I'm looking for someone to travel with in Central/South Amer
 

I did post an ad a while back and have had some great replies, tips and advice and I know quiet a few people are going to be on the trail through Canada, US, Central and South America, however I'm quiet keen to team up with someone for the trip.

I did a similar trip from The UK to Australia a few years ago, via the Middle East, Tibet, China and the rest of Asia, but the chap I did it with last time is now married and not in a position to come along this time.

I'm pretty flexible on the dates and the start and finish locations and have the cash in place once the sale of my flat goes through.

I've seen the add for the filmed trip, but this is not really my cup of tea, as I'd rather be low key and not have any schedules to keep to. I'm pretty laid-back and easy going and in my thirties. In the past have made up a lot of the route on the fly, free camping along the way and stopping a little longer if a particular place is very friendly and welcoming.

I'd even look at Africa if someone's half way through planning and I've got time to get my visas and bike set-up.

Like I say, I've done a big trip before so know what's involved, so if you're planning your 1st trip and have never ridden a bike before or are on you 10th and want some company, drop me a line.

Cheers,

Iain.

Iain
It looks like quite a few of us are planning a trip for next fall. I'm still doing a lot of reading and at this time plans are still rough but I'm hoping for a 60-70 day trip starting mid-October. Roughly two weeks to panama and another 5 weeks to Terra Del Fuego, then up to BA and a flight home. By the way, how's your spanish?
Bob

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000836.html

Forsellini, when do you plan on passing through Santiago? I'm still looking to hook up with someone/some people in Santiago heading south tehn to BA in October/November.

Iain, Africa? What's happening to the Trans Am route?

Michelle
A very rough guess at this point would be around Nov. 20-25. Are you going to continue to TDF before going to BA?
Bob

I'm learning Spanish, so it's not very good at the moment, but I have a good course on my mp3 player which I listen to on the way to and from work each day.

If my plan all comes together one way or another I'll email you once I'm on the road, to see if you're near by for a beer or a Guiness.

Howdy All,
I'm planning to fly into Argentina or Chile late this year and then ride down to TDF as well. I'm riding a Honda XR650, will look out for you all closer to the time.

Iain, where did you find your Spanish MP3 course? That would be just the thing for the Aussie outback roads that I'm travelling before SA.

If you send me your address off line I'll burn you a copy and put it in the post.

Iain,

I think you'll find that plenty of people are doing the Latin America thing this fall. I put up a post similar to yours awhile back, and talked to one person who is very serious, and several who are in the thinking about it stage (hmmm, I need to write back to some of you, sorry about the wait). If you don't hook up with someone pre trip, just put your feet up in someplace sexy like Oaxaca or Antigua and see who happens along. We should set up a thread in a few months to keep track of who is where.

If any of you Brits (or others) need a place to get sorted after or during buying a bike over here, I have a place to stay and workshop space, tools, etc. Realistically, I am several hundred miles from the interesting entry points to Mexico, but wanted to put the offer out there. I will be working till late May or early June, then here (south Texas, near San Antonio) off and on till August, then on the road south.

AndyT,

Great idea on the thread front, that would be an nice way to see who's on the trail and close by.

Iain.

been visiting this excelent web site for a while now but this is the first time ive posted anything, so let me start by saying a big hello to everybody!
I have done a bit of back packing using local transport but love the idea of having the freedom of a motorbike. I am very much in the planing stage at the moment but have decided that I want to travel canada; north, mid and south america.

I dont currently have a bike in the uk so I have not yet decided wether to buy one in the us/canada or in the uk and ship it over (suggestions please?), Im particulaly interested in knowing what Iain decided as I noticed you were resurching this in other forums.

can anyone tell me, in order to be eligable for the 90 day exemption visa for north america it states you need to show on onward ticket however if Im riding out the country on a motorbike will they still grant me this visa exemption or do I have to waste money on a ticket Ill never use?

I know motorbike insurence is needed in the us and canada but is it neeeded in central or south america and if so is it something I buy along the way or before I get there?

I plan to spend about a year (or until the money runs out) on this trip and will leave as soon as posible. Just need to sort the bike and paperwork and Im off, I would like to meet up and travel with other people so if anyones interested, Ill post my progress.

Any replies on the questions Ive posted will be much appreciated.

David.

DavidR,

A very warm welcome to you.

I'm not 100% on the bike I'll use, but I am most likely going to buy a KLR650 in Canada or the US. Taking panniers and all other kit from the UK.

I'd recommend you by the "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" by Chris Scott and reading it cover to cover, as it will answer a lot of the questions you might have, then post any other queries on the web site.

