North America or South America?
 

Hi folks,
I should have my Harley Soft Tail (Fat Boy) in about 6 months time. Before summer 2002 --insallah-- and am currently brainstorming a good long ride.

I live in Los Angeles.
The problem for me is: should I ride straight up the west coast to Alaska, then across Canada to the east, down the US east coast and back along the southern states to LA again; or from LA straight down South America (as far as I can go)?

I'm allowing about 6 months time to ride.
As a matter of interest, I have been to 5 South American countries. I wonder if going back on a Harley would be even more fun, or should I go see what I have not yet seen?

I realize these aren't critical issues, but some words of experince from those of you who have been would make my decision(s) that much easier. Advise is also very welcome.

Thanks for reading this!!!

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I think with either trip you'll have a good time - but personally I recommend you do the North America trip to see places you haven't seen before.

Here's some more pros/cons for the 2 trips you mention:

North America Pros:
less hassles while travelling (visas, border crossings, military road blocks, transportation from Panama, etc.)
cheaper (?)
more amenities (nice hotels, restaurants, etc.)
better roads (may be a consideration on the Harley)

South America Pros:
more interesting cultural experience (IMO)
more of an adventure - more suprises and more difficult (I consider this a positive - not everyone does!)
more rewarding sense of accomplishment

I'm sure there are more pros for each - anyone?

I've done parts of both trips you mention and I opted for South America when I had to do it again. To me, the SA pros I mentioned above decided it.

Have fun wherever you wander.

Story

You will ALWAYS be able to ride North America, even when you're 80 - and can't get health insurance outside the country for any price.

Do South America while you're reasonably young and healthy and can enjoy it. And before it becomes exactly the same as NA...

You can do NA in one/two month trips every year, South America is more expensive for shorter trips, so the place to do a long one is farther away - SA.

Enjoy!

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com