Announcements

**saralou** · #**241** 30 Sep 2013

There was some serious excitement on the way to the airport, but some stress also since we stupidly in the 40 plus heat last may 2 nd we had forgotten to disconnect the battery leads on the bikes before they went into storage for 5 month. We had just put in Deka batteries, which claim to hold a charge for a year, but we had the clocks drawing power.

DSC01512 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We were so lucky to have Salvador to deal with the Girag bureaucracy for us. We arrived at 5 as were advised, but were told that there was now way we could get the bikes today and that we should come back on Monday. Salvador would not stand for that, since the boss had assured us earlier on the phone that we would get them today. Now the guy says that they can’t do it because the customs is closed, so we should come back Monday. We told him they are open until 10, then he says actually they are open 24 hours OMG! We then called the boss lady whom assured us she would sort this out in 5 minutes.

DSC01518 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Fast forward 6 pm we are in the office and the guy wants us to go and get photocopies of our passports, when he has a copier 3 feet from him. We had spare copies as we always do. Finally he gives us the waybills so we can head across the compound to the DIAN office for the bike importation. This was a breeze and took about 15 minutes.

Now back at Girag they say OK come back in 30 minutes. Fast-forward 7 pm and we return to find the Import guys had gone for coffee. Luckily the Girag staff called them back before Dan and Salvy had a fit. Next the official wants you guessed it photocopies of our passports, which we had already given them. “That was for the guy upstairs” he says, so we hand over another copy, his next excuse is he wants a copy of his own Girag waybill, that we have in triplicate. He finally agrees to make a photocopy himself; we are not sure why he did not just take one of the triplicates.

DSC01517 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Next we need to wait until the entire shipment is unloaded before they will release the bikes. Finally they allow Daniel to get the bikes!

DSC01524 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC01526 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC01538 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Now the moment of truth will they start!!??

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

Bikes in Bogota - YouTube

Heading out from Girag at almost 8 pm, glad we shipped our bikes by plane for sure, but glad never to see them at Girag again!

DSC01540 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC01522 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**242** 30 Sep 2013

The boys headed out for a day on the bikes and the girls spent the day walking and working. On Sundays several main arteries of the city are shut to cars for walking, biking, and rollerblading on the ciclovia. It is packed with people and vendors. The full house service was just letting out when we arrived.

bogota walk 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

IMG_2279 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We were able to see inside the recently closed bull-fighting ring. There is a big controversy here in the city regarding the banning of bull fighting.

bogota walk 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

bogota walk 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

I want to give a big thanks to Salvador for getting the boys together for a great ride complete with mondo pollo asado for lunch. Heading out of Bogota Salvador, Andi (the kiwi) and I got to experience some lane splitting Colombia style. Picking up a few more riders we got off the main highway and up into the hills. Before long we had arrived at the country home of Juan, who is our host for the day. In true Colombian style he ushered us into the house for a monster breakfast and a warm welcome.

Filled both with food and fuel it was time for day’s tour to begin. First though we needed to make a quick stop at a tire repair shop to get one of the amigos V-Strom tires patched. Next it was off into the hills alternating between the beautiful dirt and glorious tarmac twisties. The day was a huge success. Many thanks to all the guys on the ride and most of all Salvador and Juan for being such great hosts and guides. I was having such a great day riding that I only had time to take just these few pictures.

DSC07232 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC07213 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC07221 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC07225 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC07226 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC07229 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC07231 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**Barcelona Pat** · #**243** 4 Oct 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by saralou

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

Hi
Looks forward to it. We'll either be in UK (south Wales) or Spain (Barcelona) - or perhaps both! - depending on your timings.
Have fun out there!

Pat

**saralou** · #**244** 7 Oct 2013

Now the work starts. We have to sort out and pack the bikes again to hit the road. Luckily we had the covered parade at Salvador’s apartment to deal with all our stuff.

DSC07233 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The TMK were there to send us off in style and Ellen managed to get a few pics of the departure. Heading out of Bogota at 10 am was a good move; because the normally bumper-to-bumper crawl of traffic was very heavy traffic, but flowing well.

to villa de leyva 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The trip took us just north to the town of Zipaquira (zee-pa-key-Rah) and a visit to the Cathedral de Sel.

to villa de leyva 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The salt mine has 3 levels and the miners 200 years ago mined at the site of the present Cathedral. The previous was closer to the surface and seeping groundwater caused instability of the cavern there.

to villa de leyva 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The size of the main Chapel is amazing. They actually hold mass here on Sundays, and it is apparently packed on high holidays. There are also smaller chapels for regular Sundays.

to villa de leyva 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The massive “stone cross” is actually an optical illusion and is a cut out in the rock.

to villa de leyva 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The other optical illusions are reflections of the crosses using darkness and light.

to villa de leyva 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There is the very shallow water pond that reflects the ceiling, but looks like a deep cavern.

to villa de leyva 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The salt carving of the tree has taken 7 months so far.

to villa de leyva 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The school kids were far more interested in us and getting in a photo with us then the tour they were on.

to villa de leyva 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There was also a very cool “ecolight show” set to music in one of the huge tunnels.

to villa de leyva 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

And the best part of Daniel’s day we found really good ice creams.

to villa de leyva 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**245** 7 Oct 2013

The ride father north is very fun and curvy. It is a great time to use the coms to help the second bike pass trucks on blind corners. We had been skirting a huge black cloud pouring rain and lightening all day until the last 5 km to Villa de Leyva. This is a small town with adobe and white -wash houses with red tile roofs set in a spectacular valley.

to villa de leyva 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to villa de leyva 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Riding out the back way from Villa de Levya the road was variably unpaved (but great gravel), paved, and paved at one time. The later being the worst due to the potholes. We had another EPIC days ride thru the mountains to reach the town of Barichara. This place is so cute and clean it looks like a movie set.

Barichara 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There are several picturesque towns on the way and we stopped in one for lunch. Yes I know actual stopping AND eating, we must have learned something from part 1 of the trip. We had a fresh blackberry smoothie, 3 empanadas of egg and cheese, and strawberries and cream 7,000p or $3.70 USD. See I told you I am going to start looking like the painting.

Barichara 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Walking along the ridge you can see the lush valley below from the Mirador. Again this town is so tidy.

Barichara 99 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The graveyard here is really colorful, I have a thing for cool looking cemeteries.

Barichara 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There is the large Cathedral here and several smaller churches. The ones on the hillside all have very sloped floors.

Barichara 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 100 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The entire town is flagstone streets and adobe packed earth houses with white washed walls and red tile roofs. There are very few cars here, but there are a couple of Tuk Tuks to get the locals up the steep streets.

Barichara 113 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 97 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 103 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**246** 7 Oct 2013

The next day we went out on Dan’s bike two up for some off roading.

Screen Shot 2013-10-04 at 12.34.27 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The Barichara-Guane Road heads south and then you turn east at the “Hotel Danny” sign for about 25 kn down the mountain side on switchbacks to the valley floor and then up the other side to Galan before you see the “hotel”.

Barichara 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There is a nice stone church here in this sleepy mountain town. To keep you cool for the long Catholic service the breeze blows thru the walls.

Barichara 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Next we headed farther up the road to the next small village of La Fuente. Here we stopped for a coke and a chat with Horatio who at 60 has 11 kids 5 grandkids 2 great grandkids, and 1 great grand kid.

Barichara 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 73 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 74 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 76 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Riding another 24 km down the road we arrived at Zaptoca.

Barichara 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 78 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Here we headed out of town or so we thought according to the GPS. We ended up on “ roads” in the pineapple plantation that after 30 min ended where a house blocking further passage. At 430 we decided to retreat and again followed the GPS to Mesa Los Santos, where there is a road, but by then at 530 we decided not to risk going down a dirt track at 530. So another 100 km back track got us home at 730 in the rain and dark exhausted. Daniel did describe the switchback here as THE MOST EPIC RIDE EVER!

Screen Shot 2013-10-07 at 4.33.59 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 81 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 86 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 88 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 90 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 91 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**247** 7 Oct 2013

After that huge day we decided to stay and rest in Barichara. We walked the Camino de Guane for a bit and then visited the Park of the arts with its water sculptures, and the small church at the top of the hill. And yes finished the day of with an icecream.

Barichara 95 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 96 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Barichara 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**248** 11 Oct 2013

We are making for the north east coast at Santa Marta but with the super curvy roads and truck traffic this is a two -day drive, with a stop half way in Aguachica.

to agua chica 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

For the most part there was not that much traffic and passing the huge semis on the curvy roads is a bit of a thrill. The views are stunning.

to agua chica 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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There are always a few unmarked hazards…..or donkeys!

to agua chica 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The best place to pass a bunch of trucks is at the tolls where motos go free and bypass the line too.

to agua chica 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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We stopped for a lunch of roasted pork, chorizo sausage, blood and rice sausage, and yucca.

to agua chica 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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to agua chica 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The army here “ guard” the passage by road, it is mandated that they give you thumbs up sing that the road is safe. Can you imaging doing that all day to every vehicle. Ten years ago it was completely unsafe to travel here, now life is business as usual.

to agua chica 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There are a few larger towns on the way and the main roads tend to dump you into the hectic center of town.

to agua chica 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to agua chica 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We decided to stop riding at about 3 pm so that got us to Aguachica.

to agua chica 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We stopped for gas and asked the guys there for a good hotel. It was quite an amusing Duck talking to Chicken conversation with our bad Spanish and there nonexistent English, but we all had a good laugh. The directed us to the Morrocoy, “you know it’s an animal like a Tortuga”. It was a friendly family place with a huge secure parking lot for the bikes. . We walked around the town and ended up as usual at Dan’s favorite a Pollo rostiazado place. This end of town was hopping with at least 10 bars all blasting different music. Luckily near our place it was silent.

IMG_2299 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

IMG_2300 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**249** 11 Oct 2013

After a good night’s rest we headed out at 830 am when it was already 29 degrees. Thank God for our gel neck bands they take off about 5 degrees and make an unbearable 40 into a not so bad 35, especially at speed.

to valledupur 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to valledupur 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The 300 km north took us 4 ½ hours with the slowing for truck passing and topes for the military check points on the secondary roads.

to valledupur 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to valledupur 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to valledupur 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We did see a few new design ideas for the next generation of Touratech Zega Pro Panier systems.

to valledupur 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

to valledupur 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

After toll booth the next best place to pass long lines of trucks is at the speed bumps entering and exiting towns, except when there are crowded with vendors.

to valledupur 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Dan is chilling with his highway pegs.

to valledupur 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

When we arrived in Valledupar it was 35 degrees and we were so glad to get out of the crowded streets and into a Hostal with air con!

to valledupur 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**250** 13 Oct 2013

Next we really wanted to visit Santa Marta, because of its historic significance. It was founded in 1525 by a Spanish conquistador, and it is the oldest existing city in Colombia and it was the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, and second oldest of South America. Simon Bolivar “the liberator of Colombia died here in 1830. We decided not to take the short direct route, but to go the long scenic way round taking us temptingly close to the Venezuelan border.

Screen Shot 2013-10-08 at 7.47.25 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There are a lot of police and army checkpoints, but none have stopped us. Mostly there is just some rope or a tire on the road to slow you down.

santa marta 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This guy was the first and all he wanted to do was shake our hands and welcome us to Colombia.

santa marta 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This is Dan explaining Yo hablo solo un poco de Espaniol, pero me esposa es major. (I only speak a liite Spanish but my wife is better.) Then they both looked at me and laughed! He asked how we liked Colombia and we said for motos its’ amazing.

santa marta 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Driving along in the middle of nowhere you come upon these roundabouts…so weird. Also in the middle of nowhere a paved divided bike/walking path.

santa marta 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This put a new meaning in motorbike!

santa marta 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

As we got further east and north towards the coast the landscape was more desert like with sand and cactus.

santa marta 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We needed some gas and decided to have “an experience” as Dan says so we bought cheap Venezuelan gas from a guy on the side of the road for 3.24/ gallon. At the station regular gas is 4.73 or more.

santa marta 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

On the way to the coast we had to go thru a few bigger crowded towns in traffic and 37 degree heat with humidity. At one point we had to make an emergency stop at Mc D for 20 min of aircon and a coke.

santa marta 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Finally we made it to drive along the Caribbean sea where there were tons of banana plantations.

santa marta 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We stopped at a small roadside fruit stand for a snack and a cold drink. As usual the bike draw a crowd. Colombians are super friendly and very interested in our adventure. This guy was laughing at my joke in Spanish!

santa marta 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Here we stayed in a funky Hostel with a massive room. We ventured down to the old city and the Bahia. Here there was the obligatory Bolivar Square with his statue.

santa marta 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC07415 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This is where it all started when the European boats sailed into this harbor to the New world!

santa marta 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The architecture is very colonial. This church was the previous site of Bolivars tomb; he was later moved to Venezuela.

santa marta 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

santa marta 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The statues of the indigenous are portrayed with huge hands and feet to symbolize their strong hardworking nature.

santa marta 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**251** 13 Oct 2013

Next was Cartagena (car-the-hay-nah), one of the exotic places we have always wanted to visit. To get there you drive along a narrow isthmus.

