Hello,

I'm a 24 year old Englishman who is riding his 49cc Yamaha Vino from the Arctic circle to Tierra del Fuego. Mad you may think but ultimately possible. I've recently hit 10 thousand miles and am currently in San Pedro de la Laguna on lago de Atitlan in Guatamala. I do have issues though and l suppose things have been far from plain sailing. My current issues are no power at altitude, questions about shipping from Panama to Venuezuela, the question of a road from Venuezuala to Manaus in Brazil, it's usability and also it's availability of gasoline. Does anyone know how to make my scooter faster at altitude or even move. Yesterday l had to walk uphill with the engine revving to just move. Virtually all power is wiped out. I still go on the flat but only about 20 k's max. As for getting to Venuezuala from Panama. Do l have to go via Cartegena and then along the coast and is this safe if this is the only option. Finally if there is a road from Caracas to Manaus, is it paved and is it passable in early April. All replies would be much appreciated. I know l'm not your usual biker guy, me being a scooter boy but l share the passion for the road. My happiest times are on the road living the dream and avoiding those bloody backpackers and tourists.

Yours Rup Wilson-young.