Feb. 19 – Lima to San Bartolo
Pat was off to the Lima marina area early, as he was told that that was where the Suzuki dealer was located. After he left, Levi and I went out for breakfast, where we stole a phone book, planning on looking for tire dealers back at the hotel. But when we returned to the hotel, the desk clerk started in messing with us, telling us that we were only paid up until 6:00 am, and if we were going to stay during the day we had to pay again, and then again if we wanted to stay another night. We knew that this was bullcrap, and we argued, but we got nothing but more crap, so we had to load up and leave, without being able to say goodbye or contact pat. We left him a note, and then struggled our way south through Lima’s horrible traffic. It took hours and many close calls, but eventually we got clear of the awful city and continued south on a very good expressway, past numerous beach-resort towns that continued for miles and miles south of Lima.
One interesting aspect of this ride was the incredible advertising along the highway. the most sophisticated and expensive billboard advertising I have ever seen. Ads for upscale clothes, and electronics, and other consumer goods. All huge, and in 3-d. Absolutely amazing stuff, and obviously geared to a very upscale and wealthy market. A sharp contrast to the shanty-town housing we passed on the sand dunes and hillsides along the highway!
We tried several small resort towns, looking for a suitable place top stay, and finally stopped in San Bartolo, a small beach-side resort with lots of hotels and restaurants, and little else. We bought oil, and did an oil change on both bikes. I found some fuel line and replaced the line from petcock to carb, hoping that that might fix the fuel problem, and even had time to hit the beach for a quick swim in the pacific.
It had been a very hot day, and became a nice, cool night. We had a decent dinner, after having had a terrible lunch cooked by a girl who acted like we were just too much trouble to deal with. Most folks here seemed not to interested in being friendly to us. I don’t think many US tourists make it here. At least we had a quiet night, as we were far enough off the highway for a change.