Screen Shot 2013-10-09 at 5.04.23 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There are poorer villages out along here, and they were slash burning which is a challenge to see how long you can hold your breath for while driving.

cartegena 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Its not too often you see an anteater crossing sign.

cartegena 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Coming into the city you get a glimpse of the ancient walls of the old city.

cartegena 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Then you need to navigate the narrow crowded streets.

cartegena 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This place is very picturesque, from the clock tower to the statues, to the beautiful facades of the buildings.

cartegena 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The Plaza de Boulivar was a popular meeting place and there is a small free gold museum here ( air con!)

cartegena 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We walked some of the old city and of course stopped for Palettes.

cartegena 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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cartegena 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Walking on the old walls you get a good view to the see the fort and the city.

cartegena 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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The night views are cool too.

cartegena 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We did visit the Castillo de San Felipe to see the panoramic view of the city, explore the fort and all the tunnels.

cartegena 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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We were lucky driving here and while we stayed, because it was partly cloudy which helped with the heat and humidity that can be horrible here.

cartegena 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

cartegena 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**252** 13 Oct 2013

Well now we were up for an adventure. On Salvador’s suggestion we decided to make a side trip on our way west to the UNESCO site at Monpox. This place really is stuck in colonial times, and is WAY off the beaten track.

Screen Shot 2013-10-12 at 7.31.44 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

First there is the 60 km detour from the route to Medallin to the town of Manangue. Then there is the 40 min ferry ride. Last is the 40 km drive to the town itself.

Screen Shot 2013-10-12 at 7.32.06 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Manangue is a crowded place where we figured the ferry had to be near the riverfront so we headed there. The interesting thing I find is that in these places if you are driving around looking for something someone always stops to help you. More often than not a guy on a bike will drive up and ask if you are looking for the Border crossing, the ferry dock, the highway etc and then drive you there.

monpox 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

With help we did find the ferry dock, which was loading shortly for the 40 min river ride.

monpox 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Initially we were told to load the bikes, but then the boss returned and wanted us on last…off we go again.

monpox 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Dan squeezed his “moto Grande in front of a truck and then wedged Lulu between his and the winch.

monpox 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

They loaded this thing like a zig saw puzzle.

monpox 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Now for the river ride.

monpox 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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monpox 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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Next the 40 km to Monpox. The first few km are well paved, and then it deteriorates into paved in parts, and then gravel and finally dirt.

monpox 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The town itself is said to be the best-preserved colonial site in the country. That night there was an incredible thunder and lightening storm that light up the whole town, shut off the power, and set off all the car alarms.

monpox 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

monpox 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**253** 13 Oct 2013

Now we had to reverse our route back 100 km to the highway 25 and then west towards Medallin.

Screen Shot 2013-10-12 at 8.49.35 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The town was a bit flooded. The storm made the way back out the next day a bit more of a challenge on the dirt, but now mud sections.

leaving monpox 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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We arrived for the 10 boat, which of course had left at 930 so we waited for the 12.

leaving monpox 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Dan made a few friends while we hung around.

leaving monpox 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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Loading the boat was easier than the steep muddy ramp appears.

leaving monpox 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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We were very glad it was not too hot out pouring for the 4o min ride back.

leaving monpox 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

leaving monpox 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

leaving monpox 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

All the locals were dressed up in Football colors for the big game against Chile tonight. They had their bikes, their cars, and them selves decorated.

leaving monpox 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Huge gatherings of bikes were getting ready to watch the game at local bars.

leaving monpox 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We didn’t drive as far a we had planned do to the 2 hour delay for the ferry, but we arrived at just after 4 in a nice looking town and stopped at the nicest looking of the hotels. We got a nice clean room with fan and air con for 20$. Walking up the road we stopped at a small “bar” to watch the game. Initially at half time Colombia was down 3 nothing, but came back to tie and advance to the World cup. Let the party begin. It is custom here to leave the empty

bottles on the table. so the waitress can keep track. If you want to but someone a drink you just take one of their empties to your table. The locals here as everywhere in Colombia are extremely friendly. Several people came and took bottles from our table and one gave us several shots of Red Label Johnny Walker. We were all celebrating the Colombian football team together.

leaving monpox 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

leaving monpox 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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leaving monpox 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

leaving monpox 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

**saralou** · #**254** 18 Oct 2013

The next day we drove to the center of town to the bank on the main square. As soon as we parked this great guy started to chat us up. He was so funny. People here are SO friendly!

