Follow me as i braaaap and cook around the world!!!!

[crestedbutte-rtw]

After working on my bike the past few days and getting it all dialed out, I found an awesome Spanish school. So my new plan is to take 20-30hrs of Spanish to get my skills to a level where it will make finding a Cooking internship in Argentina much easier. As well as killing some time so I can meet up with Nick from BC on a DR 650 again and ride though Bolivia with him in two weeks or so. Thanks for following my adventure, Fletch

Also thanks for the recent great responses to my RR, make all the work worth it, cheers!!!!!!!

[Shibby!]

Originally Posted by crestedbutte-rtw

. Although now looks like I will get to meet back up with Nick and ride with hime through Bolivia which will be awesome!!! (where u at shibby lets all go shredding!! haha) So ready to get back on the bike since I haven't rode for two weeks, since my buddy was in visiting with out a bike.. Let the shredtastic adventures continue!!!! Thanks for following along!!!

Is Patrick the French guy on the DR650 I met while eating breakfast that one morning waiting for your finish surfing? The guy with the 3rd gear damage? For some reason I thought his name was Matt?

Either way, great update! Sadly, still no riding for me. In just over 5 weeks time I'll be ripping through your back yard though! Can't wait to be roosting around corners!

I won't have an on-going ride report, but will likely have a review when I'm back. I'm going with a riding buddy here and know we likely won't turn around for any reason. I expect us to get into some pretty hairy spots, or at least do them at blazing speed. haha. We'll be stinky, dirty, and smiling ear-to-ear though!

Keep the rubber side down and enjoy the ride!

[crestedbutte-rtw]

DON'T GO THROUGH COLORADO WITH OUT RIPPING CRESTED BUTTE AND HARTMAN ROCK IN GUNNI!!! If you do let me know I will find u a bed or couch!!!
Naw Patrick was from BC as well. Enjoy the ride homie, but seriously don't miss CB!!!
Talk with u soon

Originally Posted by Shibby!

Is Patrick the French guy on the DR650 I met while eating breakfast that one morning waiting for your finish surfing? The guy with the 3rd gear damage? For some reason I thought his name was Matt?

Either way, great update! Sadly, still no riding for me. In just over 5 weeks time I'll be ripping through your back yard though! Can't wait to be roosting around corners!

I won't have an on-going ride report, but will likely have a review when I'm back. I'm going with a riding buddy here and know we likely won't turn around for any reason. I expect us to get into some pretty hairy spots, or at least do them at blazing speed. haha. We'll be stinky, dirty, and smiling ear-to-ear though!

Keep the rubber side down and enjoy the ride!

[Shibby!]

Originally Posted by crestedbutte-rtw

DON'T GO THROUGH COLORADO WITH OUT RIPPING CRESTED BUTTE AND HARTMAN ROCK IN GUNNI!!! If you do let me know I will find u a bed or couch!!!
Naw Patrick was from BC as well. Enjoy the ride homie, but seriously don't miss CB!!!
Talk with u soon

Looks like we'll be coming damn close to CB. We re-joing the CDT at Gunnison which appears to be 50 or so KM south of CB. The CDT actually goes just east of CB.

I'll talk it over with a buddy and maybe we'll make a detour to check out your hometown!

[crestedbutte-rtw]

Yuppers goes right past CB. Well at least camp at hartman rocks in Gunnison and ride around there for a day lots of fun single track. Then head toward CB but take Ohio Pass to get there You will end up on Kebler Pass and take a few of the roads around there lots of free camping up by irwin lake (where we do alot of snowmobiling) or just a day trip through those roads and dump into Crested Butte. Slate river has alot of free camping as well. I will send you my bro's number who mainly rides mining and logging roads but knows them all as well as single track all through crested butte, Or my best friend and riding buddy Jason who only rips single track and can show you a hell of a time and having you begging for a beer at the end.... haha let me know you won;t regret an extra day or two ripping around CB. My pops can store all your guys gear in his garage safe so you can go rip with out gear. Also you have to eat a burrito at Teocalli Tamale's and drink my brothers beer (awesome home brew beer at his lodge). Alright brother let me know. FLetch

Originally Posted by Shibby!

Looks like we'll be coming damn close to CB. We re-joing the CDT at Gunnison which appears to be 50 or so KM south of CB. The CDT actually goes just east of CB.

I'll talk it over with a buddy and maybe we'll make a detour to check out your hometown!

[Shibby!]

Originally Posted by crestedbutte-rtw

Yuppers goes right past CB. Well at least camp at hartman rocks in Gunnison and ride around there for a day lots of fun single track. Then head toward CB but take Ohio Pass to get there You will end up on Kebler Pass and take a few of the roads around there lots of free camping up by irwin lake (where we do alot of snowmobiling) or just a day trip through those roads and dump into Crested Butte. Slate river has alot of free camping as well. I will send you my bro's number who mainly rides mining and logging roads but knows them all as well as single track all through crested butte, Or my best friend and riding buddy Jason who only rips single track and can show you a hell of a time and having you begging for a beer at the end.... haha let me know you won;t regret an extra day or two ripping around CB. My pops can store all your guys gear in his garage safe so you can go rip with out gear. Also you have to eat a burrito at Teocalli Tamale's and drink my brothers beer (awesome home brew beer at his lodge). Alright brother let me know. FLetch

Thanks!

