The left-side cylinder seized four kilometers from the summit, the troublesome valve finally giving out, the low-gear sewing machine turning into a wretched clanking, then silence.
She pushed the smoking bike as far to the side as she could and looked back toward the valley, the smell of hot oil dissipating in the crisp mountain air. With the heavy panniers she could not push the bike over the mountain. It had to be back, then. Back to the valley. A six-week wait for parts, probably.
If it was fixable at all.
She thought of her father, what he would say.
In the early 1980s Elspeth Beard became the first British woman to complete a solo motorcycle trip around the world. She still enjoys riding her trusty BMW R60/6, the bike that carried her across the globe.
Well told, Randy, with clear, fluent prose. What an amazing adventure Elspeth Beard must have had.
I take it that her father was the force and inspiration behind her bravery and achievement. She sounds a very impressive person.
That’s quite the back rest. So what does her father have to do with it?
Nicely done, Randy. I had read about Ms. Baird sometime back. Thanks for refreshing my memory.
I’m learning all sorts of new things this week. Wonderful story, fascinating character 🙂
I love this… so much of any adventurers stories is about fixing their gear…
A delightful piece of faction. Entertaining and informative.
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Wonderful take. I learned something new here.
Great way to travel.
What a lovely snippet plucked out from history.
Great take on the prompt.
Well done. She never gave up; what a wonderful spirit.