I'm in London if you want to give us a bell (email me offline for my mobile), I'd be happy to help in any way I can, plus there are regular meetings people set up, just going for a beer or bigger Horizon Unlimited meets in the UK and beyond. I haven't been along to any meets yet, but plan to later this year.

The main thing is to realise that it is all very possible and there aren't many other times in life that you'll feel so free and alive. Sounds a bit flared, but it very true.

Cheers,

Iain.

davidr
you could buy a cheap greyhound bus ticket to mexico, say laredo tx to laredo mexico or los angeles to tijuana. buying a bike here is super easy try www.craigslist.org

Thanks for the replys, after what you both said I will now be looking into buying when I get there rather than shipping from the uk.

can anyone shed light on how a u.k. resident goes about buying in the u.s.? is any state easier than another?

Iain, Ill be sure to check out that book. you mentioned possibly buying in canada, from what Ive read you need to have a canadian address, Ive even read you need to be a canadian resident to register a motorbike. Is this duff info, do you know different?

Haggeo, thanks for the link! I wasnt quite clear what you ment though, were you suggesting that I buy a bike in mexico or the u.s.

David.

davidr
buy a bike in the usa or canada. craigslist.org has sites in most major usa cities so you can look for a used bike where ever you are. you don't have to be a usa citizen to register/insure a vehicle. states may differ a bit in the process but the main things are tax, title, registration, and insurance. the first three are had at the state DMV (dept of motor vehicles) on one visit. some states make you show proof of insurance right away and some give you a period of time. anyway, it's not hard after you buy the bike it's just a few hours or minutes at the dmv depending on the crowds or lack thereof.

about the mexico thing. i was refering to the onward ticket requirement. might be cheaper to get an onward ticket from the greyhound bus than a plane ticket.

haggeo,
Thanks for the exellent info, never considered on onward bus ticket, but its a supurb idea!
cheers
david.

i did a quick search on www.geyhound.com and the fare from san diego to tijuana one way is $12. you'll find similar fares from all of the border states into mexico. whatever you do DO NOT ride a greyhound bus for a long distance! it's a nightmare on wheels. 3-4 hrs max.

i did a quick search on www.geyhound.com and the fare from san diego to tijuana one way is $12. you'll find similar fares from all of the border states into mexico. whatever you do DO NOT ride a greyhound bus for a long distance! it's a nightmare on wheels. 3-4 hrs max.</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

that's www.greyhound.com .....

Iain- I'm still up for this trip if i ever get the bloody flat sold!

Cheers

Mike

Just thought I'd say hi and throw my (flat) cap into the ring along with davidR.

Like him, I'm also gonna be going over to the States in a bit - i'm thinking early April - and I'll be buying a mid-range trail bike (a dr350 maybe?)

And AndyT - thanks for the offer of a place to pile come over to. Mighty kind!

I haven't spent time in the US, bought a bike that wasn't a lemon or taken one acrosss a border yet - but Central America's a-beckoning, and gestures like yours are most welcome!

Hey davidR - you in North Wales? Fancy meeting up to compare notes sometime?

Cheers y'all!

pevrilito@hotmail.com

Gentlemn I anda friend will be heading to Nicaragua leaving San Dieago on 15 March,we have no agenda no limits.I a on a KLR650 my buddy is on Suzuki 350.You are invited to joinus at any time we will iniyially enter tru TJ.
VinnyT

[This message has been edited by vinnyt (edited 19 February 2006).]

hi Pevrilito, its good to hear from a fellow country-man. I am located in the south (near cardiff) but if Im up north for any reason Ill let you know!
As it stands at the monent Im currently surching out all the equiptment Ill need so that Ill just need the bike when I get to the states.
Ive found that the adventure motorcycling handbook is excellent for preparation (thanks iain!).
when Im close to knowing a departure date, I post it up on the forum!

David.

We are now three guys heading for Nicaragua,on the 14th or 15th of March.We will initially head for the Baja and then cross to the mainaland from La Paz from there the next mandatory stop for us is San Christobal de Los Casas as I have a very good friend there other than that no agenda,looking for like minded folks that what to tag on drop of,give advice hook up for a day a week.Its all good .

Cheers Vinny

davidR. I would advise buying over here. The other things you will have to consider is getting a Carnet or Merchandise Passport (http://www.merchandisepassport.org/) for the motorcycle and stuff you'll be carrying. I'm sure you'll be able to do this in the UK for the stuff you'll be bringing and then do the same here in the USA when you buy your motorcycle. I'm basically planning to do exactly what you are talking about. Sell up everything and then go. I expect this is going to take me until June '06 before I get everything in order. Feel free to email me.

