Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Crossing the Gap in Feb 2017 Crossing the Gap in Feb 2017
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Oct 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 11
Crossing the Gap in Feb 2017
Hey All! Friend and I are hoping to be crossing the darien gap around Feb 4th 2017 on 2 Kawasaki Versys 650's. We have been in contact with Stahlratte and they will NOT be servicing that route from December to May. They instead will be doing trips from Mexico to Cuba (lame, i know). I am looking into other forms of transport across the Gap. I am a little disappointed as I have heard good things about Stahlratte. I am also a sailor myself so the prospect of SAILING this route was very appealing. Anyway there must be some of you that know of some other forms of transport from Panama to Colombia.

Can you please share with me your successful crossing story using anything other than Stahlratte (Provide links or contacts)? Sailboat would be cool, but obviously safety is most important!

Thanks in advance!

B
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Oct 2016
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by cenjibarlson View Post
Hey All! Friend and I are hoping to be crossing the darien gap around Feb 4th 2017 on 2 Kawasaki Versys 650's. We have been in contact with Stahlratte and they will NOT be servicing that route from December to May. They instead will be doing trips from Mexico to Cuba (lame, i know). I am looking into other forms of transport across the Gap. I am a little disappointed as I have heard good things about Stahlratte. I am also a sailor myself so the prospect of SAILING this route was very appealing. Anyway there must be some of you that know of some other forms of transport from Panama to Colombia.

Can you please share with me your successful crossing story using anything other than Stahlratte (Provide links or contacts)? Sailboat would be cool, but obviously safety is most important!

Thanks in advance!

B

They stop servicing that route at that time of year due to conditions.

Girag GIRAG - Air Cargo will fly your bike across, not sure of current price. You will have to get a scheduled flight.
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Oct 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 36
Due to what conditions?

Here are a few advrider links that might help.
Don't waste any time on the ferrys mentioned in some of the links.
Both out of business. One stuck on the reef in San Blas right now...

Panama to Colombia Alternative (Cost ~$700) | Adventure Rider

Shipping bikes Panama to Colombia last half of March 2016 | Adventure Rider

Darian gap crossing mid February 2016 | Adventure Rider

Los Angeles, California to Ushuaia, Argentina Ride 2/18/2016 | Adventure Rider

Darien Gap / Panama to Colombia Sea Crossings | Adventure Rider
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Oct 2016
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
[QUOTE=Stahlratte;548527]Due to what conditions?

/QUOTE]

Maybe I am mistaken, but I thought that was a time of year with more "unsettled" sea conditions, so they ply their trade else where.
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Oct 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 36
[QUOTE=BruceP;548598]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stahlratte View Post
Due to what conditions?

/QUOTE]

Maybe I am mistaken, but I thought that was a time of year with more "unsettled" sea conditions, so they ply their trade else where.
You are right. Jan/Feb the sea is a little rougher in the Panama Colombia area. But usually no problem for a ship the size of Stahlratte.
It's more because of the end of hurricane season in the northern caribbean. So sailing there is safe again between Dec and May and the to and fro between Panama and Colombia just gets boring with time...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Oct 2016
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 588
I have heard of small boat(s) taking motorcycles across as unscheduled journeys. The legal part is sketchy as Panama or Colombia has decided small boat aren't appropriate for this type/size cargo.

If finding a container & shipping line or air lifting doesn't appeal to you for cost, hassle or time factor (each of these has its own combination), then keep your ears to the ground. When you get to Panama City, ask every backpacker hostel if they know of a captain/boat that will help you. I have heard two or three times in recent years of a captain that floats bikes. Sorry, I don't have any contact info...
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
India - Myanmar - Thailand crossing Feb 2017 bonnie25 Money Saving Ideas, making travel money 2 3 May 2017 05:16
India - Myanmar - Thailand crossing Feb 2017 bonnie25 Travellers Seeking Travellers 15 19 Feb 2017 10:45
Small group China crossing March/April/May 2017 gperkins Northern and Central Asia 3 17 Dec 2016 07:20
Crossing the Gap in Feb 2017 cenjibarlson Central America and Mexico 3 14 Oct 2016 17:43
Crossing the darien gap new service!!!! lorraine South America 33 31 Aug 2016 19:42

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:25.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top