medillin 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Now to head to Medellin (Meh-de-jene), which was the previous stronghold of Drug lord Pablo Escobar.

medillin 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We then got on the road west and over two mountain ranges to get the 350 km in about 6 hours.

medillin 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Daniel was so tempted to stop and wash the bikes along the road here where the locals had tapped into the waterlines.

medillin 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We headed up into the clouds.

medillin 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

FILE2171 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Unfortunately it started to rain, but not until the last hour.

medillin 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Luckily it stopped briefly just as we entered the city, which made negotiating the traffic a whole lot easier. Arriving in the city you are struck by all the red brick buildings.

medillin 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

As is often the case GPS coordinates on line are inaccurate, so when we got to the location of the hotel it was a pharmacy. Like so many times in this country within seconds the pharmacist pops out and asks what we are looking for and then gives us detailed instructions to where we were staying about 4 blocks away.

We took Trevor’s advice and used the metro. This is the cleanest most efficient system we have ever seen. This is a city known for courtesy, when a woman or older person gets on the train people get up to give up their seats.

medillin 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There is a really nice botanic garden here and a nice way to spend an hour or so for free.

medillin 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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medillin 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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medillin 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Not to be missed is the Botero square and the museum. The square was jumping, as a marching band was getting ready to perform.

medillin 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There were tons of people posing with the statues. The artist has donated over 2000 large and small works to the city.

medillin 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/world_wide_ride/10320201315/" title="medillin 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/10320201315_f3e53f2fa7_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="medillin 52"></a>

medillin 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We walked into the museum and were looking at the maps and this lady walks up and starts rapidly speaking Spanish to me. Then realizing I speak English she dragged her husband over to explain the layout of the current exhibits and the location of the judges selection of best new artists to us. Again random acts of kindness here are common.

medillin 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Pablo Escobar is dead.

medillin 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This installation is made of mud.

medillin 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

These guys wanted my opinion on the glasses they were buying.

medillin 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

medillin 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We headed to the famous Irish pub for a Guinness, some football, and a meal. The women here are very friendly with their plastic surgeons it’s plain to see and quite forward. Dan went out alone to get a slice of pizza and then to the store for a drink. Both the ladies in these shops propositioned him! Always finish the day with ice cream.

medillin 84 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**255** 18 Oct 2013

The rain over night was very heavy, but by about 10 was a drizzle. We stopped by R2R moto to drop off a sticker and have a photo op. Unfortunately this was a statutory holiday and they were closed.

Chinchina 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The day was spent in and over the mountains, and it was mostly raining, which sucked.

Screen%20Shot%202013-10-16%20at%207.36.45%20PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We stopped for a drink at a small restaurant and this Daniel stopped to talk to us and he was so excited about our trip!

Chinchina 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There was a truck that drove off the road and blocked the highway in both directions. When we came upon it there was a line of cars several km long.

Chinchina%205 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We of course drove to the front like the other almost 100 bikes. We had perfect timing! 5 minutes after we arrived the police opened the road to let oncoming traffic go for 5 min and then let us get thru.

Chinchina%206 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

On the other side of the accident the cars were lined up on the 3 spur roads, and they stretched for several km on the road were on.

Chinchina 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Letting about 100 bikes thru at once was a bit chaotic, but this meant that other than bikes there was no cars or trucks to pass for almost 80 km.

Chinchina 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We arrived in the town of Chinchina (Chin-Chi-Na) on the advice of Claudia and Ingo and stayed at a nice family owned Hacienda Guayabal. The service here is 5 star. The setting is stunning.

DSC01964 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC01961 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC01960 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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Jorge advised us on a route thru the area for the day and for getting to Cali and avoiding Pereira the back way. He also suggested the Hot springs at Santa Clara. We set out under cloudy skies for the back roads thru the coffee region.

Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 7.41.47 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Stopping for gas we checked out the local fashion for riding boots. This is my view as a pillion.

Chinchina 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The road thru Marsella was paved at one time and it is still in patches and it twists and turns thru the stunning scenery.

Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 7.42.05 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This is really a picture post card town. These old gents agreed to a picture.

Chinchina 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We then headed to the hot springs at Santa Clara. The road half way from the town is paved and it has white arrows painted on it that say terminales this way.

Chinchina 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The waterfall here is so perfect it looks man made.

Chinchina 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

You can cool off in the falls and then soak in the hot pools.

Chinchina 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Chinchina 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Back at the ranch we were welcomed home like old friends.

Chinchina 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr