side trip

A last note on the Llano experience. Churi asked if we wanted to leave in the morning and see some of the Andes. Of course we did and off we drove. I used to lead trips- wether it was inner city kids with Meet the Wilderness or more refined clientele with Vail resorts- and I know well the feeling when something isn't going exactly how you planned it- it can be agonizing or one heck of an adventure- usually depending on how the client reacts.

So... when Churi pulled over and stated that the brakes seemed to be out we reacted like the awesome clients we were: "no worries"

and here is what happened next

We caught a passing bus into the next town and walked to the mechanics. We hesitated at this bridge due to its seemingly flimsy nature- but then a moto crossed it so off we went.

The mechanic said that it should be an easy fix and he knew someone we could grab a ride with. The someone had a delivery of bananas and carrots to deliver so in the back we went.

 This way

 Next part of the adventure was that the road was closed. Reason? El tour de Venezuela! Seriously, it was a mountain stage and the road was closed so it could pass.

 I thought Gord Fraser would be impressed with the level of quality on the neutral support bikes.

 The leader

 The chase

 The Luca with his handmade "Vamos!" sign

 Lisa with her cafe negro.

The road finally opened but we stayed in town while the car was fixed and driven to us. Cool bridge.

 Cool rock.

 In the end it all worked out and we had a fun day actually. We also had amazing parilla (bbq) in Barinas that night. Thanks for the adventure Churi.