We set of from Trujillo at 6am hoping to cover most of the remaining 450km that day. By 11am we had polished of over 200 and were looking forward to a long relaxing evening. We pushed on down the Pan American Highway, aka the world's most boring road, 10km straights passed by one after another, the desert planes offering little visual distraction. Then Pixius appeared to run out of fuel. We texted the others, who stopped by a shady looking house advertising gas and brought back a jerry can of suspicious smelling clear liquid. She wouldn't start. We blamed the petrol and set off in Betsy in search of a proper gas station.
10km further on Betsy's tank was empty. I hitched a ride in a collectivo and returned with fine vintage Peruvian gasoline. But Pixius, snob that she is, decided it wasn't good enough for her. We swung Betsy round the front and roped her up for a tow.
Surpringly Betsy powered uphill with 5 people and a mototaxi weighing her down... until the wheels came off...literally. the chain was off the sprocket and Betsy's back left had maybe 6 good spokes left and was distinctly oval. A lengthy attempt to respoke failed a few more km along, and so we sent Betsy off to the finish line with Pixie's good wheel to pick up another wheel from the French team who finished the day before. Betsy would barely start and drove like a cow, but we eventially got her going. We towed the Ozzies over the line at 1am, didn't mention The Ashes (much), and kicked back to celebrate with a cold beer.
The Incaredibles thank you all for your support, you kept our spirits up. Remember it's not too late to sponsor us! We'll be back shortly with concluding thoughts.
5 people, 4 near-death experiences, 3 clutches, 2 mototaxis, 1 great adventure... still no idea.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Yay! We are thrilled to hear of your safe arrival in Puira and of the final exciting day you've had. Thanks for the wonderful updates along the way. We will miss hearing of your exploits, but hope to have our own come January with our team, the Dixie Chickens. We'd love a recap blog of what you wish you'd taken/known/etc from which we can take notes!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Well done, it's been great to follow the ups and downs of your marvellous adventure. Congratulations! Michaela
ReplyDeleteThanks Michaela and Sarah! Sarah, I can post some info for you whe I get a chance, I´ll try and do it in the next week or so before I erase the trauma from my memory! Adam
ReplyDeleteNice work everyone! Thanks for sharing your adventures. Sarah :)
ReplyDelete