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1 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
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Hot springs
That meant Daniel arrived back at Nuevo Arenal a few days earlier than planned, which was great. The rain finally stopped so we could get out to ride. We were last here in Arenal in 2001 when there was a very badly pot holed dirt road. The now paved road along the lake is curvy enough to drag the pegs. There are amazing views of the Arenal volcano and you end at the hot springs for a dip. There is a very expensive private springs, but as usual if you ask the locals there is a free hot spring near by.
Nuevo Arenal 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
In town at Moras for dinner we met Ric and Karleen. They make us look like pussies on our 500 lb BMW bikes. They walk or ride somewhere in the world for 3 months every year. Last year they walked from Ushuaia up the spine of the Andes. Ric had stitches put in on Bocas del Toro 10 days ago so it was time to take them out
DSC08565 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08574 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05499 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 1 Apr 2013 at 03:48.
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6 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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San Jose for BMW service
Leaving Arenal the sky was dark and like most of the week it was raining and we are thankful for our over suits even if we look like two pylons. We are headed to San Jose for service at BMW motocicletas.
San Jose 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We are glad we say the volcano before, because today you cannot see anything. It did clear up by La Fortuna for a nice ride thru the mountains via Zarcero.
San Jose 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The roads here are paved, but criss-cross and wind all over like they paved the cattle paths or something. This “major” road was under construction.
San Jose 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Zarcero is known for the topiary in the church gardens.
San Jose 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Like everywhere in Latin America driving or even walking at night can be hazardess. This hole was on our way to the grocery store in San Jose.
IMG_1542 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We arrived bright and early to BMW and Adolpho the service manager was there to meet us. They did a great job. We were there all day so took a break for lunch too.
San Jose 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
San Jose 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Thanks to Steve in San Jose whom we met on ADV for his advice on riding in Costa Rica and the name of the Out of Bounds B&B near the BMW dealership.
San Jose 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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6 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Headed to the border of Panama
We are now all serviced up….the next one is in Uruguay. Heading south we opted for the cooler route thru the mountains on the way to Golfito on the coast. The road curved up to 10,000 feet and the temperature dropped to 11 c degrees.
Screen Shot 2013-04-03 at 9.51.57 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2013-04-03 at 9.52.37 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
But first there was the hour just to get out of San Jose in the traffic.
FILE2883 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2897 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Up at 10,000 feet we were in the clouds.
FILE2953 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2975 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
It was still sunny and nice as we neared the coast. The palm tree plantations are for harvesting the nut for palm oil.
FILE2984 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2987 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3007 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
As we are nearing the rainy season it tend to rain in the afternoon. It is raining and hot as we are on the coast again.
FILE2980 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3138 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 9 Apr 2013 at 23:05.
Reason: type o
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9 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Tenth country in Ten Months
Today we are going to cross the border into Panama, which is our tenth country in ten months. As usual we stay near the border, get a good sleep, eat a good breakfast, take snacks, and plan a destination not too far from the border.
border and boquete 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08944 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Driving up to the border pass the guys about 1 km before the crossing waving at you to flag you down (fixers). Drive up past all the trucks and you will see the Costa Rica aduana on the left, which is a blue building with a covered parking out front.
border and boquete 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We chose to drive just past and park in the lot just beside the building for an easier exit. This is in front of the “Welcome to CR sign”. We are exiting of course , but it is the same office.
border and boquete 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Step 1: When you are facing the building from the front on the street go left into the area with the queues and go to the Salida window. They will give you tourist exit form to fill out. Return the form to the official and get your passport stamped. There were no “fixers” here.
border and boquete 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Step 2: Go back to the front of the building and around the other side from where you just were. Pass the window that says Foreigner services and around to the back of the building and enter the nice glass front air-conditioned office. Fill in the paper they give you which is essentially your name, bike plate, and VIN etc. You will need the original permit and your passport. They will keep your cancelled CR import permit and give you the stamped paper as proof of cancellation. They may want to check the VIN, but they did not check ours.
border and boquete 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Step 3: Drive to the Panama Aduana.
border and boquete 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is a dirty white covered building ahead of you. Enter the to Panama side on the right and park along the curb to the left and as far to the other end as you can. Try to get rid of the fixers here. At most crossings If you wait for the quiet guy left over after the pushy ones with the badges finally leave you alone and if you tell him you have no money to pay him they usually follow you and help you or say If I help you you can give me a tip (3-5$).
