Leroi's Windshield

Time to pack our bags and leave Ouro Preto towards Vitória, ES. Bazolli had warned me that the road was in bad shape, full of potholes. Let me tell you: the road wasn’t that bad; it was actually quite decent. Of course, there were a few potholes here and there, but nothing a Dodge Charger with tank-like suspension couldn’t handle. What really makes this stretch exhausting is the long line of trucks and the complete lack of overtaking points. Add to that a desert-like heat, and there you have it: the perfect recipe for a tiring journey. Honestly, this road between Belo Horizonte and Vitória has deserved a dual carriageway for at least 20 years. The Charger’s highway range is just over 300 km. That means I stop to refuel every 200 km. The upside? I get to stretch my legs and avoid the dreaded fuel starvation since, in Brazil, there are practically no stretches without gas stations for more than 100 km – unless you're trying to cross the Amazon. We arrived in Vitória, wher...

With our feet on the road, we headed towards Minas Gerais, our first neighboring state. The first stop was in Patos de Minas. The sun was determined to roast us alive, but we arrived in the late afternoon, still toasted but in one piece. My parents, who were driving the Mustang, left Goiânia a little after us, but we ended up meeting at the hotel at the end of the day – the Mustang must have air conditioning, right? Smart move. In Patos de Minas, I reunited with my uncles. I swear it was a coincidence. There was dinner, conversation, and, of course, some quality gossip. The next day, we set out to explore the city and search for a pamonha as good as the ones made in Goiás. The Dodge Starts Acting Up Here began the first mechanical issue of the trip: the Dodge's starter motor had a strong personality, working whenever it felt like it. Some electrical issue between the switch and the starter motor. But I discovered that, with a screwdriver and a bit of desperation, I could ...

You know those people you invite out of politeness, never expecting them to actually accept? Well, I’m one of those. During an event in Garibaldi, RS, my now-new Uruguayan friend Pablo invited me to his homeland to attend an American car meet. And, of course, being a fan of impulsive decisions, I accepted on the spot. The car was chosen right then and there, no hesitation: a 1969 Dodge Charger. After all, if you’re going on an adventure, might as well do it in style. The Charger had already seen plenty of miles and long trips, but I wasn’t naive. Before hitting the road, we gave it a proper check-up: engine, tires, transmission, differential, electrical system—everything was inspected. Oil changed, valve cover gasket replaced, radiator cleaned, and even a little adjustment to the parking brake. Everything seemed to be in order—at least as much as a classic car’s mechanical stubbornness would allow. As every Dodge owner knows, these cars have a natural talent for letting wat...