Day 61 - Wednesday, January 1, 1997
Vina del Mar, Chile

(by Jason)

The first day of 1997 began on agood note, we slept in till noon. The holidaying city streets of Vina were loaded with people, it was a chore just making our way down the sidewalk. It was a strange sight because 95% of all the stores were closed! Even very few reasturants were open, the nutritional delight of Mcdonalds proved to be our first meal of the new year.

A georgeos 98 degree day, Jim had the brilliant idea to walk down to the beach without shoes on. Feet burnt to a crisp and stuck repeatedly with sharp objects, we threw the frisby for hours.

Jim and I made no resulutions, but did manage to compose a:

"MOONRIDE BEST AND WORST LIST OF 96"

#1    Worst attempt at slowing a motorcycle down:

Alex Bissirello - Puerto Vallarta Mexico, there was a highway flagman waving his flag voilently, Alex thought it would be quicker just to plow into the back of Jim«s bike rather than apply the brakes.

#2    Best hair brain scheme:

David Baumgarten - Panama city Panama, trying to firure out a way through or around the "Darien Gap", his idea was, "Lets call the US millitary and see if they«ll fly us and our bikes over in a helicopter".

#3    Longest period of time with out washing a frequently worn garment:

Alex Bissarello, his neon green, highly sought after motorcycle jersey, has been worn nearly every single day of the trip and has yet to be laundered. It«s smelling good!

#4    Highest public attendance at a crash:

A tie, Gary Kout, kawi dealer San Jose Costa Rica AND Gary Kout, the cafe, Quito Equador, nearly 60 spectators in each case.

#5    Best attempt at scaming a free shower:

Gary Kout, "The shower in our hotel room is broken, would you mind if we used the one at your place?"

#6    Longest 5 day total kms:

Jim Sowers and Jason Martin, 3015 km.

#7    Most frequently sung song:

Alex Bisarello, "Mummy muumy boom boom, mummy mummy boom boom"

#8    Ghost chaser award:

Alex Bisarello, passed us while we were waiting for him on the side of the road, thinking he was in front of us, it took 90kms for Jim to catch him.

#9    Longest night in jail:

Jim Sowers, small fender bender, downtown Cusco, arrested and held untill the over due $150.00 was paid.

#10    Greatest dedication to a sponsor:

Jason Martin, found a 17" "Chin Sing" tire, just north of the Chiliean border, but turned it down and elected to ride another 1600kms on the badly deteriorated Dunlop.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!