Looking at the aduana from the curb the immigration office (glass windows under the cover), transito office (directly above the immigration windows on the second floor), and the fumigation window ( outside on curb side of the building) are to your right, the spiral staircase is in front of you, the Captura y Manifesto office is to the left, and the insurance office is behind you across the street (the sign outside just says copies and not segures).
border and boquete 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
If there is no line up at the immigration office get a passport stamp and your photo taken to the right in the queue marked entrada. While there someone will approach you and give you a sticker for your passport (1$). If there is a line don’t stand in it as you can bypass the line once you have done the other paperwork.
Go across the street to the insurance office. You will need your vehicle title and passport and a copy of both. The insurance is 15$. They will give you 2 identical papers (one for you and one for the aduana).
Return across the street and go up the spiral staircase to the transito office and hand over your insurance paperwork for a stamp and your passport.
Go back down stairs turn right and go to the Captura y Manifesto window. They want the Title and passport and the copies of both and the 2 insurance papers. They will type a bunch of stuff into the computer and then return your originals and 1 copy of the insurance and permit. You have to sign the permit.
border and boquete 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
If you have not been to immigration yet go back there and if there is still a line go to the front on the right side and you will be helped in priority. Get a photo taken and your passport stamped.
border and boquete 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
A guy with a clipboard will then come up to you at your bike and take your permit and check your VIN and sign your permit. NOTE check all numbers like dates, plates, and VIN carefully before this since a mistake means you are not exiting to Columbia from Panama City.
border and boquete 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Finally go to the fumigation window and pay 1$ for each bike. Take your receipt and drive up to the right side of the fumigation building, but NOT into it (its auto spray for cars and trucks only). A technician will hand spray your bike (close your face shield).
border and boquete 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Just before we are ready to leave a serious looking soldier in fatigues with a big dog approached me. So OK what NOW! Our conversation in Spanish went something like:
He Is this your bike?
Me yes.
He Where are you going?
Me Today to Boquete
He No I mean eventually.
Me Ahhh Tierra del Fuego.
He Where did you come from?
Me Golfito.
He No what country did you come from.
Me Canada, I live in Vancouver (seriously what next)
He Big smile I like your bike I have the same one!
Me (Sweet) Can I have your picture?
border and boquete 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We made it in 1 hour 45 min and we had expected 4 hours from the experience of others. Now for Panama our country number ten.
border and boquete 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
One km down the road there is a military checkpoint. Where they may ask for your permit, insurance, and passport. They just asked us if we were going back to Costa Rica and when we said no they waved us thru without looking at anything.
This is a CR border style restaurant.
border and boquete 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Heading South!
border and boquete 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Daniel gets a treat for doing such a great job at the border.
border and boquete 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 12 Apr 2013 at 00:51.
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9 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Boquete
We had a short ride down the Pan Americana to David and then up the under construction new 4 lane highway to Boquete. We drove thru town and asked where a good hotel was and were directed just up the road. While we are turning the bikes around to park another bike pulls up. When I went over to say hello to him he said “Hi I’m Christophe we met on the Internet”. Nice another rider from BC and he has not met another rider for 2 months.
border and boquete 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
About 15 minutes later while we are unpacking we hear another bike pull up with Ramiro and Pia. He has travelled from Buenas Ares and she met him in Panama City on their way to Alaska.
border and boquete 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were only going to spend 1 night here, but we had so much fun we stayed three.
