It appears we are having yet another little hiccup in our travel plans. My back wheel started making a lot of noise a few days after getting into Laos. We’re not 100% sure what she’s complaining about but we suspect that the pawls and the bearing in the hub have worn out (Okay, okay…Spiros suspects that the pawls and the bearing in the hub have worn out). Judging by how much louder and more frequent the noise has gotten, we expect that sooner rather then later, the hub will stop engaging the wheel. Meaning, cycling finished; which could be a problem for us seeing that we are on a cycling trip and all.
We limped into Vientiane yesterday hopeful that the only high end bike shop in town would be able to fix it or at least replace the wheel. We found the bike shop and good news! Judging by the bikes and stock we could see through the window, they should be able to fix it. Bad news, the shop is closed from December 10th to 22nd for national races. That would mean we would have to sit around in Vientiane for at least 11 days. Not an option we fancy too much, so it’s back to Bangkok on the train for us.
Oh, I forgot. We also think we may have found a small crack in my frame…a small crack in the carbon part of my frame. 
We have taped it and decided not to think about it. 
If this trip has proven anything, it’s that duct and electrical tape can solve 99% of your problems. The other 1% is, unfortunately, hub-related.
Well…we said we wanted an adventure.
P.S. Please no comments about carbon frames and cracks. I am comfortably in denial right now and wish to remain that way.
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