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Girag
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.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/1...86de44e0_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/1...44e7790f_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/1...c8a6404b_c.jpg 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! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/1...1982c26a_c.jpg DSC01524 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/1...1c42f3d0_c.jpg DSC01526 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/1...fb83cf88_c.jpg 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! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/1...9aec2519_c.jpg DSC01540 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/1...6a9e0f77_c.jpg DSC01522 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
boys and girls
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.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/1...72386709_c.jpg bogota walk 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/1...d10604a9_c.jpg bogota walk 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...21c66e1e_c.jpg IMG_2279 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/1...0843fc8b_c.jpg bogota walk 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/1...21755626_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/1...f5920dec_c.jpg bogota walk 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/1...e6c57a40_c.jpg bogota walk 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/1...2a73cc92_c.jpg bogota walk 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/1...79d8994f_c.jpg bogota walk 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/1...7d01c44b_c.jpg bogota walk 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/1...0f618dac_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/1...9d7a48e2_c.jpg DSC07232 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/1...ceba43e1_c.jpg DSC07213 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/1...3e703f82_c.jpg DSC07221 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/1...a4731c13_c.jpg DSC07225 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/1...92ee17e2_c.jpg DSC07226 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/1...af5885f1_c.jpg DSC07229 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/1...747db524_c.jpg DSC07231 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Quote:
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!:mchappy: Pat |
Cathedral de Sel
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.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/1...a5fa1768_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/1...124a8818_c.jpg to villa de leyva 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/1...94207fdc_c.jpg to villa de leyva 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/1...dbd0ef21_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/1...e4920a59_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/1...0c81df36_c.jpg to villa de leyva 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/1...44bf1ea0_c.jpg to villa de leyva 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/1...82e7a5a7_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/1...2f53c4af_c.jpg to villa de leyva 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/1...9c73d86a_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/1...5de07807_c.jpg to villa de leyva 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/1...3e3b2e81_c.jpg to villa de leyva 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The other optical illusions are reflections of the crosses using darkness and light. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/1...d802702c_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/1...f4b3423e_c.jpg to villa de leyva 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The salt carving of the tree has taken 7 months so far. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/1...5f109856_c.jpg to villa de leyva 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/1...44abe2d2_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/1...2e3ae213_c.jpg to villa de leyva 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/1...868bf96c_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...a25bc59e_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/1...70c5fb57_c.jpg to villa de leyva 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Villa de Leyva to Barichara
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.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/1...f02ec95e_z.jpg to villa de leyva 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/1...0b0a1193_c.jpg to villa de leyva 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/1...b0010e8c_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/1...04d00ce4_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/1...70e5caf0_c.jpg Barichara 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/1...8eb02d2e_c.jpg Barichara 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/1...40e62aae_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/1...17483b21_c.jpg Barichara 99 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/1...40a6d3e5_c.jpg Barichara 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/1...1dcc5c2a_c.jpg Barichara 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The graveyard here is really colorful, I have a thing for cool looking cemeteries. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/1...08a9a137_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/1...fb89ed57_c.jpg Barichara 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/1...ff510b9f_c.jpg Barichara 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/1...eac8a6f4_c.jpg Barichara 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/1...68a44e00_c.jpg Barichara 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/1...c8a2b71a_c.jpg Barichara 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/1...2cf30930_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/1...33eb0edf_c.jpg Barichara 113 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/1...3e0c77d9_c.jpg Barichara 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/1...19aa37f6_c.jpg Barichara 97 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/1...01e3023a_c.jpg Barichara 103 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/1...178dcf9b_c.jpg Barichara 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/1...78e48e6b_c.jpg Barichara 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/1...bcb59985_c.jpg Barichara 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Day of rest needed
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.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/1...fb77d530_c.jpg Barichara 95 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/1...e93e5a9c_c.jpg Barichara 96 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/1...d345cede_c.jpg Barichara 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Aguachica
