1/1/07 Even though
there is now the lowest number of countries left for us to visit, because
of their location, spread out in the Pacific Ocean, we have only a loose
plan on which countries to visit next. After returning to India on
the 27th of January, and hopefully reassembling the motorcycle engine,
we plan to ride across India towards Bhutan, where a tour is booked from
the 17th till the 28th of February. Then a ride to the south of India and
a boat to the Maldives and on to Sri Lanka looks likely but after that the
plan becomes more uncertain and depends on available transport to any Pacific
Island country. The loose plan is to move between any island country depending
on boats or planes until nearing our son's and his fiancé's wedding
date when we should return to Australia about mid September. This is the
least planned of any of our trips.
5/1/07 Today we were advised that the shed where the motorcycle was
being stored had been sealed by the government, as it was a business operating
in a residential area. There appears to be a way around most problems in
India. Somehow our motorcycle along with the approximately 50 Enfield motorcycles
stored at the same premises were removed to different accommodation without
disturbing the seals on the locks. How they managed that and to lift the
H-D, locked with all its gear piled on the seat, and whether there is any
damage will have to await our return to discover.
25/1/07 The motorcycle's cylinders, heads and rocker covers have
been rebuilt at Morgan and Wackers H-D shop in Brisbane. Virtually
every moving part inside this area was replaced. If it was replaced on
the first rebuild at 230,000km it needed it again and if it wasn't replaced
then, at 480,000km it needed it now. The cylinders were bored out to 30
thou oversized and matching pistons and rings will be fitted. The valve seats,
valves, springs and guides were replaced in the heads. Rocker arms and pins
replaced in the rocker area.
We had carried home the engine parts inside the motorcycle's top
box which also needed repairs. Some cracks in the fibreglass are from
accidents and rough handling and others from the constant use. After
repairing and strengthening we covered the box in black plastic and rewrote
the list of countries visited, allowing room for the remaining unvisited
ones.
A new and lighter lap top computer was purchased. The Compaq Presario
we have been dragging around the world for the last five years has given
us little problem so we decided to go with their newer, lighter model, 12"
Presario B1900, no we didn't ask for sponsorship, but perhaps we should
have.
26/1/07 With the usual spares of oil filters, air filters, brake
pads, grease and small repair items, along with a front tyre we were
packed and ready to leave. The total weight was over 80 kg's of motorcycle
and luggage, a lot more than the airline's allowance.
You can now move onto the first country of the thirteenth
trip if you wish. Start Travelling
