Page 35: - Dominican Republic 2011' ! - Tropical Adventure /w Pics -
The Border with Haiti
There is no way a four-wheel drive vehicle could get through here, not without a chainsaw, a winch and a way to move large boulders. The trail is too narrow and the gullies are too severe. Ultimate for a small dirt bike though.
After climbing for over four hours the trail finally reaches the top of the mountain. This motorcycle always surprises me with the gas mileage, but with only a 2.2-gallon tank, I take precautions and ride down the mountain without the motor running. This is a fun way to go, a silent technical sport. The ride still takes me through all the severe drop-offs, boulders and gullies, there is just no need for extra power, gravity gives me all I want and more.
Stealthing down the side of the mountain I pass a few very isolated homesteads and some very isolated people living in them. The homes are primitive, usually one room. The roofs are often made from palm tree bark and sticks. The windows and doors are simple openings, uncovered.
A young child is riding a donkey packing a heavy load, another teenage boy is carrying a huge plastic buckets atop his head. Everything feels so mellow and natural here. People along the trail light up when I stop the motorcycle to just say hello. It seemes like many do not speak Spanish but a polite ‘hola, buen dia!’ (Hello, nice day) from me always works well. Every area makes me feel like staying longer, to just hangout.
The trail continues on and on seemly for hours. Finally, a valley pops into view with what looks like civilization.
The homes are looking more modern now
The riding continues to be technical and I am taking a physical beating. I try to rest often and eat the bread I am packing.
What an ultimate ride
The Dominican Republic Rocks
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