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Friday, January 14, 2022

Preparing To Ride Ecuador

 The best laid plans sometimes fail....this is the current situation.  Upon arrival on Tuesday in San Vicente/Canoa we found a new 250cc Ranger on sale $1730.00......unable to buy as you require a Matricula To use the bike which can not be issued sooner than 2 weeks if then....we did our best to find a fixer to no avail......all the rental companies are 2 expensive for a month long excursion...we tried Freedom and Ecuador Bike tours. 

My friend Robert White offered us his unit but as he is back in Canada is unable to be present to have papers drawn up by a notary saying Athir can use the moto.

Maybe a used moto already licenced would work....a 150 with only 777k is advertised for $800.00. We meet with the owner and though this bike is suppose to be only 4 years old....it looks like it has been through the last war with the dash relaced and countless other missing or rigged parts....while we are considering...Miguel my mechanic sees us...I had earlier put out a notice if he could find us a bike...yes he has 2 to consider.....a 150cc Motor 1 scooter or a 125cc Honda....Miguel agrees to rent the Honda and Athir takes possession yesterday (Thursday). 

Last evenning we go into Canoa for dinner....while there my friend Barry from Huntsville who now lives here full time rides up with his land partner on 2 horses and 2 ponies. As they are about to leave Barry falls off while remounting and the horse we think backed into Athirs moto making it fall opposite side of kickstand against my BMW. Breaks the mirror, wind screen and battery falls out (no damage to the BMW)....It is dark and we discover on our return to the condo that his bike has no lights front or rear...the headlight is part of the moulded windscreen. 

This morning with our tail between our legs we arrange to see Miguel and address the bikes current and some past issues. Though we are in a small town it is surprising what new parts are available.....Athir purchases new mirrors, complete front bodymoulding(includes head lamp) with wind screen, new signals front and rear, a harness to hold the battery in place; as well as, a new spark plug cap and rear light bulb. Miguel does all the repairs.

Both Miguel and Athir go to a notary to complete papers for the liability in case of an accident and the legal use of the bike. Athir just sent me a notice saying we may be able to go to Colombia rather than tour Ecuador....hopefully we can but I will need to wait to discuss this when he returns. 

Davos at Ecuador Bike Tours told me the border was closed but according to a web site it is open from 8am to 5pm since December 16th 2021. I have a facebook friend Noraly of Itchy Boots Blog who just crossed...so hopefully Davos is misinformed....more on this later.

Enough for now, I am going down to use the outdoor pool as it must be29c today.


Tomorrow will be a test run of Athurs Bike to Manta to see if we can get a new key lock system installed.

Trip to Manta delayed until Monday which will be the begining of our excursion.  Appears that we are not able to cross into Colombia as of tomorrow....so we will scout out this beautiful country....Bruce and Myrna have invited us to visit them in Otavalo which will be on the Northernly portion of our trip. Hopefully we time it right as Saturday is the large Market in Otavalo...a must see. 



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