2017/08/19

Day 21: Ulaanbataar

Well.

Last night I talked to a Canadian who is from British Columbia, as well as Dan and Sara. And so it was getting late, half past three. Dominik is an experienced motorcycle traveler. Very interesting.

Nevertheless I'm early awake and try to sort out photos and edit texts. For breakfast lots of toast, two eggs, cappuccino. So far my trip was not very expensive and therefore it does not bother me at all, that this location is significantly more expensive. I just enjoy it.

The mechanic in the workshop next door does not appear until 12. He is Japanese and fortunately a speaks English very well. He dismantles the shock absorber and we see a small rubber nipple that is out of place. From what I know of Wilbers and from the experience of the mechanic we come to the conclusion that there is a leak in the spring preload. This would confirm my impression of the previous day. The mechanic, however, does not dare to take the shock completely apart, because he is not familiar with this model. I take pictures of the shock and send an email to Thomas of Twowheel and to the contact person of Wilbers. But unfortunately it's weekend. So I have to think about how to solve the problem. I could have a new shock absorber sent to Barnaul, where I will be in about a week because I have to change tires and make an oil change. Communication with Andrew is not easy, but it might work. But I also have to consider the embargo against Russia and the question is, how fast a package will be through the customs. 

I am frustrated because the rest of my trip will probably not be as I planned, will probably not be able to ride the Pamir Highway.Somehow I feel totally stressed and a helpless. I'll stay here for another night to make up my mind tomorrow, Sunday. I really only can decide from day to day now. In the evening some other travelers tell me, that they also have the same problem with the Wilbers shock absorbers.

It has been raining very much over the day here - autumn will start in the middle of August, as the mechanic tells me - the rest of my group is completely soaked when they arrive in the afternoon. Sara feels still really bad. It is admirable how brave she is. I am happy to meet my friends again and so we enjoy the evening together.