South America (Alaska to Argentina)
 

I'm looking to find some one or put together a very small group to travel though Alaska, Canada, US, Central and South America by motorbike. I'm pushing on in my thirties, so would like to travel with someone of a similarish age and the more laid back the better.

I did an overland bike trip from London to Australia, via the Middle East, Asia and China a few years ago, so have got a pretty good idea on putting things together and it's pretty straight forward, the biggest thing is the money to finance the trip, as it will cost a fair amount to do.


Cost: Around £4000 plus a bike and riding gear

Duration: 6-9 months

Departing: Around July 2006


You'll need your own bike and the trip will involve a lot of free camping (rather than camp sites) and carrying your own food, cooking along the way. The big thing is getting the cash together and the will to get up and going the first place. If you're seriously interested, please drop me a line.

I'm sure you'll find people on the way even if you go alone. Where are you starting from. I plan to leave NYC in May 06 for Alaska and then make a small u-turn south. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Brooklyn Dakar
http://motorcycleramblings.blogspot.com/

"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac

Hello Iain, the Pan American is definately on my to do list !I have been home 6 days & already have itchy feet.I have just done my RTW bicycle trip & feel the need for a motorcycle trip, no more bicycles. I cycled the PCH from Seattle to San Diego in 01 & it was unforgetable.Are you in UK, if so are you shipping bike to Alaska ? back from Argentina ? what bike ? I'm 41, single & would like to know more of your plans !regards, john]I'm looking to find some one or put together a very small group to travel though Alaska, Canada, US, Central and South America by motorbike. I'm pushing on in my thirties, so would like to travel with someone of a similarish age and the more laid back the better.

I did an overland bike trip from London to Australia, via the Middle East, Asia and China a few years ago, so have got a pretty good idea on putting things together and it's pretty straight forward, the biggest thing is the money to finance the trip, as it will cost a fair amount to do.


Cost: Around £4000 plus a bike and riding gear

Duration: 6-9 months

Departing: Around July 2006


You'll need your own bike and the trip will involve a lot of free camping (rather than camp sites) and carrying your own food, cooking along the way. The big thing is getting the cash together and the will to get up and going the first place. If you're seriously interested, please drop me a line.[/B][/QUOTE]

I plan to ship my bike from the UK (XT600E) to Canada, then loop up to Alaska. I've thought about doing it on my own, but kind of like the idea of teaming up with someone else, as you can bounce ideas off each other and help each other out.

Hello ian, Where will you land the bike in canada? I'm on the east coast and have been thinking of doing a trip like this for a while.

To be honest, I have not got prices yet, so it's still wide open. If you're up for the trip, I can set things up so it fits in with something East Coast to hook up. I haven't got prices yet, but I'm thinking by sea frieght will be cheaper than air and boats from the UK would be East. Where are you based?

It can also be shortened in lenght if 6-9 months is too long.

My email address is:

iain_charles_campbell_davis yahoo.co.uk

[This message has been edited by iain (edited 03 October 2005).]

[This message has been edited by iain (edited 13 October 2005).]

I'm live in the province of nova scotia, about 3 hours north east of the city of halifax which is a port of entry for shipping.

winmac at mailcity.com

If anyones interested, I'm still trying to find someone to hook up withmid 2006.

Hey Iain,
Just starting to look at riding through South America towards the end of next year. Looking for someone to ride through Chile, Patagonia down to the tip with. Boyfriend won't let me do it by myself and after an accident he won't get back on his bike. So if you will be in that area towards the end of the year, I'm keen.
(And if you recognise who I am - I know an Iain Davies from the UK who rode his bike to Australia a few years ago and who is in his thirties, I figure there can't be that many - sorry about not getting to pub yesterday with you lot. Otherwise I could have spoken to you about this in person.

Now there you go Michelle, the very same, I shall keep you posted. Have you still got your bike then, I know Tim was selling his bike?

Well, I'm leaving NYC in May for Alaska, and will spend a month in Alaska so we could probably meet somewhere and head down south. I'll email you.


------------------
Brooklyn Dakar
http://motorcycleramblings.blogspot.com/

"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi

I've still got my bike although Tim's not happy about it. But you have to do what you have to do I guess.
Anyway keep me posted about the last leg of your trip, you guys might be up for some new company by then.

