Day 29 - 31: Addis Ababa
Most of our time in Addis was spent at the Suzuki workshop repairing our bikes, and in just three days we changed all the tires, replaced 5 of the shocks, fixed Les’s pannier system and rebuilt the front section of Grant’s bike. Grant’s windscreen we had cut out of Perspex and bent using a oxyacetylene torch to fit the housing, the lens for the lights was cutout of a used front car light by a local on the side of the road and after loosening the front shocks the handlebars were not crooked anymore. Besides being ‘grease monkeys’ the team happily welcomed back Paul, who with the help of an Ethiopian contact eventually got through the border, bringing Michael along with him. All in all the last few days have been very productive, the bikes are in good nick, the spirits have been replenished, literally and figuratively and we are all ready to leave the comfort and get back on the road and see more of the Ethiopian highlands.
Looking over Addis Ababa from the Sheraton Hotel.
Paul's arrival.
Les cleaning his bike.
The tools!
Stripping the bikes.
Stripping the bikes.
Les on his lunch break.
Bent shock bolt.
Rob's tire made friends with a rather prickly personality.
The broken shocks.
Installing new shocks.
Paul working on his bike.
Grant attempting bring his bike back to life.
Grant's bike (Before)
Grant's bike (After)
Rob and his team.
COMMENTS
Hey Craigels!!!!!!!
Just wnted to tell you that we're really missing you lots!! And can't wait for you to get home!!!
Mwa*** Love you lots;-)
by Nikita Knezovich and Tracy Davenport on June 27 2009, 10:52
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You all are absolutely AMAZING
I cannot comprehend, it is wonderful to be aquainted to great men
Dave
by David NeVille on June 27 2009, 19:00
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Thanks Nikita and Tracy
This is so sweet of you girls. I am missing all of you back in SA, so much. But don't worry only two more weeks and we will be jamming it up in the clubs.
Thanks for the blog. Keep in . .more
by Craig Bristow on June 27 2009, 19:48
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Les, we are noting your new very healthy eating habits......Pepsi and white bread!!! All you needed was the bunny chow!
you are missing some serious surfing on the Island!!
by Mauritius Fan Club on June 29 2009, 20:42
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I am very impressed at your mulititude of talents including the mechanincs of your motor bikes. I am wondering how much of the original bikes that left Cape Point still exist. Seems like they have been almost 'rebuilt' over and over again on this . .more
by Marilyn on June 30 2009, 15:16
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Well done Paul, did Cape to Cairo last year...Can't say I would have enjoyed being left alone in Moyale regardless of the circumstances... Good to see you back in the mix. Good luck to all for the rest of the trip and enjoy the Sudan (Nubian Desert . .more
by Mike Williams on July 01 2009, 14:59
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