So there I am sitting on the bike on a fast carraigeway dealing with my emotions. That sinking feeling when I realised the bike was finished going forward. The despair knowing I wouldn’t find a garage in Managua that could undertake the repair. The hopelessness of not knowing what to do next.

Well, I soon snapped out of that! It was obvious what I had to do next – I had to get off this bloody road before someone rammed me up the backside!

I recalled we had passed a gas station at the roundabout. The only way to get there was reverse. For non motorbike people I will highlight that the bike doesn’t have a reverse gear. Nevertheless, gravity was on my side. Still, it’s not the best manoeuvre to reverse down a three lane ‘dual carraigeway’. You know what I mean – I’m sure there’s a technical term for it.

So with Susan as my back marker waving at motorists to stay out the inside lane, I slowly rolled back.

There’s Susan walking behind. As you can see the camera caught her not waving. I suspect she’s busy thinking about how much of my pension she gets if I don’t make it!

Time and time again someone would come right up behind me. Driving behaviour in this part of the world is abysmal. There was a lot of shouting, mainly from a guy in a nice helmet.

Slowly, so slowly, I reversed into the gas station car park, picked my spot and parked the bike. I was physically and emotionally drained.

I had to get a grip – it was now a matter of priorities!

Yes, you’ve guessed it – the bottom has just fallen out of our travelling world and the first priority is to get Susan out of this bloody heat!

So into the air conditioned cafe we go. I get Susan out of her hat, jacket and BOom BBOom vest, sit her at a table and buy a large bottle of cold water.

Right that’s the priorities sorted – so let’s see about the bike.

Now, let’s rewind 3 hours to my cock a doodle do, rice and beans breakfast.

In between the cocks and the doodles, I managed to recount our bike issues to out lovely host. She recommended a friend, a motorcycle mechanic in Managua who used to work for Triumph.

I politely listened and said everything would be fine and when she showed me a 3 year out of date Facebook profile I took a photo to be nice.

Standing in the cafe, as I contemplated what to do, I received a phone message from this lady – ‘may our Creator be with you and guide you safely to your destination’

I then remembered that Facebook entry, I remembered his name – ‘Josias’.

Now sit down when I tell you this next bit. Do you know the name ‘Josias’ is of Hebrew origin and means ‘God supports and heals, God helps’!

Wow! Here I was standing in an air conditioned cafe having a bit of a biblical moment.

It was a sign and so I tried phoning the number on Josias’ three year old Facebook entry but something was wrong. Wrong code, wrong something.

I needed a local who could help. A wise man. Well there were about 30 people in that air conditioned garage cafe and not one of them could help. Nobody could speak English and as I didn’t want a beer at this time, my useful Spanish phrases were exhausted.

So I brought out my old friend Mr Google Translate and suddenly I was like Captain Kirk who could talk to the Klingons.

One young lad showed an incling of helpfulness and I pounced on this. With his help, we phoned Josias again with a change of local code. No luck, the number appeared cut off.

Three year old Facebook. Cut off phone number. What’s next?

Well Josias had a three year old address on Facebook. I checked it on Google Maps. There’s no listing for a garage. No listing for anything.

Give up?

Of course I didn’t. I’ve got the ‘Creator’ leading me to Josias. I know I have. Nobody said the path to salvation was easy. I’ve got to find my way and not give up.

Next step? Oh yes, a quick check on my priority lets me know all is well. Susan is fine and working out the latest conundrum on her phone puzzle game. She’s looking relaxed and cool.

I spoke to the young lad and asked about getting a taxi. I showed him the addesss and he said he would take me. It wasn’t an area of town for a an old gringo to venture into alone. Just as well as I didn’t even have any local currency for a taxi. Someone’s looking out for me!

Within 5 minutes we were in his small, beat up car with no air con. I was still in half motorcycle gear, roasting and toasting.

Another 10 minutes we were sitting outside an optician waiting on his wife and mother in law. Apparently we had a pick up first.

Another 20 minutes and we’re still waiting outside the optician.

I texted Susan an update in case she was worried. She wasn’t. Somehow, just somehow, she manages to remain cool and collected in these stressful situations.

Meanwhile, back in the car like an oven, I multitask and search for accomodation in this city. I knew we were going nowhere at least for a few days.

I found a hostel with parking (not an easy thing to do) within 0.5 miles of where the broken bike was. I reasoned I could push it there if necessary.

So I booked two nights and texted Susan so she knew we had a plan for the night. She appreciated the reassurance. I just hope my message didn’t interrupt a crucial part of her puzzle on her phone.

Eventually, wife and mother in law appeared and we set off for my non existent garage. Mr Google Translate was our friend as we journeyed through the Managua backstreets.

We pulled into a small broken down road with broken down houses and nothing much else. We parked. The young lad looked at me. This was it. There was nothing here. I was nearly broken in broken down road.

But my heart can’t sink because it can’t sink any lower. Still, I could feel the energy flow out my body.

The young lad is about to turn the car around and head back. He’s given up. Is that it do we just give up?

Of course we bloody don’t! I’m on the road to salvation!

I’m about to get out the car and have a wander around when I see two guys sitting on small plastic stools outside a house a hundred metres down the road.

I stare at them. I recognise that guy. I pull out the three year old Facebook photo. It looks like him. I show it to the young lad. He shrugs. He’s unconvinced.

I get out the car and walk up to them.

‘Josias?’ I ask

‘Si’ he replies.

Hallelujah!

• Adventure motorcycle
• BMW 1250 GSA
• Central America
• Managua