Hi guys,
Just a little intro: I got hooked into motorcycle travel 3 years ago after college and have done some extensive sport-touring around North America and have always had the desire to travel further. I did Mexico last year and am doing Alaska this summer. Mexico was fantastic and now the fire is stoked for riding further south.

I recently came up with a plan on how I can manage a ride to South America. Biggest issue is finding the time off, since even 2 months is too short for this trip. So I've decided to quit my job here in Chicago next Spring (sell everything) and start a new job in Europe in Fall of 2009. This will give me about 5 months for this trip . I'm from India; been studying/working in the US for the past 9 years and have seen a lot of the US and figured a change of scenery is in order

Now, I know the seasons are reversed because of the Southern Hemisphere and most of the ride reports I've read have people leaving here in the Winter of the North to ride through Summer in the South.

This is my rough idea of the trip and wanted to see how weather plays into it:
Depart Chicago last week of March 2009
Ride down Central America, ship across gap to Colombia
Ride Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile
down to TGF, up to Beunos Aires and end the trip in Rio de Janeiro in the last week of August, where I will ship the bike to Europe to start a new life

Now I know TGF is going to be cold say around end of July, beginning of August, but is it doable. Temps seem to be in the 40sF. I'll have heated gear along. Also, am concerned regarding the high passes in Chile and Argentina during their Winter.

I figure the temps in the tropical region wont change much between seasons but I know I'll have to track the rainy seasons to see if I can avoid them.

Basically, is this trip doable, weather-wise?

Moi, riding down to Batopilas, Mexico last Fall:

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J A Y | Riding a 98 Suzuki DR650
Current ride thru Latin Am and Africa > Jammin thru the Global South

IMO - if you left roughly two months later, I think you'll hit better weather in South America.

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quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Jay,

In the northern part of SA the rainy season is Dec-Mar in the tropical regions, so it should be mostly over by the time you are in SA.

Crossing the Andes during the SA "winter" is no big deal as it is so dry. I crossed the Andes (up to 16,000 ft) three times this past June-Aug. Around the Block 2007 | on an XR250 with no windscreen.



There are a few things to keep in mind:

(1) Don't do long days at high altitude (you will tire in 1/2 the time, and decision making is harder above 12,000 ft). Up high, a good day (even on pavement), is max: 350 km.

(2) Travel the high elevations in the "heat" of the day. If the sun is shining it is even "hot" in the "winter" at high altitudes (you burn easier too!). Don't get caught at sundown (or even late afternoon) up on top... then it gets VERY cold and windy.

(3) Wear layers, and remove and put them on as you feel necessary keeping warm but with some air flow over your body. I prefer breathable riding gear with only under armor (and sometimes a fleece) underneath. If the weather turns (cold, a headwind, or rain/hail) then just have warm gloves and a rainsuit that will go over top of everything (XXL) to cut the wind and keep out moisture.

(4) Stop often to rest at altitude. Eat sparcely, yet often, and stay hydrated.

You will be fine, especially if you take the DR650. Don't load yourself down with camping gear and a bunch of stuff you don't need. Eat where you find towns, and stay in inexpensive places or with people you meet...

I am leading a good-sized group of off-road friends (all expats who grew up in Peru) on a 5,000 km lap within Peru late June to early Aug. Maybe we can meet up...

The lower part of Brazil (southern watershed, Cuiaba and south) has the opposite rainy season (July to Sept). Keep that in mind for your ride to Rio....

PM me or find my address on my website: Around the Block 2007 |

Toby (charapa)

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http://www.aroundtheblockmotoadventures.com/
'We build the bike (in Peru) for your Epic Ride of South America.'

Toby,
Thanx for that great info. If I'm in Peru when you're there, sure, would love to meet up.

Great weather info there. What are the months for the rainy season in Central America? Same as northern SA?

Right now, looks like I should be pulling into Rio after their rainy season. It's looking good.

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J A Y | Riding a 98 Suzuki DR650
Current ride thru Latin Am and Africa > Jammin thru the Global South

hello im very interesting in your ride please send me a private message. im from mexico and im going to ride arround the world in september 2009 maybe i can down with u until argentina o brasil then im goint to africa. take care.

Jay
Leaving for BA in September this year(then down to Ushuaia and northwards) - will probably be in Chile/Peru same time as you. Beer?

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Simon

London-Cape Town 2004-06
Buenos Aires-Vancouver 2008-10:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick