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1 May 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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Back to Panama City at last
Finally heading back to Panama City to store the bikes at Girag on May 1.
Screen Shot 2013-04-30 at 5.35.16 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We needed to get back to the mainland so we had to wait for the ferry until 4 pm. They load it like a jig saw puzzle and we ended up sealed in.
almirante to vista lago 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The nice thing about the delivery guys is they off sell their wares so there are lots of snacks for the 2-hour ride.
almirante to vista lago 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This huge diesel delivery truck got stuck half way up the ramp to the ferry, as there was no traction. They needed to rig up a ramp system with pieces of wood in order to get him on.
almirante to vista lago 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This boat travels so slowly there is not even a wake. The US coastguard was in town too.
almirante to vista lago 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were really dreading the hotel that we stayed at in town near the ferry, but luckily there is another somewhat better option at the other side of town and there is a not bad Comida China there too. The ride back to Santiago over the mountains was amazing this time in the sunshine. We always meet the most interesting people at the gas station.
almirante to vista lago 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We headed back to the Vista Lago eco-resort where we had met Gino and Fiona. The “hiking” trails are well marked by colored signs or painted rocks and trees. There are some dangerous looking plants, but we did not see any of the other local poisonous creatures.
almirante to vista lago 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
almirante to vista lago 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC09168 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Now for the last time back down the Pan-Americana to Panama City and again the police radar is amazingly every 5 km or so. Be warned do the speed limit. After 600 km in two days in 35 plus heat we are hot and tired. Luckily for us we arrived into the city on a holiday again so there was NO traffic.
We cannot say enough about the great service we had at Panama City BMW. This dealership is brand new and spotless. Roberto the Service Manager speaks perfect English and is a super nice guy. The fit us in without any hassle at all.
DSC05906 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05907 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05911 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05913 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05919 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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3 May 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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Girag
Once you get to the Airport you take a left at the Roundabout to the Cargo terminal. There is a fair amount of road construction on the road that circles back around the far side of the airport. You will go thru a second round about and take the first exit. Ahead you will see the security check point.
girag 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Drive up and stop to talk to the official who is there 8-4.
FILE2383 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2320 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Here the official basically just wants to know what your business is at the cargo terminal, which is cancelling your temporary permit and shipping the bike.
FILE2406 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
You can see the blue sign that points to Girag going to the right.
FILE2395 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2457 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2478 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Driving down this road a few minutes you will see the first building with the cover over the road.
FILE2512 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2514 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Drive just past here and park in the shade of the tree. Ahead you will see the rest of the cargo area.
FILE2521 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Now go to the building just behind you and check in with the aduana. They will tell you to go to Girag and return with the paperwork for the bike.
girag 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Proceed past the second covered area towards the main cargo area.
girag 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2559 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2571 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Follow the signs to Girag, which is ahead and to the right hidden behind the trees and trucks.
FILE2576 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2588 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2595 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2597 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Park in the shade out front. When you are facing the office with the Girag sign behind me, the door to the right is where you will go to pay CASH for storage and/or shipping. The door to your left on the other side of the loading bay is the export office so go there first.
girag 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were storing the bikes here for the next 5 months, so we drove them into the lot for the official to inspect. Then they will be moved into the bonded warehouse. We will return to arrange shipping at the end of September. They want 100$ per month per bike, which is 40 less per bike then the Tocumen Storage company next door.
girag 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Ingrid will check you in and will want to see your passport. Once you enter this area you are technically not supposed to leave.
girag 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The official will check the bikes and document any damage or scratches. He will want your passport title. He made his own copies.
girag 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Some of the other toys here.
girag 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
He then hands you the Girag registration paper to take back to the aduana where you started. Inside there is an older lady to process your permit cancellation. She was so excited to get our sticker for her collection.
girag 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Then the sad part we had to part with the storage fee. They said we could pay when we came back, but we decided to pay now as we had the fee agreed on and were not sure what they would say in 5 months and we will have to pay for the shipping then too.
girag 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
With the bikes stored and unloaded we have our stuff to head home.
girag 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are only two airport hotels near Tocumen and wow they are not cheap, but they are nice. We stayed at the Riande which was very chic.
girag 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
girag 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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2 Jun 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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Home for the summer
Thanks to all who have followed our RR. We are home in Vancouver to work for the summer. We will head back on the road at the end of September. See you then!
Sara & Daniel
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29 Jun 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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good news about the bikes
We got a nice email from Claudia and Ingo from Switzerland. They had arrived at Girag to pick up their bikes and they sent us an email and a photo to let us know our bikes are safe and sound. The good part is they might arrive in Vancouver before we head back to fetch our them at the end of September and head to Columbia.
_DSC7355_72b900 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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9 Jul 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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A great idea for after the BIG ride
We saw this in the window of a framing shop in Vancouver.
IMG_1717 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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9 Jul 2013
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
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If Claudia and Ingo want to come to Mexico City please tell them they are welcome. There is (almost) always room at garryhostel.com!!
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9 Jul 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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Garry hostel
Thanks Garry I will send them your email. Hugs to you all!
Sara
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11 Sep 2013
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
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headed to Bogota
We booked our plane tickets from Vancouver to Panama City and then to Bogota September 23! Can not wait to get back on the road.
Sara & Daniel
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11 Sep 2013
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 146
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Good news! 
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11 Sep 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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Thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barcelona Pat
Good news! |
Hope you and Mrs Pat are doing well. We hope to buy you a  next summer when we cross the Atlantic . Let us know when we are within range!!
Sara
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12 Sep 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Posts: 201
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About time, lazing around in Van while Mrs P works her fingers to the bone! Get back to speaking Espanol, see you in Escocia next year!
We're still roaming around in the North
Och aye the noo
G & F
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12 Sep 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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Ready for the clan
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rondelli
About time, lazing around in Van while Mrs P works her fingers to the bone! Get back to speaking Espanol, see you in Escocia next year!
We're still roaming around in the North
Och aye the noo
G & F
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Ja ja si señor! Ride safe my friends. See you in Escocia! Have fun in NYC. tip for a great cheap lunch is Vanessa's dumplings 118A Eldridge st YUM.
SP
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21 Sep 2013
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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surgery
In April i developed a very painful mass in my palm, but i had to wait until i finished work this summer to get it fixed. So far still painful, but hoping by next week when we get the bikes back it wont be too bad.
surgery day 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
day 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
day 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 38 (1 Registered Users and/or Members and 37 guests)
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saralou
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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!
Questions about an event? Ask here
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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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