Topolobampo to Matzatlan by the way of the Yamaha mechanic in Los Mochis

I have embarked on what I hope will be a 4 month, 17,000 mile motorcycle ride through the US and parts of Mexico and Canada to visit family and friends and to benefit Children International.  Please consider supporting me – learn more here Will's Charity Ride for Children International - PledgeIt

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

April 6 & 7, 2024

Arrived at the Yamaha mechanic a few minutes after opening hour.  Roberto Ruiz, the lead mechanic greeted me as I entered the service area, because Etienne had again called that morning to "grease the skids."  

In 2 seconds of hearing the noise that the starter was making, he identified the problem!  Yippee! Great! Whew!  Apparently it is the "bendix" which is involved in the pinion gear from the starter engaging/disengaging with the flywheel to start the engine.  (More than most readers wanted/needed to know?)  You can see Roberto checking the Yamaha parts system right there.  

I am relieved.  Well that is until he tells me that it will take 90 days to get the parts!!!  Well that would kind of suck.

So again, Etienne gets on the phone with Roberto to talk about alternatives.  And he explains to me that Roberto offered to "clean" the "bendix."  And we'll  see if that has an effect.

An hour later he has "cleaned" the offending  Bendix and he indicated that it lacked lubrication.  So cleaned and lubricated, it doesn't make the noise anymore.  He indicated that Etienne that I was good to go, as in "put your mind to rest, this is no longer and will no longer be a problem.

Well  honestly after 3 starter related issues, I am not sure I trust the bike to go to remote areas where there will be no cell  service or anyone resembling a motorcycle mechanic.

Will Ayala and I are in contact and again he offers to escort me to make sure my bike is solid.  We'll catch up the follwing day in Matzatlan.

I think that route might represent the most boring 250 miles I've ever ridden.  Straight, flat, no interesting or chaning scenery.  But safely in Matzatlan.  Will messages  me and we'll meet in the morning to proceed to Chihuahua.  BUT he's much younger and still at the stage of his riding career where riding hasd to inlcude suffering.  What I mean is that he intends to ride the 550 miles all the way to Chihuahua in one day!  

I've approached this 4 month ride more like a marathoon than a sprint.  And while I did spring the first several days, it was to outrun the rain.  So we agreed that I'd make it just 415 miles to Hidalgo del Parral.  And he offered for me to stay at his house when I eventually get to Chihuahua.  He told me, "Me casa es tu casa."