While we've been attempting to get established, I've priced out a few used options. In general they cost about c$1500 for a decent used bike. While translated to dollars that's only $57, that's still a huge chunk of our $200/month salary, so I've been waiting. While I don’t remember how it was brought about in conversation, somehow my dream of gliding on two wheels in the coming months was shared with our counterpart at the hospital. She responded by letting me know that there was a bike left behind by a Japanese volunteer a couple of years ago and has been sitting in her office since. Better yet, she said I can keep it for the time I’m here! And just like that, I got my bicicleta!
A day later, I went to follow up on the offer. I was totally excited, but also a little nervous, because two years in the jungle for anything can turn a little repair job to a complete makeover, requiring days to clean off rust, moss, and replace essential pieces. Arriving at the hospital, I found the bike. It was perfect! Aside from a little rust on the rims and a couple of flat tires, it looked great! We sat around, because we ended up needing the hospital director’s approval to take a bike from the premises (weird but worth the wait), and then walked freely through the gates with my new bici.
Arriving at the used bike repair shop up the hill, I got an inspection. The 14 year old kid beckoned to the 9 year old kid sitting on a chair to get up and inspect the bike. Within seconds, they popped off the tires, pulled out the tubes, and promptly inflated and submersed the tires to find any holes. Inspection result: one tiny hole in one of the tubes. Fifteen minutes later and c$10 richer a patch was applied and they kids passed on my working bike! -Tim