border and boquete 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
These Datura grow like weeds here. Apparently you can make a hallucinogenic tea from it??
border and boquete 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Day one we did a loop thru the mountains on a silky single lane paved road.
border and boquete 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 68 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Daniel can never resist a side trip and this took us down a rough steep dirt/gravel track. It was all good until Christope was not behind us at the top of the last steep slippery hill. His F800GS had decided on a small dirt nap in the ditch.
border and boquete 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0926 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Then it was back to town and a great lunch at Mike’s (have the falafel).
border and boquete 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 73 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Part 2 of our adventure was to go the hot springs which were supposed to be on the way to “the caniones” which is a slot canyon you can jump off the sides of into the water. Our directions there were suspect and the 45 min there became 2 hours of on and off road riding.
First we headed off road across the canal and several bridges.
border and boquete 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 78 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 79 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 81 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 83 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 84 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 85 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 90 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 89 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 92 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We met a guy in a car who could speak English well enough to direct us back to the correct turn off.
border and boquete 93 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We finally made it there in time for a few jumps and a swim.
border and boquete 94 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 95 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 98 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 106 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 103 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 101 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 104 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The sun way blazing hot and the sky blue at 245, but at 3 the sky had opened and it was pouring buckets. The thunder and lightening were very close too. “Hiding” under a tree with 3 sets of riding gear in a huge pile was useless. We were drenched. It did let up enough after an hour or so for us to put on our soaked gear on over our wet swim suits (we were smart enough to put our helmets and boot at the bottom of the pile where they were still dry).
border and boquete 113 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 115 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sara making friends with the local police.
DSC05611 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Getting a hair cut is always an adventure.
border and boquete 116 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
border and boquete 119 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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10 Apr 2013
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Vista Lago
The night we before we left we ran into Brady who flew to Lima (because that was the cheapest ticket from home to South America), bought a Chinese bike and is riding it back to DC.
DSC05618 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were a bit sad to leave the cooler and colorful Boquete, but south it is.
Sartiago 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Daniel and I have been following Gino and Fiona as they headed from BA to Ushuaia and north. They just arrived in Panama and we all planned to meet near Santiago as our paths crossed. We headed west again to David and then south to Vista Lago Ecoresort
Screen Shot 2013-04-09 at 4.23.12 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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We had heard from many riders that they had received speeding tickets in Panama. Christophe calculated and average of 4.5 km between moto cops with a radar gun between the border and Panama City. We found this to be true and driving the speed limit we say many cars pulled over on the way.
Sartiago 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We ran into a huge line of traffic. We passed one biker, then 3, and then found the pack at the front blocking the Pan-American.
Sartiago 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We did have to stop at the customs checkpoint where one official wanted our passports and the other our temporary import permits.
Sartiago 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Our room looked out onto this man made lake.
Sartiago 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
When we arrived there we had to check out the 3 cool bikes out front.
Sartiago 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Gianni from Switzerland
Sartiago 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Gino and Fiona from Scotland.
Sartiago 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We hung out at the pool and made friends with the local fauna. He loves fries.
Sartiago 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sartiago 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Here is the gang hanging out drinking  s and swapping stories. You will note Fiona’s clothes are soaked as she had just been in the pool saving a man trying to drown.
Sartiago 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
At dinner we got serious and took out our maps.
Sartiago 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Now for the goodbye. We are headed south to Pedasi and they are headed north to Boquete and then Costa Rica and beyond.
Sartiago 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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12 Apr 2013
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Pedasi and Playa Venao
We headed south on the Pan-Americana and then west to Pedasi on the coast. We found a small hotel run by an ancient old lady for 30$ with aircon, a ceiling fan, and a private bath. It’s 37 and humid so aircon was a must!
Screen Shot 2013-04-09 at 4.24.03 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is a sleepy little town that has not been discovered yet.
