Michigan to Panama and back 2009
 

Looking for one or two people to ride to Panama and back in 2009. Plan on taking at least a month if not more. I want to explore a little in each country we pass trough this will not be an iron butt marathon. I will be retired and my wife does not want to go. I'd like to make contact and possibly take a ride in the US prior to 2009 as a compatibility check. I love people, speak a little Spanish and have a knack for finding places where few go that are memories of a life time. I will be staying in hotels but I am fine with economy. I'd like to talk to anyone who has made a similar trip as well for advice. Thanks

PanamaJerry

That can be fun.. I plan to do this kind of trip in 2008(maybe down to Usuhaia).. but if somethig dont work maybe. we ca ride together

we jus need to keep us in contact

What timeframe are you looking at? I am planning a Michigan (I live NW of Detroit) to Tierra del Fiego in Fall of 2009. Perhaps we could ride to Panama together.
My wife and I plan to ride two bikes and take our time, enjoying the trip along the way. Economy is good but not a dealbreaker.

Mike

Mike

I have no specific time frame. I am retiring in May so the fall is possible. I plan on looking the country side over as well. So my pace will be relaxed. My wife is from the Howell area are you near there?

Panama Jerry

I actually live in Pontiac, which is approx. 10 miles east of Howell. Where do you live now?
Mike

I'm in Manistee North of Ludington. We can e-mail off line if you want. Check my Profile as I accept e-mail messages direct. Which KTM do you ride, 950? They (KTM) are great bikes. I for some reason really like all the new Supermotos. The new Ducati is cool and from the pictures I have seen the Aprilia will be pretty neat as well. All you need is money. As of now I rdie a 2002 Suzuki V-Strom. Ideally every man should have 3 or four motorcycles. Just ask my wife.

Two years into the future, huh?

One month isn't very long.

MI to MX with no farting around eats 3 days x2 returning = 1 week.

Mexico south to Guatemala with no farting around = 3 days x2 returning = 1 week.

GT to Panama with no farting around = 3 days x2 returning = 1 week.

This doesn't include any problems, just riding forward every single day - no breaks.

Buy some maps, do some more research and make new plans.

Well, Mister Lone Rider you certainly do not mince any words here. But! you have a very valid point. I do plan on stopping and seeing the sites along the way and I know most of the side roads are pretty poor and take a lot of time to travel down. So my new prediction is around three months. In all actuality I plan on being gone as long as it takes. This is my reward to myself for retiring after 37 years working for the same company. You can bet I won't hold back on having a good time and enjoying the people and sites.

I have been talking about this trip for over a year and I have not been able to find any one who said that it even sounded like fun let alone take an interest in going. So I am just testing the water (two years in advance) to see what kind of response I get.

Now as for you, might I suggest a touch of tack in your replies. Everyone looks at things differently and no one person knows everything about everything. We are all just trying to learn and enjoy life.

Thanks for the information.

Max Dongo's Disposable Tours
 

I am a spanish speaking tour guide and have considerable experience traveling in Central and South America, and access to motorcycles which could be ridden down and left in Panama, which is a way to see and enjoy a lot more of Central America than down and back in the time frame you have.

My fee for the trip, including my services as guide and translator, and the vehicle I provide that you leave in Panama at the end of the trip, will be about $2500-3000 per bike, depending on the bike or scooter you chose, with no additional charge for the passenger. You pay all other expenses. :D We go where you want to go, at your pace, and stay in hotels or private residences, which I arrange.

I will have a website up in a couple of months, and the first tour will be during the winter of 2008-2009.

My intent was never to be harsh, but I've been told that I sound that way.

Happy planning...

I don't normally plan that far ahead, and the chances of being compatible on the road is slim, it could workout. I too, ride an 05 V-Strom 650, sold my 04 in South America last year. Spent 38 years at the same place, 30 with GE and 8 with Ericsson. They went into a joint venture, then made me an offer I couldn't refuse! Like to stay in touch, and see how it plays out.

Harold

Listen to Lone Rider.........
 

He is the voice of experience as am I. I have done this trip 3 times roundtrip...it's no biggie....all paved roads if that's what you choose. One month for the roundtrip would be horrible....better use at least 2 months....1 month each way.....and it ill be a very enjoyable trip. I would reccomend carretera #2 for El Salvador, though, the twisties and the ocean views are beyond compare. He is not harsh, just very knowledgable. May I suggest reading the whole HU website and its stories LOL. IMHO the Honduran border is the most expensive and toughest, in that everyone has their hand out and the offices change every month to keep us confused. One bit of advice, always ask for the top copy, the original for your paperwork, the border at the other end will give you a hard time if you have the 2nd or 3rd carbon copy. Who knew?? Good luck and brush up on your Spanish.

Gracias Lizanne,

Ok I'll buy some maps and re-plan :-) I appreciate everyones input.

Omnimap.com - world leader in map supply

Guia Roji for Mexico and ITM for all the others except Costa Rica which has a better Nat'l Geographic map.

Maps are porn for travel dreams...

Was suppost to leave British Columbia, Canada this October for Ushuaia with three friends but personal commitments will leave me behind. Planning on doing the trip in February 2008 - weather up North permitting. Thought of doing the trip solo but company would be better. I'll keep an eye on this thread for any travel plans by others.

Stromba