Page 2: Dominican Republic Adventure 2024!
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Of course skip all the dribble if you like and just check out the photos
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Monte Cristi of course has also grown but for me it feels good. Years ago, it seemed abandoned, dry and dusty. Now things are happening like a real hip DR town. I look to get some service on the bike, a favorite Dominican Republic activity of mine. My gas cap key lock is tight and sticky.
It does not matter what is going on at the shop I get help right away. As soon as the mechanic understands my Spanish words 'Necepsito lubricante" and what I want done, he is on-it! Just great.
Talking with and asking for help from DR moto mechanics is often a highlight of any ride. These guys are great. The brotherhood among bikers is strong here, like all Latin American countries it seems. Fun stuff!
There are a few hotels in town I thought would be a cheaper option but the parking is not there or is not good. I ride to the end of the beach road where there are a few tourist hotels. The place I first pick is full and expensive. The other places do not look open. I head back closer to town where there are more options. First, I must stop and take in the sea side scene.
There are a few cool beach lodges past where the road Ts on the dirt section. The first place is a residential hotel, the other place looks closed. Next, I pull into this lodge. It is open but no guests are here but me. It is affordable, breakfast is included but the rooms are way small with no windows. The location and grounds are ideal but it is not for me.
Back to the paved road along the sea I score this place for under $50 US. I thought it would be out of my price range when I first rode past. Gated secure parking, ocean view room with balcony and breakfast included. And the room comes equipped with two cold beers! OK, what is wrong with this picture!
Everything is great, sea view, big moon, and beer. There are two small bar restaurants next door, one packed with people blasting music on a powerful stereo. No big deal I liked the music until later in the evening when the music starts getting louder and louder and LOUDER! In typical beach bar fashion, the stereo is eventually cranked way beyond its capacity distorting the sound making it so irritable I need to stick my fingers in my ears while in the room. Are you kidding me! At first, I thought of returning with Heidi but not anymore.
A block away is a hotel right on the water with balconies and a pool side bar away from the two beach bars with the stereo. At first, I also thought this would be out of my price range. I take a walk over to check it out and find the price is about the same as the place I am at! Heidi will like it here, we will return.
The included breakfast at the hotel is super, perfect, ready to roll. The plan today is ride South to Copey then East toward Gozuela then over the mountains toward Jarabacoa. This is a long day. I will see how it goes. Because of the mountains I am forced to ride toward Santiago for a while where I expect an increase in population and number of roads. No problem, this should add significantly to my hotels and food options for today and also alternate routes. All good stuff while on an adventure ride.
On the lookout for Empanadas!
Colmado, always biker friendly!
No matter where I travel on a moto, favorite chill spots (places where motorcycle travelers rest) are on farm roads (side roads to a farm or field). If I am lucky enough to have a chitchat with anyone at these spots it is almost guaranteed to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
A big colmado in a small town, Super Colmado. This motoconcho driver and others park in the shade outside the store waiting for customers.
This would make a good Komida delivery thing (a DR DoorDash). I'm sure the upfront cost is a fraction of a motorcycle.
So far, I have seen Army checkpoints everywhere. Just great, never once did I feel anxious thinking about needing money. Back in the nineties I owned the motorcycle, and my papers were not totally complete, but I had a lot of colorful stamps on the papers I did have. This usually got me through with just a small fine. Ropes stretched across the road were used to stop bikes at that time, there were no police cars. Now I do not even need to make eye contact, a respectful slow speed and nod is more than enough for me. I must not look too threating with these goggles, ha ha.
Coffee and empanadas at this checkpoint, perfect!
Riding into the Dominican Republic interior towards Jarabacoa. Fun stuff.
Heading up after starting at sea level today, that just sounds cool.
Hang on! There's a lot more.
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