Hi Folks,

This question gets asked and answered periodically, but a search didn't reveal anything recent. I came through Guatemala recently, and the regulation about reflective numbers on rider clothing seemed to be honored only near and within Guatemala City....so I ignored it. Here in Bogota, everyone looks far more serious about following the rules: riders and passengers have numbered vests and helmets absolutely without exception, and people wearing backpacks seem to go to great length to drape their vests over the backpacks so that the numbers can be read. I take this as an indication that the rules are widely enforced, at least here in the capital.

On the other hand, I heard from a northbound rider I met a couple of weeks ago that he was never bothered in Colombia, and that he thought the absence of a numbered vest actually helped him out with police by identifying him as a foreigner, therefore not to be trifled with.

Anyone who's ridden through Colombia recently have any input? I just picked up my bike today, so if I'm going to do anything I ought to move on it tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I'll just trust my dumb luck, as always.

For anyone interested: Copa has resumed flying bikes from Panama to Colombia. Their schedule is scant, but the price is about US$600 plus another $50 on arrival in Bogota. That's a lot cheaper than Girag, although not as cheap as a boat. It took about two hours arranging on each end. No need to drain fluids, disconnect anything (even mirrors), search baggage or anything else. The high point for me was watching the guys on this end try to work up their nerve to drive the loaded bike (266 kilos) down a flight of metal warehouse stairs. For better or worse, they finally came to their collective senses and paddled it around to the obvious ramp.

Copa claimed they're not allowed to sell one-way tickets from Panama to Bogota, so I flew myself on Avianca---$370 ticket purchased right before the flight. Since Copa is cheaper, this might be worth arguing a bit. They attributed the policy to Colombia's unwillingness to admit people without proof of onward travel; Avianca never mentioned it, and neither did the immigration or aduana offices in Bogota.

Onwards!

Mark