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22 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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Thoughts on WWR part 1
We are finally headed back out on the road tomorrow after a 5 month hiatus. While living in Vancouver for the summer was great especially since the weather this year was amazing, we are eager to get out exploring again. Looking back over the first ten months of our adventure we learned a few things.
1. Eat regularly because otherwise you get hangry
2. Your bike will not go if you still have your disk lock on
3. 99% of people everywhere are regular Joes like you
4. Food , water, and gas are available everywhere people are
5. Mud is nasty
6. Oil and water don't mix and wow is it slippery
7. Teamwork works thanks fellow HU members
When we started out our journey form home in June of 2012 we had never been out on the bikes longer than 2 weeks and we had never been together 24/7 for longer than 6. In fact with my job I was away from home 24-48 hours once or twice a week for the 20 years we have known each other. Motorcycle adventures are of course fun and exciting but also stressful at times and for a couple could cause as we say " marital discord". Pulling into a town late in the afternoon when you are hot, tired, and hungry always will end badly. I'm happy to report that we feel that as a couple we are stronger than before, and we managed much better than we feared.
The decision to quit our jobs and sell everything and hit the road was not easy, but once made it was so right. We can always work again when we are done exploring, but may not be able to ride the world later so doing it now makes sense.
People always ask "what was the highlight of the trip so far"? There are places for sure that were amazing, but I will have to say the people we met along the way are what really made this trip unforgettable. Garry and Ivonne, Julio and Luisa, and Mario and Fernanda your kindness, friendship, and generous hospitality was the highlight for both of us.
Ten months in the trenches, an equipment review.
Disclosure :If you are like us and you believe the right gear is important for an extended motorcycle journey then read on. Be forewarned the rest of you folks this could get very dull very quickly.
As a chronic research-aholic it has been really interesting to see what items have performed and which haven’t. After 50k+ kms in almost every riding condition some items have become indispensable while others are well, not so high on the list. We probably won’t make any endorsement deals after this, but at least you will have the straight goods on our gear.
Stuff we wear
1. Shark Helmets & Shark tooth Com Systems
Overall these have been a great choice for the type of travelling we do on the bikes. The comfort, quality and function have been superb. Their durability keeps amazing me each time one of the helmets takes a header off its resting place. The modular design has me convinced that unless you are on a dedicated motocross bike this is the only style of helmet we would purchase going forward. There are just way to many pluses. It gets really hot you flip the lid and you can ride open faced even at highway speed. If you want to talk to the cop or border official again flip the lid. The only negatives being that the helmet is slightly heavier than comparable ones and maybe not as quiet, but you are wearing earplugs anyway right?
The Shark-tooth com system has performed better than expected. The units have great range, they are very easy to operate and have excellent battery life. The only negative to report is that one of the units suddenly died one day a month into the trip. Shark immediately exchanged the unit no questions asked and the replacement has been flawless for over 9 months now. Riding as a couple we have found a com system to be really helpful especially when driving in and out of cities, when over taking traffic on windy mountain roads, and in bad weather or road conditions. As a couple we wouldn’t want to embark on an extended trip without some type helmet communication system.
2. DB Blocker custom ear protection
Hearing protection is essential and these are an excellent choice. Yes you can buy a lifetime of foamy style plugs for what these cost, but once you ride with custom plugs you will wonder why they still make the foamys. The pairs we have are the vented type that cut out the wind noise, but still allow us to hear our intercom system clearly. We won’t ride without them.
3. Rev-it Gear
We have a lot of Rev-it and so it pains me to say that at some point we will change at least some of it.
Defender GTX Suits
We love these suits and they have preformed well, but there is a major design problem with the three- layer system. For the good news first, for comfort, durability and function they have been great. A big plus has been the light color of the suits. Oh I know hardcore guys will scoff at wearing lighter colored gear, but when it’s well over 30 degrees and traffic is crawling you are going to curse the day you bought that black gear. They cleaned up very well by hand or machine. The suites themselves offer great protection from the sun, and were comfortable to wear riding in temperatures to about 34 Celsius. To be fair the design issue is not specific to Rev-it as many other manufactures have suits with the same issues.
