Flamingos

Anna and Cedric did our homework for us (while we struggled with a bit of motion sickness in the RV, not being used to being passengers!) and dropped us off right at a bike shop that was luckily open on Sunday afternoon. We later found out that of the 3 bike shops in Puerto Vallarta, Velo Bikes (in the mall by the marina) was the only one that had quality bike parts for touring bikes. They assured us in the shop that they could use the hub to rebuild the wheel with a new rim and new spokes, but later offered Karl a deal on a new set of wheels that was only marginally more than the cost of the wheel rebuild. The only catch was that we had to wait two days for the work, but luckily, while we were in the shop Todd, a fellow Canadian and biking enthusiast, showed up to get a tube changed and offered to host us at his place in Bucerias. We gladly accepted, and after stocking up on food, separated for one of the first times on the trip as Karl took the bus and Holly rode the 17 km to the Flamingo Golf and Country Club - Todd rented a house there on the 10th fairway. After settling in, we shared a potluck dinner with Todd and some of the neighbors and talked about cycling and golf, spear fishing and water torture. Todd recently retired from a military career that took him all over the world and now splits his time between Canada, Mexico and Europe. In Europe he helps to organize cycling battlefield tours to support returning soldiers with health costs. We loved hearing about the tours to historic places from WWI, WWII and more recent wars, how touched Canadians (veterans and their families) were to experience these special sites, and the great riding that they do to get there. We spent our 'rest' day relaxing and dealing with more bike decisions, but made sure to have a swim in the pool before heading to Velo Bikes to pick up Karl's new wheels and fixed up bike - and we didn't forget to snap a photo with Ernesto, Hugo and Pepe who helped with the fix. Thanks guys!Read more