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.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/1...41c4375edf.jpg to agua chica 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/1...97282842_c.jpg to agua chica 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/1...3a372b84_c.jpg to agua chica 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/1...8fca731c_c.jpg to agua chica 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/1...6068c2a5_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/1...eb83ac80_c.jpg to agua chica 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/1...4f88a3a2_c.jpg to agua chica 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/1...d8963f78_c.jpg to agua chica 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/1...7b41570c_c.jpg to agua chica 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/1...6d15694d_c.jpg to agua chica 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/1...02c023d4_c.jpg to agua chica 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/1...026e87c5_c.jpg to agua chica 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/1...1c9c931f_c.jpg to agua chica 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There are always a few unmarked hazards…..or donkeys! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3672/1...26880521_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/1...7bd2f20d_c.jpg to agua chica 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/1...9a138e83_c.jpg to agua chica 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/1...fbb667fc_c.jpg to agua chica 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/1...b004e870_c.jpg to agua chica 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We stopped for a lunch of roasted pork, chorizo sausage, blood and rice sausage, and yucca. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/1...3ce6f34e_c.jpg to agua chica 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/1...d9c50e01_c.jpg to agua chica 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/1...ed851876_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/1...314bd8e9_c.jpg to agua chica 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/1...c34dfa50_c.jpg to agua chica 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/1...f4c7f2ea_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/1...8affa6f6_c.jpg to agua chica 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...854a9750_c.jpg to agua chica 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/1...10466d98_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/1...8f6db61a_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/1...86b2331d_c.jpg IMG_2299 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/1...8db50d60_c.jpg IMG_2300 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Valledupar
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.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/1...8095a127_c.jpg to valledupur 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/1...36b13355_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/1...57dee63e_c.jpg to valledupur 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/1...be758a40_c.jpg to valledupur 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/1...45a2c6a3_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7369/1...4eef0b22_c.jpg to valledupur 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/1...f8e1def1_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5546/1...8a9cb18f_c.jpg to valledupur 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Dan is chilling with his highway pegs. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/1...7c5bfd5f_c.jpg 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! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/1...b273e46e_c.jpg to valledupur 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Santa Marta
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.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/1...1f308662de.jpg Screen Shot 2013-10-08 at 7.47.25 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8413/1...cd594604_c.jpg 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. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/1...c8b443ae_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/1...fc8b5700_c.jpg santa marta 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/1...a9638710_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/1...b2f4f6e2_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/1...682e5e5f_c.jpg santa marta 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/1...fc31783b_c.jpg santa marta 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This put a new meaning in motorbike! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/1...22da457f_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/1...0ebe1db9_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/1...42a5cf81_c.jpg santa marta 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/1...242a190c_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/1...205b3ca9_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/1...0af51102_c.jpg santa marta 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/1...bf8fc2e3_c.jpg 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! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/1...c28b0e5a_c.jpg santa marta 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/1...5ef4120d_c.jpg santa marta 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/1...d309de2b_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/1...a5cf368a_c.jpg santa marta 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/1...8221c1c3_c.jpg 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! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...132f487a_c.jpg santa marta 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/1...637d2992_c.jpg santa marta 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/1...f8583560_c.jpg santa marta 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8279/1...6e15ff11_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...8fe11312_c.jpg santa marta 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/1...c10c079f_c.jpg santa marta 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/1...e20d2e43_c.jpg santa marta 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/1...75d720c2_c.jpg santa marta 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/1...4a9a6fbb_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/1...b543a9a3_c.jpg santa marta 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Cartegena
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.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/1...8ab7edf3_z.jpg Screen Shot 2013-10-09 at 5.04.23 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/1...47ddf2d7_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/1...b6c10eed_c.jpg cartegena 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...d2d7d508_c.jpg cartegena 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Its not too often you see an anteater crossing sign. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/1...03478b2b_c.jpg cartegena 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/1...0b75079b_c.jpg cartegena 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Coming into the city you get a glimpse of the ancient walls of the old city. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/1...9776dbbf_c.jpg cartegena 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then you need to navigate the narrow crowded streets. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/1...2acd1050_c.jpg 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. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/1...ce9cbc9f_c.jpg cartegena 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/1...ca688697_c.jpg cartegena 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/1...c1f9c218_c.jpg cartegena 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/1...b0894839_c.jpg cartegena 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/1...9f2f5027_c.jpg cartegena 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/1...94e2d439_c.jpg cartegena 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/1...7b70005d_c.jpg 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!) http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8534/1...edb4d02b_c.jpg cartegena 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/1...cfdf5f9d_c.jpg cartegena 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8129/1...8ce09b05_c.jpg cartegena 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We walked some of the old city and of course stopped for Palettes. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/1...acb11cd7_c.jpg cartegena 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/1...e77ff42a_c.jpg cartegena 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...d5554f55_c.jpg cartegena 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/1...acddc212_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/1...9b99e442_c.jpg cartegena 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/1...5a1b9524_c.jpg cartegena 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/1...8fd36447_c.jpg cartegena 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/1...884d5c34_c.jpg cartegena 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/1...c365b456_c.jpg cartegena 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/1...d2816fd2_c.jpg cartegena 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/1...5eb0af75_c.jpg cartegena 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/1...a4cf7fc2_c.jpg cartegena 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The night views are cool too. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/1...c06c4a65_c.jpg cartegena 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/1...68690f1d_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/1...45486f56_c.jpg cartegena 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/1...193164dd_c.jpg cartegena 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/1...b19848e0_c.jpg cartegena 73 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/1...2d3599d4_c.jpg cartegena 82 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/1...c9247b4e_c.jpg cartegena 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8279/1...964f0670_c.jpg cartegena 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/1...6d43c270_c.jpg cartegena 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/1...84fbab2f_c.jpg cartegena 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Monpox/Monpos
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.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...630ae06409.jpg Screen Shot 2013-10-12 at 7.31.44 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/1...9ce9acd2_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/1...bc8a07320f.jpg 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. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8547/1...1359a219_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/1...fe6a8497_c.jpg monpox 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/1...6bf9db77_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/1...e7cdbe85_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/1...19ab5c0a_c.jpg monpox 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/1...88d06dfc_c.jpg monpox 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/1...4e701d55_c.jpg monpox 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/1...eea9f498_c.jpg monpox 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They loaded this thing like a zig saw puzzle. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/1...82136d95_c.jpg monpox 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...76cc2517_c.jpg monpox 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/1...1b11b95a_c.jpg monpox 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/1...a2e9cccb_c.jpg monpox 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/1...bdac6ef0_c.jpg monpox 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Now for the river ride. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/1...1eac4c19_c.jpg monpox 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/1...442dd126_c.jpg monpox 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/1...7f1f9e37_c.jpg monpox 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/1...84478f53_c.jpg monpox 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/1...5f249b54_c.jpg monpox 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/1...2d1a3eb2_c.jpg monpox 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/1...f11f21fc_c.jpg monpox 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/1...476c93ec_c.jpg monpox 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/1...9b04d5b4_c.jpg monpox 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/1...24095bd8_c.jpg 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. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8548/1...aeb15def_c.jpg monpox 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/1...5f158b0d_c.jpg monpox 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8418/1...b5794c58_c.jpg monpox 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/1...8b3cf4b6_c.jpg monpox 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/1...55069f8f_c.jpg monpox 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Planeta Rica
Now we had to reverse our route back 100 km to the highway 25 and then west towards Medallin.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/1...69a4a5e6_z.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/1...7b429e6e_c.jpg leaving monpox 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/1...b639fb8f_c.jpg leaving monpox 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...55702280_c.jpg leaving monpox 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/1...8a711bd0_c.jpg leaving monpox 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...0a28da9a_c.jpg leaving monpox 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We arrived for the 10 boat, which of course had left at 930 so we waited for the 12. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/1...f8a5746d_c.jpg leaving monpox 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Dan made a few friends while we hung around. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8419/1...8ceb53cc_c.jpg leaving monpox 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/1...4f6f73f7_c.jpg leaving monpox 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Loading the boat was easier than the steep muddy ramp appears. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/1...b9b85059_c.jpg leaving monpox 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/1...00d052f8_c.jpg leaving monpox 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/1...b2c996a5_c.jpg leaving monpox 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/1...ee9bcaa8_c.jpg leaving monpox 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/1...cd6ae707_c.jpg leaving monpox 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/1...6483dd0a_c.jpg leaving monpox 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were very glad it was not too hot out pouring for the 4o min ride back. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/1...6483764d_c.jpg leaving monpox 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/1...f6cd005d_c.jpg leaving monpox 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/1...570a4f98_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/1...6fc10027_c.jpg leaving monpox 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Huge gatherings of bikes were getting ready to watch the game at local bars. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/1...d3783a23_c.jpg 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 beer 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/1...1fc64b95_c.jpg leaving monpox 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/1...6cf03340_c.jpg leaving monpox 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/1...6a19d079_c.jpg leaving monpox 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/1...5bde7b31_c.jpg leaving monpox 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/1...b1257833_c.jpg leaving monpox 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/1...0e763270_c.jpg leaving monpox 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr CHECK OUT THE VIDEO |
Medellin