BTW, I'm from Wales originally (Aberystwyth) and have lived here in CA for the last 8 years. Itchy feet time!!

[This message has been edited by CRZNDOG (edited 30 March 2006).]

Hiya, Sounds like you all are ready to head south. Fantastic! I just thought I would write and let you know you don't need carnets to travel in the Americas with the possible exception if you ship your bike to Equador... I think it is Equador. Last summer I rode down from AK to Venezuela with no carnet,.... but you need your original title to get past Mexico. Guess who forgot to pack that?

If you head through Venezuela you're welcome to drop me a line. It's always fun to trade stories. I plan on heading south from here June of 07 and am looking for company. You all will probably be finished with your trip by then, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Cheers and happy packing.
Susan

Susan, talking of Titles and such, who did you insure yor bike through. Most policies have a "void if you go to Mexico" part in them. Did you find a company that would insure you through all of South America ?

BTW, thanks for the carnet advice. I'll rearrange my paperwork schedule and sort this out when I finish the Americas and ship to Europe.

NO carnets for the Americas, period.

Hi Grant and Crzndog,
I think I remember a buddy of mine shipping from Panama to Quito in late fall 05 needing a carnet or hearing that they were checking for them when entering country. I will look on his website when I get home and let you know if they even checked.

About the insurance well.... I didn't really have any. I let my stateside insurance run out and bought it at the boarders when I had to...I know Mexico and maybe Honduras??? shoot I don't remember. One of the Central American Countries anyway needed it. They are all such clusters, they all blend together. I just rode defensively, brought a good lock, stayed at hotels with good parking and hoped for the best.

You're bike is probably worth more than mine so you might look at all the insurance information that is on this site.. on the left menu bar there is a M/C insurance.

I figured that it would be impossible to collect insurance money anyway so why bother.

hope that helps
Susan

Hi Iain: I am planning a trip from south (Chile) to north (USA) in May hoping to get in time to HU meeting. Since this is the reverse course taken by most travellers in the northern hemisphere I will learn from your experiences and try to keep in touch along the road. Going from autumm to spring is better and hope weather will be fine. See you in the road.
Roberto (Yamaha XTZ850)

First post for me, but this is right up my alley.

I am most likely traveling from Texas to Guatemala/Honduras at the start of June.
On a Suzuki 650 V-Strom.
I'll be taking my time, but have no agenda really and would be looking to meet up for some of driving in-between stops. I've backpacked alot and cycled in the US, but not both together in Central America.

Quick Question. About the title, I just recently purchased my bike so I'm financing it. This may be a stupid question, but I'll ask it anyway, the title with the lien on the bike would be sufficient, yes?

My spanish is passable right now, and I'm hoping to study for a couple of months in Antiqua or Xela when I get there.

This site is truly inspirational and has got me craving the open road again! (that and the new bike purchase)

Cheers!
Rus-El

august journey
 

Hello,

I am travelling from Laredo texas this coming August 1st all the way to ushuaia via venezuela and down to brazil.
I will do all central america, and ship bike from panama to bogota, then continue through Venezuela ( my native country) and go down to brazil via manaus, and to the brazilian coast south.
I am now in florida US, preparing my trip and my bike...
I speak english, spanish and portuguese. I dont go very well with schedules, for i know that the road leads you to a lot unknown experiences.
I hope to meet with many of you travellers on the road. and if anyone is travelling similar dates lets stay in contact.

luck

dennys

Denny

I plan to cross into Mexico around August 1 for TdF, you might want to contact Andy T (see his thread) who is leaving from Texas around the same time.

USA to SA
 

Hello,

Me and a friend, 2 motorcycles, we are arriving in New York at 30th of April. We plan to stay 10-15 days in NY and then travel to west coast and all the way down to South America. We hope to meet some of you guys on the road.
BklynDakar, if you are still in NY first week of May lets get together for a beer.

Antonis

Dennys,

As BklynDakr mentioned, I am heading the same direction at the same time as you. BklynDakr and I have a loose plan to meet up around the 1st of August. If you live in Laredo, you are close enough to get together sometime soon, if you would like to. I am about 30 miles east of San Antonio in Seguin.I have rented my house and am living in my shop like Burt Monro in The World's Fastest Indian till I leave my job in late May, so I have limited internet access, so have patience if I don't write back quickly.

Andy

Ouray Trip!
 

Hey AndyT,

I currently live in Durango, CO. Nice pictures of my backyard on your website. The bikes by the snowpack - is that Ophir Pass.

