|
|
24 Jun 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: London, UK
Posts: 211
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by crashmaster
Your departure date is not ideal IMO.
|
Yeah... this has been a worry... I may be able to leave as early as October but I still would end up wondering what to do in December as I don't really want to head south to Chile/Argentina - I'm more interested in the north, at least to start with.
I guess I'm probably going to be better off flying into Bogotá at New Year and then exploring there and Venezuela. Ecuador in March (is that just stupidly wet? - some things I have read said it would be OK) and then Perú and Bolivia as their wet seasons end.
thanks again.
|
24 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
|
|
The one bike which is everywhere in South America is the XR250 / XR250 Tornado and parts are everywhere, no wait time at all. The Falcon is no longer in production I've been told, it's been replaced by a 300cc bike.
Regardless you should have no problems getting parts for your 650GS though you may have to wait a week or three at times, lots of people do this trip on that model of bike.
|
24 Jun 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 135
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by goo
Yeah... this has been a worry... I may be able to leave as early as October but I still would end up wondering what to do in December as I don't really want to head south to Chile/Argentina - I'm more interested in the north, at least to start with.
I guess I'm probably going to be better off flying into Bogotá at New Year and then exploring there and Venezuela. Ecuador in March (is that just stupidly wet? - some things I have read said it would be OK) and then Perú and Bolivia as their wet seasons end.
thanks again.
|
Things could still be wet/muddy in Peru and Bolivia in March. I heard a report from Drad that the Salar just stated to dry out a few weeks ago and was still wet when he was there. If the salar is even a little wet I would get the bike sprayed with diesel at the auto wash in Uyuni, then after the Salar instead of heading south to the Lagunas route, go back to Uyuni and get it cleaned off before embarking on the Lagunas route. If its totally dry, then you just head south on the Salar to link into the Lagunas without backtracking to get the bike cleaned off.
If you do go a little further south, do the Lagunas route (totally epic) to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, then you can cross the spectacular Paso Sico into Argentina, then head back up to Bolivia via the Villazon crossing which would make a nice little loop. That way you hit both sides of the Bolivian altiplano, see the atacama desert and do the very scenic altiplano pass (Sico) between Chile and Argentina. Just one possibility.
if you do that, remember this. Upon leaving San Pedro de Atacama, Chile for Argentina, make sure you check yourself and your bike out of Chile at the same aduana and customs you entered at in San Pedro because there are no Chile controls over Paso Jama or Paso Sico.
IMO the riding in the altiplano of Bolivia is the most epic stuff in the Americas so you might want to give Bolivia a good amount of time.
The bottom line is that time of year can be wet and muddy, December through March and possibly into April/May.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|