 |

18 Sep 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Panama
Posts: 188
|
|
Wear your vest in Colombia
Motorcyclists are required to wear a bright orange or yellow vest with reflective numbers of their license plate, and to have the plate number on the back of their helmet. DO IT!
While coming from the airport in Bogota after flying the bike from Panama we were actually on the way to get vests made. They are cheap, and available from about $8. Without the vests, we were suddenly surrounded by eight police with drawn weapons, and patted down. A bit disconcerting, to say the least!
Evidently there is a history of assassins and robbers on motorcycles, which is why the identification is required. If they see people on bikes without the vest or numbers on the helmet they assume the worst. After an explanation that we were just coming from clearing the bikes from customs they were friendly enough and let us go (showing my old police identification didn´t hurt either), but it´s not something you want to take a chance on.
As the ad said ´´Don´t leave home without it¨¨ !
__________________
Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama
|

19 Sep 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
|
|
Indeed
I just got mine!!!
When are you coming to Medellin,I,ll tell you it,s worth the visit.Just got my apartment today,feel free to drop by.
Al theturtleshead
|

20 Sep 2008
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 209
|
|
Colombian police must be cracking down.
We rode all through Colombia last year without vests or helmet numbers...
|

24 Sep 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
|
|
Tourist
As a tourist you don,t have to,but as I,m going to have the bike here for six months,it just stops drawing as much attention to myself,as here in Medellin the cops are quite sharp!
Al theturtleshead
|

27 Sep 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Medellin, Colombia
Posts: 212
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by albert crutcher
As a tourist you don,t have to,but as I,m going to have the bike here for six months,it just stops drawing as much attention to myself,as here in Medellin the cops are quite sharp!
Al theturtleshead
|
The police have definitely tightened their patrolling, since a car bomb went of here in Cali and destroyed the Justice Building some weeks ago. I too have just bought west and number for my helmet (but mostly because I just nationalized my bike and now have Colombian license plates) but like Albert, I recommend all tourists buy this west and numbers for their helmet when driving in Colombia to avoid problems, even though its not mandatory. I paid 6 dollars!
__________________
Keep On Ridin' In The Free World
- Mike
|

28 Sep 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Posts: 51
|
|
Low profile
Your advice about wearing the vest make sense. Maintaining a LOW PROFILE in Colombia helps to drag less attention from everybody: authorities, thieves and other no-recommendable guys, a situation much better for a quiet an peaceable trip. Don't use shinny-diamond jewellry, Rolex and high-cost items, they will drag attention from somebody trying to make the day. Low profile again, is the best behaviour to avoid problems. If your bike is dirty, let it as it is, less shiny items. I'm Colombian and know about that. We have a saying: No dar papaya, means, DON'T GIVE THE CHANCE.
Santiago
|

25 Nov 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
|
|
Two up in Colombia
Hi Mike, you mentioned that it is illegal to ride two up (men) in Colombia.
Does this apply for tourists too?
My wife and I are two up on a GS and plan to ride through Colombia by March next year.
Johan
|

25 Nov 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Medellin, Colombia
Posts: 212
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jc
Hi Mike, you mentioned that it is illegal to ride two up (men) in Colombia.
Does this apply for tourists too?
My wife and I are two up on a GS and plan to ride through Colombia by March next year.
Johan
|
Hey Johan
Yes, its illegal to ride two men on a bike in Colombia due to the amount of drive by shootings and car hold-ups by bike in the past. But unless your wife is a man you don't have any problems. Two girls are OK too!
See you in Colombia the nicest country in South and Central America ;-)
__________________
Keep On Ridin' In The Free World
- Mike
|
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)

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
|
|
|