any longer. It was mid afternoon so I figured I would stop now and find a hotel while I still had daylight to fix the bike.
Once settled into the room, I stripped the left side fairing off and loosened the radiator mount to get a better look. It appeared the leak was coming from between two cooling fins…so not easy to pinpoint exactly. So, it seemed there was only one fix…JB-Weld to the rescue!
It’s steal reinforced two part epoxy that you just knead and apply….presto, job done! I carry two sticks of it…and it is the greatest thing since duct tape. Tomorrow will be the true test to see if it holds, but so far it looks good…
From Deadhorse Down 
Glad you are in Coconut Grove with B & M and your flight and customs went well. Now I hope getting the bike through customs goes as easily and you get it tomorrow morning so that you can start working on it..
Read the two new blog entries and I agree in your saying that strangers have gone beyond with hospitality, meals, dinners and showing you around. And of course, helping with the bike. Friends who follow the blog always mention that to me that you have met some wonderful people along the way.
You should try to do an ad for J-B Stick Weld and the company who manufactured your jacket and pants should give you a new set for all the good comments you have made about it………after seeing the accident……that gear and helmet did their jobs..
Talk to you soon and see you Tuesday. Really excited that we are doing this. Love you, Mom and Dad