Return to Lima Peru
April 16, 2024
It's not only the body and mind that need caring during our trip. The bikes require loving too. For the most part, having started with new touring bikes, and with frequent maintenance, our two-wheeled friends have been doing amazing. Sure, chains, brake pads, brake rotors, and a cassette needed replacing. Nothing particularly unusual after 11000 km. And with only three flat tires, we can't complain. Lately though, we have been faced with new challenges.
100 kilometers before reaching Ushuaia, we discovered a severe crack in Aimée's rear wheel rim. With tightly squeezed buttocks, we slowly pedaled toward the end. What a last ride. Fortunately, we could arrange for some decent rims in Chile. And with a wheel builder close by, we were good to go within two weeks time. But then, right before our flight to Lima, we noticed Jaap's rear wheel was tired too, showing numerous fatigue cracks near the spoke holes. Tiny ones, but still, not something to gamble with.
The cracks weren't there a week earlier. How could this have happened so suddenly? The wheels had been stable for months. And what timing... Finding a quality rim in Chile was already a big win. But here in Lima, hopeless. There is only one way, ship it in and wait some more.
These are set-backs. But we know, it is better to move slow now, and get high quality materials, than to go for the quick fix and be in trouble later. And so, we have been making Lima our home for a week now. We enjoy eating local foods, visit the gym to keep our fitness in check, and explore the city. Way more than we did when we arrived here 9 months ago. Back then, we were weary of safety, didn't speak Spanish well, nor did we know how the Peruvians go about their days and eating rituals. Now all is different. We've grown so much. Dealing with mechanical failures puts a damper on any trip, but for us now, it is special too. It gives us time to reflect on our journey south, which started here last year. And to experience our evolution from absolute bicycle-travelling newbies in South America, to more grounded, confident, and relaxed cyclists ready to embark on a new adventure! Hopefully it starts soon :)