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!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/1...e379e922_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/1...a7196b03a6.jpg medillin 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/1...bf4decbf_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/1...76dd5caa_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/1...7f53674a_c.jpg medillin 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We headed up into the clouds. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/1...f5aed013_c.jpg medillin 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/1...3e646ec6_c.jpg FILE2171 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Unfortunately it started to rain, but not until the last hour. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/1...83cfe5de_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/1...f71967b0_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/1...a86b8746_c.jpg medillin 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/1...d45ee9d1_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/1...448c7712_c.jpg medillin 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/1...5d5cabda_c.jpg medillin 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/1...8792baf6_c.jpg medillin 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/1...09430c77_c.jpg medillin 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/1...4153a216_c.jpg medillin 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/1...886bda6d_c.jpg medillin 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/1...43b40400_c.jpg medillin 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/1...5b317d08_c.jpg medillin 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/1...6525439b_c.jpg medillin 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/1...bfa82cd4_c.jpg medillin 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...a6a94ac6_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/1...8df8fdce_c.jpg medillin 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/1...9fd89a99_c.jpg medillin 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/1...778dc7b8_c.jpg medillin 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/1...f5475c56_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/1...5b7e77b8_c.jpg medillin 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/1...b56b175b_c.jpg 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> http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/1...91c54fa6_c.jpg medillin 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/1...267ae0ca_c.jpg medillin 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/1...493b64c7_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/1...15b90de3_c.jpg medillin 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/1...9279928b_c.jpg medillin 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Pablo Escobar is dead. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/1...b1b6eb3b_c.jpg medillin 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This installation is made of mud. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/1...f854f031_c.jpg medillin 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr These guys wanted my opinion on the glasses they were buying. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/1...ab2becab_c.jpg medillin 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/1...4832f915_c.jpg 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. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/1...7d002aa2_c.jpg medillin 84 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Chinchina
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.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/1...2ed88c6a_c.jpg Chinchina 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The day was spent in and over the mountains, and it was mostly raining, which sucked. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/1...7900a7cc_z.jpg 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! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/1...13eac607_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/1...c88962a9_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/1...e0441dd9_c.jpg Chinchina%206 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/1...6c649526_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/1...1bd6961e_c.jpg Chinchina 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/1...6ced2c3a_c.jpg Chinchina 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/1...da8a7e00_c.jpg Chinchina 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/1...ff7cf413_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/1...4b9da586_c.jpg 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. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/1...9a789e85_c.jpg DSC01964 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/1...80f87ebc_c.jpg DSC01961 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/1...047ca8b1_c.jpg DSC01960 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/1...3f0a83be_c.jpg DSC01958 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/1...e3f2f233_c.jpg DSC01957 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/1...3b0142ea_c.jpg DSC01954 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/1...2fd78762_c.jpg DSC01950 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/1...0707e472_c.jpg DSC01949 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/1...1b0c312b_c.jpg DSC01935 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/1...3c346a8d_c.jpg DSC01926 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/1...5e65a689_c.jpg DSC01925 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/1...48514943_c.jpg DSC01924 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/1...c20a39eb_c.jpg DSC01976 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/1...d0fd509d94.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/1...b75e87f3_c.jpg Chinchina 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/1...1bc5d39c_c.jpg 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. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/1...b7de25d150.jpg Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 7.42.05 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/1...0b169014_c.jpg Chinchina 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/1...a08a05a4_c.jpg Chinchina 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/1...dec1b87a_c.jpg Chinchina 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/1...33af14c5_c.jpg Chinchina 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/1...9ae2f16c_c.jpg Chinchina 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This is really a picture post card town. These old gents agreed to a picture. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/1...248c4460_c.jpg Chinchina 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/1...e31908fe_c.jpg 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. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/1...0cb27280_c.jpg Chinchina 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...3ee6b3de_c.jpg Chinchina 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/1...e549fbe8_c.jpg Chinchina 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The waterfall here is so perfect it looks man made. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/1...9398d6ab_c.jpg Chinchina 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/1...3dc35c50_c.jpg Chinchina 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/1...48eb4d0f_c.jpg Chinchina 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr You can cool off in the falls and then soak in the hot pools. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/1...01b6d198_c.jpg Chinchina 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/1...bc51f0d6_c.jpg Chinchina 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/1...f1944872_c.jpg Chinchina 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/1...a0f8575b_c.jpg Chinchina 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/1...4851444e_c.jpg Chinchina 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Back at the ranch we were welcomed home like old friends. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/1...7b373818_c.jpg Chinchina 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/1...4a163986_c.jpg DSC01965 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr That evening three British girls Fiona, Helen, and Lucy who were an absolute riot joined us. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/1...10f5c918_c.jpg Chinchina 74 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...1b89636a_c.jpg Chinchina 76 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/1...2175fe42_c.jpg Chinchina 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
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