Today saw the sad miserable end to a sad miserable old prick.

As promised the couple took us to their mechanic and translated what was needed for us to get Ivan “supposedly” fixed.

It took the better part of about 4 hours work by 6 mechanics.

They replaced the carburettor, the chain, all manner of other little bits and bobs and in the end Ivan finally roared to life and we set off!!

About 10 minutes down the road he coughed twice a thigh speed and went silent. Luckily I pulled over right next to a fabled Minsk Whisperer (a Vietnamese gent who actually understands the inner machinations of a Minsk).

Within 15-20 minutes he had Ivan purring again and we set off only to have the great black fucker die again 15 minutes later.

On the side of a semi busy road with a non-responsive Ivan – vitals fading, nurse and doctor unable to revive the call was made. Ivan was pronounced dead beyond repair at approximately 4:00pm.

Kim and I bundled into a transport van and were whisked off to Da Lat leaving Mitchy and Blake to finally enjoy riding without the threat of me at the hands of Ivan trailing along behind…