Houston to Costa Rica...will I survive?

[Drumboy]

2 Friends and myself are planning a bike trip from Houston to costa Rica (on KLR 650's) in February of next year and everyone we have told thinks we are crazy. Most of them have never been out of the country so yes, I know they are sheltered.

My older brother has really been concerned lately and thinks that we are going to get robbed or something.

I'm not too worried about anything more than getting shaken down a little by authorities, but is there more cause for concern?

[Lone Rider]

No.
.
.
.
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[garrydymond]

What is safe? Staying at home. What if there is a tornado or a flash flood. Nothing is 100% safe. Riding a bike is a calculated danger but oh how it makes you feel alive. I have seen statistics that show the USA is by far the most dangerous place in the world, probably not true but there are a lot of violent crimes. Central and South America are as safe as anywhere if you don't do anything stupid.
Show you friends some of the travellers stories here and you will see that their comments are very positive.
With reasonable care you will have a great and safe trip.
If you cme through Mex City send me a PM and we can show you around.

[Drumboy]

That's the same way I'm thinking.

When he was talking about the danger of getting robbed and poor people jacking me I told him that I'm not planning on riding through 5th ward (known for being a very shady area of Houston). I also don't believe that poor people = violent criminal.

[daveg]

Headlines from Fox News here in Houston:
Houston Emergency Center Prepared for the Worst
Armed Robbers Hold Up Restaurant Customers, Employees
Houston Officer Uses Stun Gun on Dad Holding Newborn
Police Chase Leaves Innocent Woman Trapped in Car
Protecting Port of Houston from a Terror Strike
Heat Advisory Burns Houston Area
Mother Accuses Camp Counselor of Assaulting Her Child

That doesn't sound like a very safe place either. No one trusts their neighbors. If someone tells me it is too dangerous and hasn't been there themselves or researched it extensively, I just nod my head don't even bother disagreeing.

On a side note, how far are you in this planning? I'm planning on starting a Houston to Ushuaia trip on my strom sometime next fall. We should grab a and compare notes. I live in the heights. Send me a PM!

[Drumboy]

I live in the Heights also as does one of the other guys that's going.

As far as planning, we're just starting to plan and the other guys need to buy their bikes as well.

[Martin Alexander]

I heard all the bad stuff, too, but went with just my wife on one bike. Be in at dark and don't hang around bars at night. Most people are the nicest you will ever find. Be cautious and careful and all will be fine. Be arrogant and stupid and get into trouble. Don't be paranoid, yet don't make yourself and your bike easy targets. It all comes down to common sense, just like living in the US.

[daveg]

Originally Posted by Drumboy

I live in the Heights also as does one of the other guys that's going.

As far as planning, we're just starting to plan and the other guys need to buy their bikes as well.

Drumboy:
Ack, no PMs until I post more messages. Send me an email at dghu at mogal dot org. It'd be nice to meet someone who lives close who doesn't think I'm insane for wanting to drive south.

I agree with the Mexico trip advice -- I did the same a few months ago when going to CA was just and idea and had such a great time in Mexico that it is now a plan. Hell, I'm going to Mexico (Real 14, Guanajauto, Aguascalientes,zacatecas) in again two weeks for a couple of weeks. I've decided to take all my vacation time and spend it south practicing living off of the bike and speaking spanish.

[Laser Jock]

I'm currently in Nicaragua and I left Colorado back in late October on a V-strom 1000.

I've paid two bribes. One in Acapulco (i hate acapulco) and one yesterday just outside of Granada, Nicar. where there is a major shakedown operation.

Other than that, no problems. Other than crashing at 75 mph.

An Aerostich suit is worth every penny. Not a scratch on my body. photo - rtwrider photos at pbase.com

But I do that in the States as well.

Having a good time.