Thank you all for the comments. Fires me to continue writing and riding this most fantastic country. Please keep them coming!
Hey cavok, I'm using an old Canon Powershot camera. It takes great pics if I hold it steady. Previously I've had two expensive Panasonic Lumix cameras with image stabilization and other features which take awesome pics but both Lumix cameras crapped out on me, the canon keeps on going. I plan on purchasing another more modern Canon with stabilization soon when the one I have gives it up. Thanks!
On with the ride!
Monte Cristi of course has also grown but for me it feels good. Years ago it seemed abandoned dry and dusty. Now things are happening like a real hip DR town.
I look to get some service on the bike, a favorite Dominican Republic activity for me. The gas cap key lock is tight and sticky.
It doesn't matter what's going on at the shop I get help right away. As soon as the mechanic understands my Spanish words 'Neciesito lubricante" and what I want he is on-it! Just great.
Talking with and asking for help from DR moto mechanics is often a highlight of my day. These guys are great. The brotherhood among bikers is strong here, like all Latin American countries I think. Fun stuff!
There are a few hotels in town I thought would be a cheaper option but the parking is not there or is not good. I ride to the end of beach road where there are a few tourist hotels. The place I want is full and expensive. The other places don't look open. I head back closer to town where there are more options. First I must stop and take in the scene.
There are a few cool beach lodges past where the road T's on the dirt section. The first place is a residential hotel, the other place looks closed. Next I pull into this lodge. It's open but no guests are here but me. It's affordable, breakfast is included but the rooms are way small with no windows. The location and grounds are ideal but it's not for me.
Back past the road T I score this place for under $50 US. I thought it would be out of my price range when I first rode past. Gated secure parking, ocean view room with balcony and breakfast included. And the room comes equipped with two cold beers! OK, what's wrong with picture!
Everything is great, sea view, big moon and beer. There are two small bar restaurants next door with one packed with people blasting music on a powerful stereo. No big deal I liked the music until later in the evening when the music starts getting louder and louder and LOUDER! In typical beach bar fashion the stereo is eventually cranked way beyond it's capacity distorting the sound making it so irritable I need to stick my fingers in my ears while in the room. Are you kidding me! At first I thought of returning with Heidi but not anymore.
A block away is a hotel right on the water with balconies and a pool side bar, away from the two beach bars with the stereo. At first I also thought this would be out of my price range. I take a walk over to check it out and find the price is about the same as where I'm at! Heidi will like it here, we will return.
The included breakfast at the hotel is super, perfect, ready to roll. The plan today is ride South to Copey then East toward Gozuela then over the mountains toward Jarabacoa. This is a long day, we will see how it goes. Because of the mountains I'm forced to ride toward Santiago for a while where I expect an increase in population and number of roads. No problem, this should add significantly to my options for today, hotels, food and alternate routes. All good stuff while on an adventure ride.
Always on the lookout. Empanadas!
Colmado, always biker friendly!
No matter where I travel on a moto, often my favorite chill spots (places where motorcycle travelers rest) are on farm roads (side roads to a farm or field). If I'm lucky enough to have a chitchat with anyone at these spots it's almost guaranteed to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
A big colmado in a small town, Super Colmado. This moto concho driver and others park in the shade outside the store waiting for customers.
This would make a good Komida delivery thing (like a DR DoorDash). I'm sure the upfront cost is a fraction of a motorcycle. ?
So far I've seen Army check points everywhere. Just great never once did I feel anxious thinking about needing money. Back in the nineties I owned the motorcycle, and my papers were not totally complete, but I had a lot of colorful stamps on the papers I did have. This usually got me through with just a small fine. Ropes stretched across the road were used to stop bikes at that time, there were no police cars. Now I don't even need to make eye contact, a respectful slow speed and nod is more than enough for me. I must not look too threating with those goggles, ha ha.
