Hey guys, I was riding South today towards Ushaia when the connecting link on my chain snapped. While trying to figure out how to take the chain off several kids showed up and started asking me questions for 15 minutes. I was frustrated and did not really want to answer all their questions but at the same time I did not want to come across as an ass.

I took my rear tire off and placed it a few feet behind the bike because I did not want the kids to mess with it. (In Colombia a guy used my rear tire as a chair.) One of the kids went over and picked up my tire while I was concentrating on the bike and I ran over and stopped him just before he was about to put the rotor on the ground. After that all of a sudden the kids took off and they made off with most of the tools in my tool kit.

Wow, was I ever surprised that people would have the nerve to rob you of your tools when your bike was broken down! Some people truly are heartless!

I am going to stay here in La Rioja a couple of days and try to track these kids down. The more I look for them, the more I think I will not be able to find them. I know that 2 of the kids have lip piercings so that makes conducting a search worth it, but this city is a lot bigger than I had thought intitally.

Anyway, I would rather risk being friendly and having something like this happen rarely than being an ass and just telling the kids to go away. I guess next time I will keep a closer eye on my stuff though.

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http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)

That's a bit cruel, big sympathies.
Wish I could do more to help but sadly I can't.

[quote]I am going to stay here in La Rioja a couple of days and try to track these kids down. The more I look for them, the more I think I will not be able to find them. I know that 2 of the kids have lip piercings so that makes conducting a search worth it, but this city is a lot bigger than I had thought intitally.[quote]


Warning !!! Although I can understand your anger, these kids may have big brothers and/or nasty fathers!! You are a long way from home, do you really want a feud on your hands ?

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[quote=dave ede;177142][quote]I am going to stay here in La Rioja a couple of days and try to track these kids down. The more I look for them, the more I think I will not be able to find them. I know that 2 of the kids have lip piercings so that makes conducting a search worth it, but this city is a lot bigger than I had thought intitally.I understand what you are saying, but I have never been the type to count my losses and move on without making a decent effort first. It may be a personality flaw but it is who I am.

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http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)

Hi Geoff,
It's tough on your own keeping an eye on things in this situation. If you can't get out sight to fix things choose the biggest kid to stand guardian for you stuff. That way you can get the fix done stay friendly and keep your good Karma.
In some societies a local adult will keep the kids in check.

Sometimes I have my own guardian, she who must be obeyed, keeps crowd control, and is particularly good with kids.

Anywaywhy are you using spring link` in the chain, they always break.

Steve

Yeah, I guess I will have to do that from now on. I can understand the paranoia that Latin Americans have for stuff being stolen now. Before I thought it was too much worrying about little things being stolen. I have been searching for these kids and I came accross a local ghetto that I think they probably live in. I was surprised to see people living in shacks in Argentina.

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http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)

If you continue your trip in Africa stick to Steve's advice. As soon as you park your vehicle in a South African settlement someone will turn up in no time and offer to look after your bike. Make bloody sure to accept his offer. It doesn't cost you very much, but that's the only way to keep the bike safe. Just agree on the price BEFORE you go ;-)

Hans

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