I worked for the Durango and Silvertion Narrow Gauge Railroad a few summers ago as a fireman shoveling coal. Great times.

It's good to see so many people heading south. I should be well settled into Guatemala by August, so I'll be sure and keep everybody posted.

Journey
 

Hi Andy,

good to hear from you,
i am currently in florida. I will be here until mid july, when i will head to laredo.
Defenitely keep in touch when you have a chance in order to meet up down the road.
best of lucks to all travellers.

dennys.

hosting
 

After a few years of traveling, I'm renting a small place near Nosara, Costa Rica and though it's a fabulous area, I miss travelers! You can see pictures at www.OnaMissionFromDog.com. If you're looking for a quiet place to crash for a few days, and love dogs, send me an email. None of my neighbors speak English, but I'm close to an expat community and you can find many amenities. There's space to work on a bike, but bike parts are a bus ride or at least an hours drive away.

Lorraine
~~~~~
www.CairoCats.com
A unique travel book exploring our bond with cats.

Lorraine's monthly blog,
www.OnaMissionFromDog.com

Rus-El:

Right on the money! That was Ophir pass in June'03. Black Bear has been snowed in every time I have been in the area, so I still haven't done that road, but have done most of the passes in the area on motorcycle or bicycle.

Lorraine:

Thanks for the generous offer, I intend to be in CR in September-Octoberish. Careful what you wish for though.

disclaimer...
 

Hmm, you think I could be deluged with people dropping in? Here's my
disclaimer:

I've been here five weeks and I've been stung by a scorpion while in
bed, sting ray and jellyfish.
There are no screens on the doors and windows. Expect at some point in
the night to have insects crawling on you. I can provide mosquito netting.
Expect to have your sleep interrupted by either monkey's howling,
roosters crowing or coconuts landing on the metal roof.
No air conditioning.
No hot water.
In fact, I've had no water from the well for four weeks. I'm hoping for
rain.
Everyone in the neighborhood is up by 6am at the LATEST. Kids pass by
the house on their way to school at 5:30am. I follow the rhythm of the
neighborhood and am in bed by 9.
I write in the mornings. ie, don't bug me then.
There, that should scare away all but the hardiest!
Lorraine

~~~~~
www.CairoCats.com
A unique travel book exploring our bond with cats.

Lorraine's monthly blog,
www.OnaMissionFromDog.com

South America
 

Going to be going to South America around Dec. or Jan and looking to find someone to go with. Would like to fly a bike into Santaigo and ride south and return to Santiago. That route is not carved in stone yet so depends on what I can find for someone to go with. Anyone interested please respond directly to me at ssa2 at yahoo com

Seems like everyone is trying to learn Spanish
 

Anyone interested in trying to do some short emails in Spanish to try to force ourselves to learn more.

traveler
 

If you have not made it west as far as Minnesota I live right on Interstate 90 and would love to put you up.

Inuvik
 

I see from your blog that you wanted to make it to Inuvik and was wondering if you made that goal. I hit it last year and it was great.

Yes I made it! I strongly encourage people to go to Inuvik and do the Dempster, but be well prepared for the trip. I can't imagine Prudue Bay compares to the beauty of the Richardson Mtns and the interesting things to do in Inuvik. I will update my blog- here on HU and my own with photos very soon.

To SA
 

Hello ssa2
Thanks for the invitation. We are now in Tucson Arizona and we will pass to Mexico in few days. If you are planning to go to SA then keep in touch and we might meet there

Antonis

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that i'm going south from California on July 31st plus minus a couple of days. I'm 26, speak fluent spanish, not rushing, drive bmw F650GSD. my email salcar at hotmail dot com

let me know if you want some company while riding south. i'm departing solo.

Salvador

Hello everyone!

I'm a lurker who's just getting around to finally posting on this great website. First of all let me say thanks to Grant & Susan for making this awesome resource available to us all, and secondly, to all of you for taking the time to share your knowledge, experiences and hospitality.

I have been planning a trip to Ushuaia and back (down the west coast, back up the east) for 3 years now and will be departing September 25th from my home in western Canada. I expect to be on the road a year or more (OK, until the money runs out). I plan on riding the Baja before attending the HU meeting in Creel, Mexico on October 10th.

I originally had a pillion rider, but she unfortunately can't make it, so I am going solo. I am an experienced rider who does almost all his own maintenance. I have an open and relaxed schedule planned and would like to find someone to ride with for safety reasons. I will camp where safe, hostel where available and hotel when necessary. Looking forward to meeting as many of you on the road as possible.

