North to South America, starting July
 

I am going from Vancouver, Canada to Argentina, leaving around july 10. I wont stop much at all in North America (USA, Mexico, Central America) untill I get to Colombia. I plan to cross all of North America in 2 weeks (!) , unless someone is around? also on their motorbike.

Then taking my time once I get to Colombia, and all the countries from then on. Anyone is that region? The trip is going to be around 4 months in total, large majority in South America.

Its more safe and fun to go in large groups... anyone going that rout? I am in a BMW 1200 just getting organized.. planing on a lot of camping, and hostels. A Colombian couple in their 30's will be joining us in Colombia on their bike, untill Macchu Picchu. An Argentinian is meeting us in Bolivia.

I'll be in the road too
 

Hi there, sounds like you've got a nice plan going on. I am flying out to Alaska on 11th June and will be heading south from there into Central America i hope and beyond.

Not sure if i've got time to make it into SA on this trip, but if i can, i will, so maybe we can meet up at some point on the road. Where are you starting?

My email is neilmcguire76@hotmail.com so shoot me a message and we'll see us fellow GS adventurers can hit some tarmac together.

Neil

Hello,

I am planning on leaving to South America on June 30th. The only problem is I start from Texas. I am in Mexico on the same day. Do you think you will be able to meet on those dates?

If so, feel free to contact me personally at morenofreire12@gmail.com.
Another person would be joining me, so that would make us three.


Let me know!

Cheers,

Jose Moreno

Depends. What do you consider a "large" group?
IMHO, riding with any more than 5 riders is way too many. Have you ever crossed a border with 5 or 6 other riders? Ever seen how long it takes to get served a meal in a small village with 8 riders? How about two hours? And when you get to small town and only ONE ROOM is available?
So groups have disadvantages. But some advantages too.

When going to foreign lands I now limit the group to 3 riders. A cadre of 3, IMO, is the perfect number. A triad is very strong. Enough for security, not too bad at borders or restaurants and most hotel rooms can fit 3 persons.

I led a group of 10 on a 3500 mile ride through Baja, Mexico and Copper Canyon. It went well but getting the paperwork at the border TOOK FOREVER.
When it's 40C out ... all day is Too Long! :thumbdown:
Best thing about large group? Great parties! :Beach:

http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...-K2VPShd-L.jpg
This was my group. All survived!

http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...-KBGC7WW-L.jpg
We were lucky to find lodging here in Copper Canyon. Off season. But in two cases ... we were spread out in 3 different Hostals. :thumbdown:

In Peru
 

When you get to Peru, STAY OFF THE PANAMERICANA!! It's boring, dry desert, km after km! Come inland and you will find beauty, honest open people, and cheaper fuel! Take the 3N/3S all the way (but don't forget the side ride thru Chachapoyas!).

And stop and visit us in the center of Peru,in Huanuco! Wife and I are American expats and have a B&B (we run out of our apartment), motorcycle tour company and moto shop. And you won't be the first BMW 1200!

Cheers! beer Toby :mchappy::mchappy::mchappy:

wow good tips ! thanks everyone... Jose your email address does not work

Not sure whats wrong with it.
Here it goes again
morenofreire12@gmail.com

or try this one too...

jose_moreno@brown.edu

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

Cheers,

JM

anybody heading towards south America?

Planning the Same trip, Leaving same time and from Ottawa Ontario, I also plan on jetting through North America. 4 months is also around my time frame. My bikes quite a lot smaller tho. I'm on a DRZ400 but thinking of getting on a KLR for this trip. We could meet up somewhere in the US and go from there? This will be my 1st long Motorcycle trip so I don't bring much to the table as to adventure riding/travel, speak
very little Spanish, BUT I'm a mechanic by trade. 25 year old male and would love to have a buddy for this trip!