18Likes
![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Jun 2015
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9
|
|
Bike weight has no bearing on the charge. Dimensions make no difference either. More than likely that cost is sans "dangerous goods handling"..
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Jun 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Adelaide Australia
Posts: 33
|
|
Nice one! Keep us posted.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
15 Jun 2015
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 4
|
|
Ferry Schedule
__________________
Amsterdam to Dakar - Completed November 2014, Alaska - SoCal - Planned for 2016, SoCal - Peru - Planned for 2017, Peru to Argentina - Planned for 2018
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
15 Jun 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 141
|
|
That one is about $1k for bike and rider.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Jun 2015
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9
|
|
YEAH!! Writing from Cartegena..
Quote:
Originally Posted by lilbloody
Well, my dear virtual friends..
I have some news I think you guys will find interesting.
Quite literally within 20 minutes of confirming my plans to fly my bike to Bogota I got word from the owner of Mamallena Hostel here in Panama City (who knows many of the sailboat captains and whose staff coordinates San Blas sailing trips) that the captain of the Wildcard - a 60-footer that used to take bikes fairly regularly - has agreed to take my bike on a voyage to Colombia scheduled for June 18.
I have not been able to figure out why so many boats have stopped carrying bikes.. so many mixed messages.. but hell.. I think this may be good news for all of us... if of course this works out! Fingers crossed I don't get sent back the way I came once I get to Cartagena..
I will of course keep you all posted. xx
Heather
http://facebook.com/thefrighteningandbeautiful
In Search of the Frightening and Beautiful
|
So I made it to Cartegena via the Wildcard, sans glitch. No export/import problems, the food was great, the captain was professional and my bike was not dropped into the sea. I did get a DIJ inspection in Panama City which proved to be a godsend, as we were visited by the police after loading the bikes and I'm pretty sure they would have either forced us to unload or insisted on "fixit" cash if we hadn't had all the paperwork in order (DIJ/Panamanian import permit/Panamanian insurance/passport copy/title). Not sure how it works going from Colombia to Panama..
I highly **highly*** recommend this boat as an option. It's smaller than the Steel Rat but it's steel hulled and very stable - stable enough for 3 bikes (including an R1100) and the sea sickness wasn't a major issue (for most, anyway..).
To book, contact Mamallena Hostel in Panama:
info@mamallena.com
507-393-6611 / 507-6676-6163
They have a hostel in Cartegena as well.
Feel free to shoot me a message if you guys have any questions. Pics are on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrighteningAndBeautiful
Cheers everybody,
Heather
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jun 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Adelaide Australia
Posts: 33
|
|
Excellent news. Can you confirm that the same boat transports bike the other way - to Panama from Cartegena. Thanks .
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jun 2015
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9
|
|
It does. You'll need to figure out the paperwork for the bike. They take care of the immigration part for yourself.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jun 2015
|
![motomon's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar28256_4.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: In Türkiye headed to Geogia
Posts: 188
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by lilbloody
It does. You'll need to figure out the paperwork for the bike. They take care of the immigration part for yourself.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
I am delighted that there is a decent alternative since the Stahlratte (4 trips including Cuba) is not in service now. I definitely did not want to take the Independence as I had one miserable trip with them.
Actually, I had already decided to leave my bike in Quito at a shop I trust and highly recommend. I will fly back to Michigan for a brief family reunion. I will then use Lulu's Stahlratte in the Fall.
I had serious charging issues and replaced major components on my way to Quito from Santiago. The local HUBB folks suggested going to the Suzuki, but I decided to return to Willy at City Motosport. He found the problem of a bad switch between the thermostat and radiator fan right away. The only challenge was getting the needed parts from the dealer, Comandato, who were terrible. I ended up telling them that I have worked for Yamaha, BMW, Harley-Davidson, and Ford in 14+ countries besides the US and have never seen such a poor parts process. After four trips there, I finally got one of two needed parts from them and Willy found the other somewhere else.
By the way all the many official (including the president) motorcycle escort riders bring their work and personal BMW's, Suzuki's, Honda's, etc. to "Chilly Willy," because they know and trust him. This a strong recommendation in my book. So, even if you only need to do some basic maintenance, on your own there, I strongly recommend him. He charges motorcycle travelers VERY reasonable rates and is an all around great fun guy.