Pedasi-venao 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Pedasi-venao 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We continued around the peninsula to the surfer hostel at playa Venao
Screen Shot 2013-04-09 at 4.24.53 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Pedasi-venao 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Pedasi-venao 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Pedasi-venao 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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12 Apr 2013
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El Valle de Anton
We have really had enough of the heat so we headed up to El Valle de Anton, which is a small town in an extinct volcanic caldera.
Screen Shot 2013-04-11 at 3.41.52 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2013-04-11 at 3.42.33 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Leaving Venao we continued around the peninsula initially on a paved road that became a rough crappy paved road that turned to intermitted pavement and gravel and then a good gravel road.
el valee 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The only tough spot was where the construction of the road was at the other end. They had just dumped oily aggregate. Luckily on the first steep part I followed in the front loaders tracks. For the next bit that was very deep we waited for the roll compacter. On the last short loose and deep bit it was go slow and duck walk. Managed to make it intact. Daniel of course did the first section in the deep, but waited for the roller with me. After this it was like a black ribbon undulating infront of us!
el valee 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is a quaint spot with few foreigners. We chose a small hotel close to the center of town and across from the church.
el valee 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The next day we set out to explore the valley. Initially we were on a nice paved route, which became a rougher paved road and then a gravel road and then a grass (read eventually very muddy) road.
el valee 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Turning around we headed back towards town and stopped at the ecolocical park.
el valee 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Here you hike up along the river and past small falls and pools. This leads to some large rocks covered with petroglyphs .
el valee 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
If you continue hiking/scrambling up to the top you eventually reach the top for a view of the la India Dormida or sleeping Indian girl ( the image seen of the mountain range) and the entire Valley.
el valee 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 73 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el valee 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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14 Apr 2013
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El Valle de Anton
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15 Apr 2013
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Panama City
The ride from El Valle to the Pan-Americana is amazing, but the Careterra itself is a bore. There are radar police at regular intervals, especially when the limit is 80 or below.
Screen Shot 2013-04-11 at 3.42.33 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2013-04-13 at 9.42.59 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0649 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0673 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nearing the canal we crossed the bridge of the Americas
FILE0699 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0701 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The Panama Canal has two locks on the Pacific side and you pass one on the way to the viewing platform at Miraflores.
FILE0732 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08946 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08947 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were very “locky” today at the canal, because we saw a number of boats going thru at the same time.
DSC08948 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08952 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08957 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08959 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08961 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08966 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08973 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08974 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08978 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The museum has some interesting displays and even a simulator for the ships bridge.
DSC08979 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08986 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08992 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Later we also saw a huge cargo ship come thru the locks.
DSC08995 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC09004 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC09012 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC09013 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC09024 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC09030 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Driving into the city from the locks you arrive on Avenida Balboa, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
FILE0762 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0833 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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15 Apr 2013
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Old Panama
We are here to get the bike storage and shipping organized at Gerig, but we had the weekend to sightsee. The first stop was the historic district of Panama or Casco Viejo, where there is a mixture of run down and restored buildings.
panama city 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are a number of squares each with a church., some of which are in ruins.
panama city 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
These Kuna women were having a heated argument over whose sales stall was in the wrong spot.
panama city 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We next headed over to Panama Viejo or the old site of Panama, which is in ruins. From the 1600 pirates, indigenous from the Darien, an earthquake, and a great fire, tried to destroy the city on his site. The last straw was when it was sacked by a Welsh privateer in 1671 and destroyed.
panama city 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
panama city 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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18 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
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Gatun Lake and the Atlantic Coast
Today we started with a trip to the Tocumen airport and a visit to Girag Shipping. We arranged to bring the bikes back on May 1 for storage until the end of September when we will come back to arrange the shipping to Bogotá. Details to follow! That done we decided to go Coast to Coast and rode over to the Locks at Gatun lake and then on to the ruins of the Spanish Fortress at San Lorenzo.
colon and San lorenzo 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After a long somewhat rainy drive we arrived at the Gatun locks when a large tanker was in transit.
colon and San lorenzo 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We sat along the shore and had a lunch break while the tugs guided several ships to the canal locks.
colon and San lorenzo 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
What is really cool here is once the doors are closed and the vessel is raised in the lock you can drive across the canal towards the Atlantic.
colon and San lorenzo 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nearby are the coast and the Shelter Bay Marina. There is a USA military presence here and several Black Hawk helicopters. There is what looks like the ruins of a base too.
colon and San lorenzo 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
You get a great view of Colon docks from here.
colon and San lorenzo 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Next we headed towards San Lorenzo and suddenly the road was just completely gone. There was a divisio of course.
colon and San lorenzo 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
In 1502, Christopher Columbus discovered the Chagres River. Spain built Fort San Lorenzo at the river's mouth from 1587 to 1599. In 1670, Henry Morgan attacked the fort left it in ruins. He invaded and destroyed Panama City the following year.
colon and San lorenzo 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC09093 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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18 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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South towards the Darien
Now for some real adventure we headed south of Panama City towards the Darien.
Screen Shot 2013-04-16 at 8.37.56 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
colon and San lorenzo 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is a place with many of the indigenous Kuna people.
to the darien 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is why there is a beautiful road to “nowhere”. Where the pavement ends is where the deforestation begins.
to the darien 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to the darien 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Headed back to “civilization”.
to the darien 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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22 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Road to Bocas del Toro
We were meeting friends in Bocas del Toro in a few days time and decided to drive back instead of flying with them. Getting out of Panama City in the traffic took almost an hour. The F800 was having some issues with the bike dying at speed. So we stopped at BMW to get a fuel pump electronic controller. Problem solved and they gave us a huge discount. The F650GS has the new version of the controller, which is sealed. This meant a nearly 490 km day in 39 degree heat got us back to back to Boquete by 430.
road to bocas 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road%20to%20bocas%204 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Leaving Boquete we headed up over the mountains to the North Atlantic Coast of Panama at Almirante. This is another dodgy port town like port town almost everywhere. The ride up is stunning and despite the wet road we had very little rain. Daniel was lucky and saw a large black panther.
road to bocas 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The view from the hotel is of the Chiquita banana loading area, but it has a casino!
road to bocas 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The ferry to the islands leaves at 8 everyday except Mondays and returns at 4 pm. This means you have to stay in this sketch town 2 nights.
Screen Shot 2013-04-18 at 9.44.11 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We got up at 6 to get in line and loaded at 7. The trip is 10$ per bike and takes 2 hours.
road to bocas 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the Isla colon itself there is only 1 road to Bocas del Drago beach 15.5 km away.
Screen Shot 2013-04-21 at 4.53.26 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to bocas 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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26 Apr 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
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Bocas Del Toro
The town itself is very touristy and there is a garbage collection dispute going on in town so it is strewn everywhere. The mayor announced this week that instead of 7$ per month the collection fee was 1.50 per bag. There are some funky spots here in town.
Bocas with the Chackos 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The first day here we decided to get a water taxi for 1$ each to the nearby isla Carenero and then walk the 2 hours around the island. We had only gone about 20 minutes when it started to torrentially rain. We took cover for an hour, but it only got worse so we headed back towards the docks, got totally soaked, and even had to wring out our underwear.
Bocas with the Chackos 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After 2 days of rain the sun finally came out and within a few hours we were already too hot and humid. We spent the day out on the water.
Bocas with the Chackos 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We saw dolphins frolicking in Dolphin bay.
Bocas with the Chackos 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We then did some snorkeling in Crawl cay. There was a lot of plant life and some coral, but few fish.
Bocas with the Chackos 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We also headed over to the famous red frog beach on Bastimentos Island. A huge mangrove forest surrounds the island. There were a few sloths hanging out by the docks.
Bocas with the Chackos 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Bocas with the Chackos 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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