Daren
:scooter:

Departing From Creel
 

I'm leaving from Seattle on September 8 and will also be attending the HU meeting in Creel.

From Creel I'm heading south probably to Guadalajara for a few weeks of language school, then through Mexico City to the Yucatan, then to Belize. I'll ultimately be heading to Tierra Del Fuego via the west coast of SA. I'll probably be going to Cartagena then through Columbia (many folks skip Columbia).

I'm not looking for a long term partner, but maybe we can hook up here and there to ride together a bit.

Good luck with your trip!

Baja in August
 

I will be crossing from San Diego into Baja and then down the west coast of Mexico. Anyone out there with similar plans?

BTW, Guadalajara has very few Spanish schools.

Southward Bound in September
 

Hey BklynDakar, I just glanced at your blog and noticed that you passed very close to my home in Edmonton, AB. Sorry if I missed you, but if you happen to be through this area again you are welcome to my garage, tools and place to crash for a night or two. Where are you now and when do you plan on entering Baja? Maybe we will hook up somewhere on the road south.

JavaJunkie (perfect handle for someone from Seattle). I will be heading right through your town on my way to Creel at the end of September, too bad we can't make the timing work. Unfortunately, I can't leave any sooner. We'll probably bump into each other somewhere.

Safe travels.
Daren

Setting off ???
 

So whens this trip kicking off then ??

This year or next ?? Im VERY interested in the trip but cantgo anywhere for 12-18 months :(

Anyone want to get into early planning for similar trip ?? (if i miss this one) in about 18 months time ??

Bit far off I know but as is life !

Sa 2007/2008
 

Hi Ted!

we're planning to flight to Santiago around April / June 2007 (Depending on work as I'm on 3 months notice :( ). From there we will ride north up to Colombia, then back south via Ecuador/Peru/Bolivia/Brazil and Argy. Planning to get to Ushuaia by Dec 07 /Jan/Feb 2008, then up back to Santiago. Depending where and when you start we may bump into each other. Keep us posted closer to the date. Happy to exchange ideas/planning tips.... We will be on 2 F650GS

Cheers,
Maria

Sounds like a good trip Maria. My dilemea is that I either do my first year of my Spanish A-level, quit my job and travel, or do the second year and save a good deal more and go on a longer trip.. Suppose it just depends on how long I can wait not being on the road compared to how long i need to save !!

I broken down relationship has left me with big debts and set me back a good 18 months on my original plans :(

As is life I guess

Mexico/Central America bound
 

I'm currently up in Tok, Alaska today, trying to get my ailing F650GS down to the ferry in Haines for the ride down to Bellingham. The ferry doesn't leave until the 7th, gets to Bellingham on the 11th, then into the shop for ??

I may have a bad throttle position sensor that is making my bike run poorly, if at all. Otherwise, I've got some other unidentified intermittent electrical problem that has been a major frustration. I was in Anchorage 4 days last week - no solution from the BMW dealer there - not for lack of trying.

Originally, I was planning on being in Seattle August 4 for bike work, then head down the Pacific coast and cross into Mexico (Baja) on or about September 1. I'm not sure my schedule anymore, except I've scheduled Spanish classes in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala for October 1.

I expect to run into a few of you along the way.

Cheers

South America
 

Sorry to hear about your bike. I bet it bums you out big time. I have stayed away from the BMW for that kind of reason. I ride a Honda XR650L nice and simple, and pretty bullit proof. Sounds like you might be getting to Santiago about the same time as I plan on getting there. Are you planning on going all the way to TDF? I plan on flying in about Dec. 27 or so and driving down from there to TDF and back. I could change my schedule if I could get someone to ride with. Have talked with lots but just been having troubles getting on exactly the same schedule.

I don't know whats typical on the F650 to fail but if I were you I'd be onto
every F650 tech forum I could find.

I plan to cross into Baja around July 16 and make my way to southern Mexico for a few weeks of Spanish lessons.

BTW, my F650 has also gotten an electrical sickness- I lost ALL lights and a persistent shorting fuse. Currently with San Fran BMW.

Baja could be HOT.

Actually SF BMW was recommended by several people. Which peninsula are you referring to?

If your having good luck with SF BMW, stay with them.

from florida to argentina oct 15/06
 

hi,i am from argentina,i am going to argentina driving a bmw 650.
this is the first time that i am going to do this cain of adventure.
will be great to get in contact to any body on the roads.
i give you my e mail adress.
alelongobardi@aol.com
see you on the road !!!!!!
yes i speek spanish !!!!!:scooter: