Sunday June 24, 2012
The mechanics humbly sacrificed their Sunday in order to complete everything for me in time for my departure date. I have less than a week left, and though there's still much that needs to be done, I feel as if everything is coming together quite nicely. It was a nightmare trying to find the required parts for this gorgeous machine and I am happy to say that the challenging task is completed. All that's left to do is to finish the daunting job of putting together these parts and building a mean new engine. The body of this machine is finally rust free after days of prepping it. In a day or two, we'll start putting all together and I hope everything goes as planned. At this rate, my ride probably won't be 100% ready until a day before I embark on my second journey. I still have yet to master being in control of this machine let alone getting comfortable on it, and I'll have less than a day to do so.
These mechanics have been by my side, aiding me with no complaints on the deadline I've given them. "It was a childhood dream to explore Pakistan on this thing," one of the mechanics told me, "but people around me at that time didn't let me. They always told me that this thing you want to go on won't last long on those roads and altitudes. I was discouraged with fears of failure, and now I'm 60 years old and full of regret for not trying to follow my dreams when I was able to." he continued saying, "Khansaab tussi jao ottay tay meray vastay kuch tasweeran iss machine di wapis lay ker ana (Khan we want you to bring back some pictures for us of this machine up in the mountains"
It's as if they get a second chance to live their dreams through me, and I can see the spark of excitement in their eyes. If anything, this adventure will be for them.
Anyone want to see the ride in person on the day of departure or would pictures do? I leave Lahore on the 30th of June.. The venue hasn't been decided.. any ideas?