Wheres Punky & Lew now?
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Date: Monday Jan 30, 2002 11:56 am
Subject: Punky & Lew in Lima
International motorcycle adventure touring is not limited to the blur of scenery zipping by, crashing, burning up the engine and waiting for parts to be shipped from the USA. I now have two new stickers on the bike. One says, "CRASHING SUCKS." The other, "NO PAIN, NO GAIN." In my travels riding from Mexico to Peru, I have thought Latin drivers to be the craziest I have ever seen. While waiting for my broken ankle to heal after surgery in Quito, I got some insight as to the mentality of Latin drivers. I thought riding in a car with fellow motorcyclist, Ricardo Rocco Paz, was an adventure. He drives his older Puegot car like a weapon, banging and forcing his way past other vehicles, even with his 11 year old son screaming in fear in the back seat. Now, I'm waiting for parts in Lima to replace the burned piston and rings. This, apparently, due to leaning the carburetor jet and air/fuel mix calibration too much. It worked great in the mountains, but not in the lower elevation when we came out of the Andes Mountains to the northern desert of Peru. Ricardo put me in contact with another motorcyclist, who would help me in Lima. He owns a motorcycle repair shop. Last Sunday Luis took us to the beach. Riding in Luis's late model car is even more interesting. The speeds at which he travels, both in and out of the city, are astounding. He weaves in and out of traffic blowing his horn, sometimes going off the road and passing police cars. This man is a great friend, who won't let me pay for anything, when we go out. But, he is nuts behind the wheel of a car. Perhaps, more nuts than I am riding my bike? Luis has an interesting life story. He was a Peruvian Marine trained by U.S. and Iraeli advisors for special operations. He rose to 1st Lieutenant, fighting against rebels in the jungle. After 15 years he wanted out. His commander didn't want to lose him and refused to help get him separated from the service. Luis went AWOL for three days and came back, telling them he wanted out. He was punished with a 3 months sentence, then separated. He, after 13 years, now is a successful business manager of a roofing company, as well as owner of a motorcycle repair shop. He is an avid rider and owns a CBR-400 and a XR-600. Just another day in the lives of Punky and Lew on the road again.
Later, amigos.
Punky & Lew
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