Two Flats in One Trip

 

Yes, we were smiling.  I'm not sure why.  Guess we're just silly old birds!  We went from home in  Sobradinho to Lage dos Negros four times in a row this past month.  Why, you ask?  Why not!  But really all of our other vehicles needed some work, and the weather had finally gotten cool enough for our hot pants!  Hot in the sense of warm due to the protective materials and pads.  Also, we figured it was good practice as we plan a big multi-day trip in 2027 for our 40th wedding anniversary.

We were actually going fairly well even hitting a little sand from time to time and managing to stay shiny side up.  The bumps weren't too bad either with our padded seat and sheep skin cover.  And yes, me, Michele was even doing fairly well getting on and getting off without knocking the bike or driver over!

And then we heard a pssssttt sound and found we had a flat on the way to Lage this last trip.  Seems we hit a piece of animal bone on the road. It took a bit to get it fixed, but with a little help from some friends along the way, it got fixed.

Then low and behold on the way home after our weekend of ministry, the front tire just wouldn't hold air.  We got some air in one community and set out to see how far we could make it.  We ended up at the same tire shop as before.  This time an old patch had come unglued. Guess we can call the folks at this place friends now, too.

The route from Sobradinho to Lage is mostly dirt with some rocks and sandy patches.  There are ruts from the last rains and always a stray animal or two to keep in view.  It's a good road for practice for all sorts of terrain.

It takes us around three hours of actual ride time.  We make visits along the way as part of our work.  There are quite a few caves and points of interest for the casual visitor.  There are several tire shops along the route and two gas stations.  There are a few little markets and places to get a snack or lunch.

Lage dos Negros is a good sized community with stores, restaurants and a few inns.  On Sunday mornings they have a traditional open-air market.  Easter week is also good to visit with a traditional horse parade.