Very interested in this. 36 years young and soon to be single http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif laid back guy who does not mind camping / roughing it.
What time of year are you looking at and would my hayabusa be a suitable bike for this ie road conditions ?
e-mail me ; tinman at dsl.pipex.com

Ian, thanks for the reply - have checked the site out for details re Hayabusa's but can't really find anything. I have taken my bike so far just round Poland and back with a large tank bag and tent / chair / sleeping bag etc strapped to the back. There is a hard luggage option though and guess I'd need to consider that. Suppose more details on the route would help and then I can ask others who have done it wether or not a bike like mine is capable. I could always change it but thought the route you propose has better roads than say africa which is what has tempted me to reply. Hopw much for the plane tickets to get the bikes there and back / estimated fuel costs etc and is this on top of the 4k - Loads to ask but very serious about joining you if thats OK

Hello Iain, how are your plans shaping up ? I'm currently building a XT tenere with the help of David Lambeth, XR ditched!I am very serious about this trip so I would like to meet to discuss the possibilities.I'm pretty flexible so if you're interested let me know, john

Ian / John,

I live in Leeds, could anyone suggest a place to meet to discuss this trip in more detail - weekends would be best for me ?

I'm sure it would be great to talk and see if we could start to turn this into a relality http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

Some info on the trip below which sounds fun http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif

Gerard

Pan-American Highway, Alaska to Chile
Since the Conference of American States in 1923 there have been plans to build a Pan-American Highway - a continuous roadway running the full 25,800km (16,000 mi) from Alaska to the bottom of Chile. Now, all but 88km (54mi) are complete, so aside from a time-consuming detour, it's possible to drive from above the Arctic Circle down to Puerto Montt, nearly 1000km (600mi) south of Santiago, Chile. The road cuts through pretty much every kind of geography and climate possible, so make sure your vehicle, clothing and state of mind are all-terrain.

Few people attempt the drive from top to bottom. Getting to and from the extremes usually makes people think again, the difficult conditions in Alaska and along the Colombia-Panama border also discourage travellers, and the logistics of crossing 13 national borders are usually enough to put even the most persistent Yellow Brick Road devotee off for good. Still, it's good to know it's possible...

Although the Pan-American Highway, or Interamericana, is more of a concept than an actual route, most say that it starts in the tiny Alaskan town of Circle, some 150km (93mi) west of the Canadian border and about 100km (62mi) south of the Arctic Circle (from which the town gets its name). Since 1994, however, the Dalton Highway has allowed drivers the option of starting their trip further north, from the shores of the Beaufort Sea in Deadhorse. This oilfield town has a population of anywhere between 3000 and 8000 people, so there are plenty of places to stock up for the rough road ahead.

And it is rough. Deadhorse isn't just a cute name for the town, it was practically a guarantee earlier this century, and a summer drive along the dusty, potholed gravel surface will be the toughest test of your vehicle's suspension. But an hour or two after Fairbanks you'll hit the Alaska Highway, and it's pretty much plain sailing then for the trip all the way through the Yukon and British Columbia and down the west coast of the USA.

Choose your own route through the States - desert, ocean or a mix - then head via Palm Springs and Calexico into Mexico. Border delays and bandits aside, the roads remain pretty good through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Before chosing your route, however, you should check information on mudslides and flooding, which often close roads for weeks.

The one sticking point on the Pan-American is along the border between Colombia and Panama, where the Darien Gap - a lush rain forest with one of the highest degrees of biodiversity in the entire world - forms a natural, virtually impassable border. While the completion of the highway would make these countries more accessible to trade and tourism, it would not come without a price: many experts say that a road through this region would effectively destroy it. So roadtrippers now have to pull over in the grimy, muggy town of Yaviza. The only option to motorists is to somehow get to the Caribbean Sea port town of Puerto Obaldía (best done by boat), check in with the police, then boat-hop to Turbo, San Juan or Cartagena, where you can hit the road again.

After the long drive along the foot of the mountains in western Colombia, you bisect Ecuador - crossing the equator and passing through the charming, beautiful capital of Quito - then along the almost 2000km (1250mi) coast of Peru and, finally, Chile. Reach the strangely Nordic-style town of Puerto Montt, and you will have completed perhaps the most extraordinary inter-continental car trip possible.


[This message has been edited by tinman (edited 12 October 2005).]

Looks like an 1150GS is on the cards then as I doubt my bike will be up to that never mind the more direct route, plenty of time to sort that out though - still want to meet ?