It really boils down again to design. The liner style system is in our opinion is going to be a thing of the past very shortly. It simply doesn’t make any sense. Sure it works, but what a hassle on so many levels. It’s okay if you are around home maybe, but for long term on the road. We did not wear the goretex liners after we left Alaska, but instead wore our over-suits in the rain. We did not even take the thermal layer with us. You have to store the liners, put them on if there is a chance of rain, or stop on the side of the road and put them on in the rain. The outer coat eventually gets soaked and becomes heavier and heavier. The solution we have found that works for us is the over suit. We put the bottoms on if it looks like rain, and just tie the arms around the waist. This way we can totally cover up without even getting off the bike if it does start to rain. If there is unexpected rain the outer shells of the GTX suits can handle mild rain without getting us wet. If the rain gets worse we throw on the over our Rev-it H2O suits and all is well. We stay dry, GTX suits stay dry and don’t get heavy and the over suits are much easier to get on and off standing on the side of the road then zipping in liners.
4. Daytona Da-Boots
We actually got these boots a riding season before we left on our current adventure. Being motocross folks for years and believing that your feet are really vulnerable when riding especially off-road we have had our share of great motorcycle boots. At first we thought we would ride our current adventure in our motocross boots. Lots of people do, but I’m glad we choose not to in the end. What our Daytona’s bring versus say my Sidi Crossfires and Sara’s Ladies Thor boots is walking comfort. On our journey there are many times when we will stop to explore on foot and this is were the Daytona’s really shine. Not once at the end of the day have our feet hurt, nor have they been wet or cold even after 7 hours in the pouring rain. These boots are absolutely first rate. A plus for the Daytona lady star is they have an internal lift that adds 2 ½ inches. Sara also added a Vebram sole for another inch of flat foot bliss for her 27 inch inseam.
5. Powerlet Rapid Fire Heated Jackets
The only thing worse than being wet when riding is being wet and cold. Some riders consider heated gear a luxury for the soft. Call us soft then because this is another item we wouldn’t leave on a long journey without. Being able to ride through amazing landscapes comfortably when the temperatures are approaching the negative range is so much more enjoyable.
6. Motor-cross kidney belts.
We both started wearing these on our motor-cross bikes, but they are even more important for comfort on long days on the road. They prevent slouching and back pain.
7. Riding underlayer
Any quick dry fabric underwear with minimal seams will work. Sara wears the men’s exofficio boxer brief and Daniel the Calvin Klein microfiber. 25$ for a pair of underwear seems like a lot, but 2 pairs each have lasted a year a still look new. You would be surprised how much of a difference this makes especially on long days or in the heat.
In our Silver sokz we were never hot or cold and they really just don’t smell!
8. Gloves
We both have rev it comet gloves that have been bullet proof. Sara also has BMW women’s gortex gloves that have proven waterproof in really bad weather.
9. Camping gear
Exped rocks. We have the Exped Venus 2 delux tent, which is very roomy for 2 to sleep and has a huge vestibule where you can sit and even cook in bad weather. We would never be with out our exped mats. Dan has the synmat 9 and sleeps better on that than most conventional beds. Sara is comfy on the 7 pump deluxe. The integrated pump system is so easy. We are soft as you know so we have exped air pillows.
We both have Marmot sleeping bags (men’s plasma and women’s pinnacle) which are comfy and pack fairly small in outdoor research compression bags. Another must is a silk sleep sac, it adds 5 degrees of warmth and is a must to keep your bag clean. It is also great to use in sketchier hotels.
One of the best items we brought was our Ticket to the moon hammock, which we used a lot when camping or not.
If you have the luxury of 2 bikes, chairs are an added bonus. We highly recommend getting the Kermit chair. Expensive yes, but you will only buy one and it will last forever guaranteed.
10. Great gadgets we used a lot
Titanium sporks
Seattlesports folding pack sink
5$ small 6 pack folding cooler
Dollar store flat rubber disk sink stopper and rubber door wedge
A full list if our gear is listed on our web site at worldwideride.ca
Tomorrow we fly Vancouver to LA and then take the red eye to Panama City. We arrive there Tuesday morning and will head to Girag to meet with Richard and finalize the shipping of the bikes to Bogota for Thursday. We fly there ourselves on Wednesday.
Andi and Ellen (TMK) we have the parts for Maya safely packed and ready for WWR special delivery Canada to Colombia! Thanks Kenny at Alternate cycle in Kamloops.
DSC06902 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 22 Sep 2013 at 21:14.
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23 Sep 2013
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Posts: 8
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Hi Daniel and Sara. I am enjoying your travel tales and thanks for the recommendations on the gear. If you plan to do Africa and happen to come to Windhoek Namibia, please give us a shout we would love to meet with you and hear about your travels.