Brought it up with my buddy and sounds like he might be up for it. Keeping in mind we're riding XRR's, but still don't shy away from fun single track! On the right trails we can haul ass with these bikes.

I'll let you know. I imagine it would be around the second to third week of July (we're leaving Phoenix on the 5th but going to southern NM first, then up and over to Moab and back through some passes in CO to Gunnison area.

[Marlin.45]

Fletch,

Awesome RR and I have been hacking through this for the past few days and I am now up to date

When you get to Europe and do the UK tour I guess Stonehenge is a must do? If so and you need a place to crash for the night and somewhere to get the bike sorted drop me a mail/PM we are only 3 km's from there

Cheers,
Paul

PS - I guess you know what a Womble is in the UK? --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wombles

[crestedbutte-rtw]

Originally Posted by Marlin.45

Fletch,

Awesome RR and I have been hacking through this for the past few days and I am now up to date

When you get to Europe and do the UK tour I guess Stonehenge is a must do? If so and you need a place to crash for the night and somewhere to get the bike sorted drop me a mail/PM we are only 3 km's from there
PS - I guess you know what a Womble is in the UK? --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wombles

Cannot wait to ride with you in the UK,thanks for following along with my RR.
I do know what Womble's is, hahaha.

See ya in a year and a bit...
Fletch

[Shibby!]

Originally Posted by crestedbutte-rtw

Cannot wait to ride with you in the UK,thanks for following along with my RR.
I do know what Womble's is, hahaha.

See ya in a year and a bit...
Fletch

Hey Fletch,

How's the Fly helmet holding up?

Mine was without issue on my trip, and hope to remain that way on the way back. Curious how yours is after as much use as it's seen?

Hopefully you are taking it all in! Waiting on a new update!

[Vitruvian Mike]

Hey Fletch,

Great ride report. Digging your trip. Do you happen to know a Kirk H up in CB? Great guy, backcountry skiier, sledder, and cross country ski living lung.

Cheers,
vMike

[crestedbutte-rtw]

Originally Posted by Vitruvian Mike

Hey Fletch,

Great ride report. Digging your trip. Do you happen to know a Kirk H up in CB? Great guy, backcountry skiier, sledder, and cross country ski living lung.

Cheers,
vMike

Shibby, The fly helmet is still holding strong. I love the weight and durablity, but the visor pisses me off every once in a while. I always where goggles and never need the visor down only when it rains, but at I speeds it likes to flop down on its own. Enjoy the ride home!!!
Updates coming Shibby, just need solid internet for pic upload.

Mike:
The name Kirk H, sounds familiar but cannot put a face to the name. I most likely have met him I spent my winters in the Backcountry Slededing and splitboarding. What sled does he rock?
Thanks for following my RR
Later Brother,
Fletch

[Vitruvian Mike]

Originally Posted by crestedbutte-rtw

Mike:
The name Kirk H, sounds familiar but cannot put a face to the name. I most likely have met him I spent my winters in the Backcountry Slededing and splitboarding. What sled does he rock?
Thanks for following my RR
Later Brother,
Fletch

Not sure of his sled. He owns a company that reps outdoor gear. Stellar human!

vMike

[crestedbutte-rtw]

DAY-209-212
5/29-6/1-2012

THE SCHOOL IS AWESOME AND MY TEACHER IS REALLY REALLY GOOD!!! The school is called Pico Verde in the Centro of La Paz, if anyone is interested. Woke up everyday 8:30am studied went to class at 10:00 for two hours two hour lunch then back at it till 4pm. I would then let the brain relax for a bit play pool and study, do it all over the next day. Thursday I went on a fieldtrip to Alto for the Thursday market. We saw everything from 10 blocks of everything you need for your car, as far as you can see streets full of clothing, fruit, meats, veggies, everything you could ever need. We walked down 10 plus blocks of pets for sale, it was very sad to see all these animals stuffed into boxes and cages for sale. Dogs for ten bucks, chickens for 30 cents, ducks for 50 cents, it was some of the craziest stuff I have seen, and I KNOW I WILL SEE MUCH CRAZIER STUFF IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS!
So this next story is a little gross but hilarious.
I got my first true stomach bug that had me running for the toilet to explode out of my backside. It was not fun at all it would hit me ever 2-3 hrs so I was able to go to class more or less. I was studying with Daniel and he offered me some pills that would stop it, but I am not a huge fan of taking pills so I said no thanks. I went to bed and was about to go to bed when my stomach went into WWIII, I stopped on my way out and plugged my computer in for the night, but when I bent down I knew I was screwed. Ran for the toilet but well let’s just say I didn’t make it, and finished my night in the shower… hahahaha to say the least I walked back to the room and saw Daniel on the way and asked him for the pills... haha The next morning I headed to class and went for a field trip to walk around the small market and to the Pharmacia to get my own pills. So after 7 months of travel it finally happened I crapped my pants.. Hahaha