This was an unpaid non-political endorsement,
Chris/motomon "Pinche Gringo Loco"
Sent from my SM-N900A using Tapatalk
__________________
motomon at pobox dot com
Have returned to Latin America ... again in 2020.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Jul 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Taos, New Mexico USA
Posts: 75
|
|
Costa Rica to Columbia
It sounds as if the government of Panama is the problem with this issue. Has anyone considered bypassing Panama altogether and shipping a bike from Costa Rica to Columbia or vice versa?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Jul 2015
|
![Grant Johnson's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10401_1.gif) |
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,266
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TaosTraveler
It sounds as if the government of Panama is the problem with this issue. Has anyone considered bypassing Panama altogether and shipping a bike from Costa Rica to Columbia or vice versa?
|
Not a bad idea, BUT I've heard of no one shipping from CR to C Olombia (The Colombians are sensitive about the spelling of their countries name)
Certainly worth checking out on the way down, (volunteers? ![Very Happy](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/biggrin2.gif) ) San Jose has a good airport and there are probably flights to Bogota regularly. MAY not have much cargo capacity or infrastructure for bikes, but you never know - it might be easy!
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Jul 2015
|
![mollydog's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal036.jpg) |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
The Costa Rica option could be worth looking into. Eons ago, THE WAY to get past the Darien was to go via Costa Rica. As a back packer I did this in the early 70's ... and saved a bundle over flying from Panama to Bogota.
I've NO IDEA what the situation is now, but I'm guessing bigger, better planes are being flown? Perhaps they can fly small bikes? Or ... perhaps there is ship traffic from Caribbean side of C.R. to Colombia?
I flew from San Jose, C.R. to the Colombian island of Providencia, out in the Caribbean but near to C.R. Lovely island. NO tourism back then. Stayed one day, then flew out to Bogota.
In the 70's prices (passenger only)
S.J. to Providencia : $30 usd
Providencia to Bogota: $30
It was triple that cost to fly Pan to Col ...
NOW? Who knows, but maybe worth a look as an alternative to the inflated
situation in Panama/Colombia.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Jul 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
|
|
I corresponded with the San Blas Ferry. They are doing 2 round trips a month (about every 2 weeks). Their prices are high - they quoted me $4000 for my Unimog camper. I hope they make a lot of money and stay in business.
Charlie
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
6 Jul 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 238
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
The Costa Rica option could be worth looking into. Eons ago, THE WAY to get past the Darien was to go via Costa Rica. As a back packer I did this in the early 70's ... and saved a bundle over flying from Panama to Bogota.
I've NO IDEA what the situation is now, but I'm guessing bigger, better planes are being flown? Perhaps they can fly small bikes? Or ... perhaps there is ship traffic from Caribbean side of C.R. to Colombia?
I flew from San Jose, C.R. to the Colombian island of Providencia, out in the Caribbean but near to C.R. Lovely island. NO tourism back then. Stayed one day, then flew out to Bogota.
In the 70's prices (passenger only)
S.J. to Providencia : $30 usd
Providencia to Bogota: $30
It was triple that cost to fly Pan to Col ...
NOW? Who knows, but maybe worth a look as an alternative to the inflated
situation in Panama/Colombia.
|
In the late '80s I flew from Guatemala to the Colombian island of San Adres, then to Cali for very cheap. i had driven down to Nicaragua and then to Belize in an ex NYC yellow taxi that I sold in Orange Walk Belize for $300. Took the bus to Guat city and hopped a plane. Not so easy with a bike though.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
6 Jul 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 238
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by m37charlie
I corresponded with the San Blas Ferry. They are doing 2 round trips a month (about every 2 weeks). Their prices are high - they quoted me $4000 for my Unimog camper. I hope they make a lot of money and stay in business.
Charlie
|
Their prices are outrageous, sure Ferry Express was too cheap but this guy is charging 3 times the price for a piece of crap boat.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Jul 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by VicMitch
Their prices are outrageous, sure Ferry Express was too cheap but this guy is charging 3 times the price for a piece of crap boat.
|
Doesn't matter too much what the boat is like as long as it gets there. Outrageous as a superlative is only applicable if there is reasonably-priced competition to compare it with. If it is take it or leave it, some travellers might find it very reasonable.
Previous owners of our camper - 5 1/2 tonnes - paid $3500 for RoRo across the Gap a couple of years ago and a Unimog is likely heavier.
|
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
|
|
|