Regards
Tony
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23 Sep 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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Thanks for the kind words about us.
We are looking forward to seeing you in around 6 months once we are grandparents,
Ride safe.
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23 Sep 2013
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Tony
Quote:
Originally Posted by drummer
Hi Daniel and Sara. I am enjoying your travel tales and thanks for the recommendations on the gear. If you plan to do Africa and happen to come to Windhoek Namibia, please give us a shout we would love to meet with you and hear about your travels.
Regards
Tony
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Thanks so much. We do hope to make it there one day! Sara
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23 Sep 2013
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Grandpa
Quote:
Originally Posted by garrydymond
Thanks for the kind words about us.
We are looking forward to seeing you in around 6 months once we are grandparents,
Ride safe.
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We can't wait. Hugs to Ivonne! Sara
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25 Sep 2013
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Contributing Member
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Shipping the bikes to Bogota!
We packed up our few belonging and put them back in storage yesterday and headed from Vancouver to Panama City.
IMG_2220 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_2223 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_2225 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After a night flight that arrived at 830 am we were bagged and headed to the hotel for a power nap. Then off to the Terminal de Cargo and Girag to get the bike shipping organized.
DSC06935 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This place is a beehive of activity. Of course the English speaking contact Richard was not in today and of course he had not left instructions, but despite that we managed. Luckily several of the people who spoke some English remembered us from April and were very helpful.
DSC06929 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06930 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06932 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06933 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We then went into the lot to check on the bikes we found three Honduran bikes there also. All was in order so we went to pay for the shipping. We leave for Bogota tomorrow and the bikes go the next day.
DSC06937 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06938 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06941 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panama part 2 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Before we left we went down the street to the Tocumen shipping and Cargo to check on Orvar the GSSWEDE’s bike for him.
Panama part 2 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We headed back to the man terminal and into the bowels of the Tocumen Airport to get our flights organized at the Avianca office. All in all not too bad as we managed all this with several taxi trips in just about 2 hours total.
Panama part 2 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Ahhh Panama!!!
DSC06956 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This morning on our way out of the hotel re ran into these guys who had been in Alaska last summer when we were. They are shipping at Girag today too.
IMG_2229 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Off to Bogota!!
IMG_2239 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 30 Sep 2013 at 15:34.
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26 Sep 2013
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Bogota!
At last the long awaited trip across the Darien Gap to South America. We landed here after a pleasant though slightly turbulent 1hour 30-minute flight and breezed thru Immigration and Customs. The city of Bogota or Santa fe de Bogota sits nestled in the mountains of Colombia.
IMG_2241 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01304 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01352 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After an Indy style cab ride we arrived at our hotel in the old city or Candaleria district of Bogota. The hotel Ambar we had booked into had just updated their computer system and had mistakenly double booked the entire hotel. No worries we easily moved for 1 night to a close by hotel and settled in.
bogota 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After the heat and humidity of Panama the 20 degrees at the altitude of 2625 m was a refreshing change, though walking up hill was a bit more strenuous than usual. In no way did we feel ill at ease wandering around the city.
bogota 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Exploring the area we headed up the Eje Ambital or pedestrian thruway towards the east and the mountains to take the Funicular or tram up the steep mountainside to the Cerro de Monserrate at 3127 meters. The train goes up the hill passing the other coming down at about the half way mark and then goes thru a tunnel.
bogota 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The view from the top is panoramic of the entire city. There is of course a church at the top as well. They have the old train here on display, which looks a bit sketchy.
bogota 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
bogota 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 30 Sep 2013 at 15:36.
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30 Sep 2013
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Meeting the TMK
So we last saw the Two Moto Kiwi (TMK from here on out) after we had just left the famous for its massive cinnamon buns Braeburn “lodge” just outside of Whitehorse. We were headed to Dawson City and they we headed back. It was cool and raining. As we passed each other we said in our minds “hey that’s the TMK…should we turn back, no we will see them again soon”. That said more than a year later we did finally meet again in Bogota, where fellow ADV riders Salvador and Paola are hosting them. We had to go out of course for Andi’s Birthday.
Candaleria tour 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 30 Sep 2013 at 15:37.
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30 Sep 2013
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walking around Bogota Candelaria area
Spending the day wandering around the Candeleria district or old city we strolled its narrow cobbled streets and into the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, which is the historic center of the city. The rest of the downtown area of Bogota has a Soviet era feel to the buildings.
Candaleria tour 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are all kinds of interesting design details to see in the old town.
Candaleria tour 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria%20tour%2017 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
In many public spaces they have these police kiosks. On the streets there are many police, especially at night. They have walking police patrols with huge muzzled dogs.
Candaleria%20tour%2010 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The Botero Museum is also located in the Candelaria area, and houses part of the private collection of the most “Colombian of Colombian artists Fernando Botero Angulo. His works feature a figurative style, called by some "Boterismo", which gives them an unmistakable identity. His art is a stunning to see and the exhibit includes paintings and sculpture housed in a restored old building with wood floors, fountains, courtyards, and free admission.
Candaleria tour 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria%20tour%2025 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 30 Sep 2013 at 15:38.
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30 Sep 2013
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Bogota
The next stop on the WWR walking tours was the main Plaza de Bolivar and Cathedral Principal.
Candaleria tour 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 58a by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Leaving the square you go thru several layers of security as you near the Presidential Palace. There is a beautiful grounds surrounded by an honor guard.
Candaleria tour 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Heading back out thru the secure zone we spotted this amazing church façade.
Candaleria tour 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Candaleria tour 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 30 Sep 2013 at 15:39.
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30 Sep 2013
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A night on the town
Bogota is a very cosmopolitan and lively city. Our hosts Salvador and Paola took us out on the town to a 6- story bar/ restaurant. This place was packed on all levels and decorated in a very kitsch style. They give you VIP crowns and welcome to Colombia sashes. Even the  s come with decorations. When you leave they give you a grab bag full of different sweets.
Night out 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had some great traditional Columbian food and Paola introduced us to a new cocktail made from rum, fresh lime juice, and Canada Dry ginger ale….YUM! The men stuck to Scotch.
Night out 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Night out 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 30 Sep 2013 at 15:41.
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30 Sep 2013
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Museo National
The following day was Friday when we were supposed to pick up the bikes shipped the day before. We had half expected the news when we phoned Girag and were told that the bikes were not shipped as promised. Luckily for us Salvador was even more distressed than we were, because he immediately launched a campaign of phone calls all day until he was assured they would be sent on the next Girag flight on Saturday.
Without the trip to the airport today we decided to walk north in the city to the National Museum. On the way we found several delicious snacks.
Museum Walk 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
At the museum there was a special temporary exhibit of ancient Greek pottery, as well as the museum’s collection of Colombian artifacts and works of art.
Museum Walk 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Museum Walk 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 30 Sep 2013 at 15:42.
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30 Sep 2013
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Good clean fun
On Saturday morning Salvador’s offensive against Girag began with calls starting at 730 am. We finally got a person on the line after 15 calls at 915. They told us there were 3 motos on the plane, but could not tell us if they were our bikes and the Mexican couple or the three Honduran bikes. AGHHHH. They cannot tell us which bikes the Girag in Panama sent on the Girag plane to Girag in Bogota until the plane arrives and they look at the manifest.
Luckily we had plans for the day, which included a drive to the countryside and 4x4 rock crawling with Salvador’s ORV club.
Image by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 9.18.25 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01222 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01226 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01234 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The TMK stayed with Salvador and we hitched a ride with Jamie….issues to follow.
DSC01223 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Locking up the wheels.
DSC01252 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01255 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Now for some good clean family fun!
DSC01291 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01276 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01306 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01447 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01268 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01335 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01317 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The views from here were spectacular. There is a reason Jamie’s truck did not make it to the top of the hill after we hit a big rock. These about 3 foot tall shrubs are Espeletia or Fraylejon are found in Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador at higher altitudes and take about 200 years to grow that tall.
DSC01393 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Photo below courtesy of the Two Moto Kiwi
IMG_0113 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01376 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01346 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01350 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01349 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
These Colombians sure know how to picnic.
DSC01359 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01361 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01371 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Heading down Daniel got behind the wheel too.
DSC01396 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01432 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01420 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01416 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01401 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Now for Salvador “ lets go down the hard way”.
DSC01477 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the way home we stopped at a finca for some Strawberries and cream and founds some friends there. At 4 pm we called back to Girag and found out that YES the bikes of Senior Pedersen are on the plane and were told to be there at 5 pm and that for sure we could get them tonight.
DSC01491 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01488 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01495 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC01504 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 5 Oct 2013 at 00:59.
Reason: photo credit
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"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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