DAY-212-217
6/2-6/2012
My Spanish is coming slowly but steadily, much more patient this time around and it is helping. Every day I wake up, study, school, lunch, school, study, and do it all over again the next day. I have been taking in La Paz, walking around for hours when not studying. I can’t wait till my friend Nick gets into town; he will also be taking Spanish lessons. We then will go ride through Bolivia together for a few weeks. Found a few good places to eat but not tons of great places, so I stick to the cheap foods. My Bank has been doing a webpage change, so I could not check my account, once I did I found out that two ATM’s had charged me but never gave me money and two others double charged me so I am out 800 bucks. So to get the money back I have to cancel my card and get another one. Luckily I remembered a friend who takes clients all over climbing mountains, and he is coming to Bolivia in a week. So we were able to get a new card sent to my dad and he gave it to my friend, so I will have another card and hopefully fresh account by Tuesday the 12^th. Fingers crossed that I get all my money back..

So 6/5/2012 marked 7 months since I have been gone and to be honest I do not miss it at all. Well except I could go for some pulled pork sandwiches, smoked ribs, Buffalo wings, and some DANG OL’ PBR!!! Haha so with that said no I do not miss “home” where ever that is now. I am so pumped and lucky to be doing what I am doing and still have a few more years ahead of me!

I decided to get my head shave by a Bolivian Barber with a switch blade, nice and smooth; he really wanted to cut my beard but I put up a fight and left with a shaved head and a untouched beard…haha

WELCOME TO LA PAZ, SHOT FROM ALOT- BOLIVIA

WITH THE ANDES AS A NICE BACK DROP


AHHH THE ANDES

ALTO MARKET

ENGINE ANYONE?

GEESE OR TURKEY'S YOUR CHOICE




WHAT YOU DON'T NEED CHICKS,OR DUCKLINGS, OK WHAT ABOUT ABOUT A NICE TEN DOLLAR PUP

BLOCKS OF PUPS IN BOXES

OKAY WHAT ABOUT SOME BIRDS

SORRY BUT I ATE YOUR COUSIN IN PERU AND HE WAS WONDERFUL....

JUST WALKING HIS LLAMAS


PARADE TAKING OVER THE MAIN STRIP THROUGH THE CENTER OF LA PAZ

THUMBS UP FOR SEVEN MONTHS OF AWESOMENESS AND MY NEW HAIR DOOOO!!!!!

I will be in La paz for another week doing more spanish classes and waiting for my Amigo Nick to arrive!!

[Shibby!]

Originally Posted by crestedbutte-rtw

I was studying with Daniel and he offered me some pills that would stop it, but I am not a huge fan of taking pills so I said no thanks. I went to bed and was about to go to bed when my stomach went into WWIII, I stopped on my way out and plugged my computer in for the night, but when I bent down I knew I was screwed. Ran for the toilet but well let’s just say I didn’t make it, and finished my night in the shower… hahahaha to say the least I walked back to the room and saw Daniel on the way and asked him for the pills... haha The next morning I headed to class and went for a field trip to walk around the small market and to the Pharmacia to get my own pills. So after 7 months of travel it finally happened I crapped my pants.. Hahaha

THUMBS UP FOR SEVEN MONTHS OF AWESOMENESS AND MY NEW HAIR DOOOO!!!!!

!

That is a bald head! haha.

Don't worry about the shits. It's a fact of traveling. Shit happens. I didn't shit my pants, but as Nick can attest, I had my bad days. I took the pills and was good after that. I partially think it was a bug that keep rearing up every few weeks because it would come in random times. I think it dated back to my bad hamburger in La Paz, Baja the Aussie guys sold me on. After the pills things were solid the rest of the way home. I should have taken the pills earlier, but I was told it was a "last ditch effort" by my travel doctor. Next time I know I will take them during round 2 or so instead of waiting till the end the 12th. It had me running off the side of the road numerous times, or spending a whole day in Antigua sweating my ass off in my tent drinking the water Nick got me before he left. There is only so much you can do in a tent for a whole day! I read almost a whole book on my Iphone.

Keep it coming! I love the way the air is so clear there and how the pictures turn out. I'd love to see it in real life!

[crestedbutte-rtw]

Got three more classes of spanish and then hook up with Nick and we shred for awhile together. Just got a good connection in Mendoza, Argentina for a possible staging Gig (Culinary internships), to learn new Techniques and traditions! Fingers cross it would be awesome!!! Got to figure out where we want to ride, and super pumped to try out all of my new Wolfman Gear!!!!
Fletch