Ian have sent you details via e-mail

Gerard

Ian and Jsherm -

I'm looking at a very similiar trip with a very similiar timeline. Up to AK from NY, then ALL the way down . . .

Planned departure is also May of 06. I'm in my early 30's, very laid-back, and have no issues with camping for extended periods of time.



[This message has been edited by expansion (edited 17 October 2005).]

For anyone who's in the London area, a few of us are going to meet up on Sunday 20th November to look at the trip.

If we have more than three people by next July, we can split in to two's/three's and meet up along the way, as if you end up with a big group convoy you lose all the contact with the people and it's much less likely people will invite you to stay with them and the like. Still we can cross that bridge when we get to it.

Just email me if you want to come along.

Iain.

Hello everyone,

I'm planning a trip thru SA mid next year (July 2006) but I will bring my bike as a backup vehicle and not my main means of transportation. I'll be traveling with my wife and daughters thru Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. Hopefully we'll have enough time to do Brasil.

I'm in Tappan, NY and own a 1990 Kawasaki KL650B Tengai along with a few Rovers.

Maybe I'll see some of you guys on the road.

Good luck and hope to meet you guys/gals one day.

John C.

Hello- I'm also looking into doing the same trip from alaska all the way down to S.A. and was thinking of doing this spring 2006 but being realistic, I now reckon will be more like June/July time.

I'm from Edinburgh, Scotland, in my mid thirties, am laid back and have a Beemer 1150GS which I'm in the process of kitting out. I'm thinking of taking about 6-8 months to do this but really have no idea as I've generally only done the normal european bike trips before. I was originally planning to do this trip solo but also think it would be great to meet up with others doing something similar.

Cheers

mike

Hey Guys,

Sounds like an interesting trip you are planning there. A couple of us from Australia are planning a bit of a trip around Sth America in '06 also. I think your route is just a tad longer than we were planning on (we are planning on about 8 weeks), but perhaps we will see you along the way (planning to leave in about August).

As an aside, I really dont think the Hayabusa is up to the task. I have one also and think Ill retire it for the trip, do the trip on a Beemer and then get myself another Hayabusa when I get home.

Good luck folks, perhaps we can keep each other informed of progress as we plan our trips? May be able to offer each other some assistance.

Stu

Hi all,
Just looking through this thread out of interest. I did this trip a couple of years ago and my website has lots of stuff that might be useful to you. www.loisontheloose.com
I also have details of freight companies for getting the bike from London to Alaska and also for the Darien Gap if you need it.
Cheers,
Lois

Excellent Iain. Ive updated my details so that you can email me, it would be great to keep in touch and perhaps meet up.

Im currently debating wether to buy a bike over there, or buy one here and ship it. I realise it may be cheaper to buy one there, but since Im a sports bike rider I am pretty keen to get a 1100GS (we will be two up) now and learn the intricacies of the bike before heading to a strange land to learn them.
Its a tough call because I will be trying to keep my expenses to a minimum.

Lois, thanks for the link, Ill sure be checking it out (Im currently trowlling through any forum I can find to get information on this trip - I even bought The Long Way Round video of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boormans trip as a research tool, hehe).

Back to my research, Im keeping a close eye on this thread Iain, please keep us up to date http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

I rode from Seattle to Prudhoe Bay in June, then south. I am currently in Peru heading south.

I have lots of fresh info and advice if you need it, email me using the mail button..... and check out www.oneworld-twowheels.com for other goodies including GPS tracks and photos etc.

Happy to help........

Iain -
I just saw this on the Adventure rider site under the regional forum called the great white north and thought you might be interested. The price sounds not bad and there is no sales tax on a used bike as opposed to 7% gst plus the applicable provincial tax on new.
Anyway
02 KLR650 'A' model 4 sale in Edmonton, Alberta $4500.00 CDN
19,000 km's
new front (15T) rear (43T) sprockets
new RK 'O' ring chain
Twin-Air filter
Moose skid plate
Moose shifter
Moose bark busters
Moose wheel bearings front/rear NIB
DualStar security Oil filler cap
DR650 mirrors
DR650 pegs
Acerbis Motard front fender
Jardine Exhaust-chromed
Corbin Dished seat
(2) stock seats-1 modified
Happy Trails luggage rack
(2)Givi E36 monokey cases
Clymer manual
(2)new Tank shrouds
used (5k) rear shock
used (5k) front springs
used (16T) front sprocket

have all original parts-skid plate, handguards, front fender, pegs...

photo's available upon request

~Will~

iain

I plan on taking a similar trip in 2006 as well, North 2 South through the Americas. I also will be doing an East 2 West through the US.

It would be good to meet up.

I am pushing thirties, I taught college for a while and now I just do anything to make a buck to run a muck. I travel as much as possible. I spent 3 months in SE Asia this year and walked from Mexico to Canada. I have hiked over 10k miles through the US mainly (AT,PCT,CDT etc.) Because of this I will be mainly camping with VERY minimal gear. (as in like 5 or 6 pounds camping gear) I will be going as cheap as I can. I just sold the BMW f650 to lighten up. Going with a 250, most likely a KLR250.

It would be good to hear from you. Feel free to drop me a line at wiese514$hotmail.com

Take care
WIESE

Oh yea, if anyone has any questions about camping/backpacking gear email me. I have worked at an outdoor gear shop for the last 7 years off and on, I design gear, and I have spent over 2 years living off my back.

iain,
I am 37 from Australia and interested in doing the central and south american part of your trip. It sounds as though you are going to end up in argentina during the middle of winter though. I have ridden dirt bikes for years, and don't know what type of bike to buy for this trip. Maybe a Honda xr650r?
email address is bartarse@connexus.net.au
Peter

Iain,
I am planning a similar trip through C.A. & S.A and would love to hook up on the road, as I live in Southern California and would be starting in Orange County in spring/summer 06. the timelines are up in the air right now, but if the dates would work out, I am really interested in joining up with you for a leg or two. I have a KLR650 and am seriously itching to put it to the test. so if you have any questions or comments, email me: koby686@hotmail.com
thanks.

Iain,

Looks like there are quite a few people headed south in '06, hope to meet up with some. Did you have your London meeting, as mentioned earlier in this thread?

Less than 8 months till I leave!

Iain,
I'm currently on the road in Mexico and probably won't have the money to join you next year, but if you should decide to ride through southern Colorado, I can offer free camping for the whole bunch. From what I've read so far, it sounds like you're going to hit the west coast mostly, so my place would be out of your way, but I can definitely recommend Colorado as a motorcyclists' paradise. Laid back is my specialty. I live on about a hectare in the wilderness 15 miles from the nearest town at the end of 20 miles of very nice motorcycle road. brucew at ris.net

This is my plan. Still planning to leave May 1 from NYC cross USA and hit Alaska for June and turn south. Contact me directly if you want to discuss details.

------------------
Brooklyn Dakar
http://motorcycleramblings.blogspot.com/

"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi

Is MikeS still thinking of leaving spring 06?

Am looking at shipping Uk to south america around this time and want to see if combiming loads we could reduce the significant shipping costs?

Cheers
Mike B

Mother77- No I'm now thinking of around ealy June '06. Haven't started looking in to shipping properly but will need to soon- who are you thinking of using?

cheers

mike

I am dreaming about a similar trip in 2007.( I have India to cover in 06 and that plan is well under way.)
I will be interested to track your progress.
I Ride a Beemer R100LT at the moment , preferences aside...will it make the grade.
I am a pretty good mechanic and do all my own re building so mine has all the bugs out of it. Been around most of OZ on it and rubuilt the motor at 150,000.

I would not be upset if I had to buy a GS 1100 to do the trip but I would need some time to sort it out.
Anyone thinking of this in Late 2007??

Bozo

Actually the Panamerica Highway ends in Quellon (a small town at the south of Chiloe,Chili ) and NOT in Puerto Montt!

Real bummer if you miss that after so many kilometers/miles.

So who is about to leave. I'm leaving NY the first week of May, heading towards Glacier Nat Park, then Alaska.

------------------
"Brooklyn Dakar"
http://www.motorcycleramblings.com/

"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi

At the moment, I'm now planning on leaving UK in october, starting in B Aires. My plan is to head to TDF then north.

Mike

I'm hopefully leaving in August and flying into Ecuador, then heading down to TDF then up to Buenos Aires. Anyone going around the same time it would be good to have a chat and maybe meet up somewhere on route.
Christine

I'm leaving Seattle about the 18th of April, heading south and east for a bit to visit with friends and family. I'll be leaving Michigan in late June, heading for Alaska. Early August I'll be back in Seattle. Hopefully things will work out and I'll have one last beer drinking session with riding buddies at the Nez Perce Rally in Idaho mid-August.

September 1, I expect to cross the border into Mexico. I've booked language school in Guatemala starting October 1. Around the new years, I'll cross over to Columbia. Since's its already summer down below, I'll be taking my time, getting down to Argentina early the following spring, to hit TDF for New Years, 2008. No plans, no schedule - just riding and seeing what's out there.

From there - lets see - there's Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe....decisions, decisions!

------------------
quastdog
Seattle, Washington USA
F650GSDakar

plans
 

Hi Iain, I will be going from LA to Buenos Aires starting in early august this year -let me know if you're interested in hooking up for any part of the trip. I'm mid twenties, but not a yapping pup, and very laid back about roughing it etc.
Take it easy
Alex

Id be interested in your trip or Iain's trip. Feel free to send me an email with details. psilocybes@gmail.com
I currently located in Northern California looking to head south.

Psil

Reverse trip
 

I'm still doing the trip, but due to delays, I have turned it on it's head and a couple of us are now heading off on October, going from Argentina, then heading North. I know pleanty of people will be on the North South trail and perhaps we'll bump into each other in the Darian Gap!

South America From Southeast Us
 

I Am Planning A Trip In Oct 06 -leaving Home In Mississippi Traveling Through Mexico, Central America Shipping Around Columbia Then To The Tip Of South America Reutrn Route Not Decided Yet. Any Travelers During This Period Please Let Me Know.

Bike Klr 650. Some Central America Riding Expperience
Thanks

Hi Michelle

I'm leaving from San francisco to south america around mid October, I'm female and I'm traveling with another friend whos male. I don't know if you want to start that far up, but let us know how you get on as we might be able to meet up along the way. Good luck Brigid

OK, I am leaving NY Sunday May 21, definately! Crossing PA, IL, OH, then Montana, Calgary (June 1), ALCAN....

Brigid, a friend and I (both males) are also leaving Southern California (Ventura) in late Sept. or early October for Central and South America. Both on KLR's. What is your schedule. We are aiming for the New Year's eve party in Ushuaia. We have both done the Ruta Maya (Yucatan, Belize, Guat., and Honduras) so will travel pretty fast till Costa Rica then slow down a bit. Also aiming for Machu Pichu around Thanksgiving. Priority is to get there, not necessairly by the dates. :=) I (my friend can't go) am also heading for Prudhoe Bay (May 29th) to do that part of the Pan Am then come back here and pick up my friend. I would be interested hearing about your plans.
Rick

Alaska
 

Is anyone interested in going to Inuvik rather than Prudue Bay in June.

South America
 

I will be leaving from the Katrina ravaged south for a run through mexico, Central America and South America late Oct or early Nov. As I see there are others planning the trip about the same time.
I would like to know your schedules so prehaps I can meet with others along the way. I will be riding my KLR. I"ll be the guy with grey hair and a southern drawl. Pap

Pappy,
I'm making plans to head for South America and TDF around the 1st of November also. Currently have another member of the list making plans to ride with me part, or all the way. With the reference to the grey hair, we're probably all close to the same age. I plan to spend the night at a friends house in McComb, MS, that's about 100 miles north of New Orleans.
I'll be leaving my home in Virginia June 7th for Prudhoe Bay, going via Columbus, MO to meet Bob. Need to know if he can put up with me for a couple of months! If you're interested in doing the whole nine yards by
doing Prudhoe Bay, let me know.

Harold

I'm planning on leaving first week of August from Los Angeles all the way down to Argentina. I'm trying to find sponsors if i can't find them then i'm roughing it big time - free camping, cooking etc. i have a website http://www.salcar.net where i'll be posting any updates on my trip. I'm not sure how fast i'll be going south but i'll like to meet for part of the trip with other riders to share some experiences and get out of the beaten path. I speak fluent spanish, i'm half italian and half nicaraguense, 26 y/o and drive a BMW 650 Dakar
S.

Hey Pappy
 

I'm leaving from Miami in mid Oct. Maybe I could roll through Miss. and we could ride for awhile? I'm headed to Ushuaia.

Whose out there
 

I am currently in Davenport IA heading west on I-80? Where is everyone?

Im sooooooooo Jelous ! I was meant to be flying out this August but now i dont know if ill ever escape :hang:

I am in front of my computer right now, but I gave 2 weeks notice at my job , so I am past the point of no return now, hope to be on the road soon.

Yo Brennan,

Got your email about you leaving a little later than originally thought. Given that my schedule in not set in concrete, we may be able to ride together yet. I'm talking to Steve in Virginia about a proposed itinerary and schedule and we'll see how that works. Keep me in mind.....

Dogs

anyone in Jan/07 heading south into South America?
 

I am doing a bit of biking in South Africa for 2 weeks in October, just renting a BMW F650 there, if anyone interested? Company always good. I am taking my R100GS to Texas this fall from Canada and leaving it there till January/07, at which time I will ride south to Brazil and Argentina. Then if all systems still go, I will ship my bike from Rio or BA to Capetown for south to north through Africa in September/07. I am easygoing, have a bit of espanol, just retired and 50'ish, lots of travelling around world but this is first big bike trip other than to Alaska/Yukon,love to experience new places and peoples, dabble in travel (and other) writing and photography, and so on...
Looking for someone to talk to and watch my back and bike in some hairy parts of the world, if my journey intersects with anyone else's.
Larry from Nunavut larrynunavut@hotmail.com

Heading South
 

Am currently in Painesville, OH. Am leaving tomorrow and aiming to be in Jellico, Tn on sunday night ready to start the trans am trail. So if anybody is around and fancy hooking up for a drink, drop me a line.

Best wishes and ride safe

Paul

Southward ho. . .
 

Fellow hub user Harold and I have been planning a November 1st trip to SA. He is currently on his way to Prudhoe Bay and then back to Virginia. I'm in Missouri continuing to plan. . . We would be open to additional riders. We are both retired but are really not the touristy type of people. We hope to be in Panama in about three weeks and on to Bogota. If you have an interest try my web site: http://members.aol.com/forsellini/travel.html

Bob

How you getting there ??
 

Can i ask how yo uare getting your bikes to Canada ??

Im currently looking for a company to fly my bike from the UK to Alaska but no luck yet.

Any prices, contacts ??

Hi- When we were looking at starting our Americas trip in the north, I had prices of around £850 to fly the bike from Edinburgh. Then you've got the crating cost which seems to be around £300 plus whatever clearance fees there will be on arrival. Theres plenty of freight forwarding companies though quite a few seem to be on a different planet when quoting.


So anyhow, we're now starting the trip in the south and shipping our bikes wiht Luna Shipping instead of flying them and is now looking to be around £750 for everything.

Hope thats of some use.

Cheers

Mike

Is £750 inclluding all the port charges ?? I thought they pretty much worked out the same price when sorting out charges.

I dont think i could pay 1300+ for one way to go by plane :O

I already posted this on the Who Is Where On The Gringo Trail, but would like to post it here as well as a follow up to Pappy's comment about skipping Colombia on his way south:

Don't forget to visit Colombia! In my opinion - and that of many other riders - it has some of the best riding in the Americas. Plus it's very safe these days. Not to mention the incredibly friendly people, spectacular scenery, varied terrain, great curvy highways, etc. Don't just catch a plane from Panama to Ecuador or Venezuela, skipping Colombia. I've been living here for two years and can vouch that it is well worth a ride through - a county not to be missed!

Just my 2 pesos worth.

in regard to shipping from britain
 

it seems to be costing a packet to do this, i have just been in fairbanks alaska ,you can buy a low km 04 or 05 klr 650 here for between $3000 -$4000 USD , i got mine for $2000 sort out your luggage system before you come ,(there is heaps, i mean heaps of klr gear on ebay) they are everywhere over here ,and cheap and very reliable ,then just sell it in south america ,save your self a bundle in freighting back and forth

Yep, not cheap is it? Below is part of the email from Luna Shipping for our 3 bikes so looks like about £750 for everything:


1 for your bike at 244 x 94 x 152 and the other 2 at 236 x 101 x 142.

Your costs would be £535, the other 2 would be £512.00 each, this includes, packing, delivery to export depot, UK export documentation, UK Terminal Handling, UK Customs Clearance, Freight upto arrival terminal Buenos Aires.
In Argentina the costs are, for you $435.79 & $427.66 each for the other 2.
This can be reduced by $100.00 if all 3 clearances are done at the same time, which they should be.

South America
 

I will be leaving my Mississippi Home around Oct 1. I am planning on being in Creel for the HOrizons meeting, from there I will be traveling south hopefully to Terra Del Fuego. I am taking 3 months off for this trip.


Any one who may be traveling this direction during this time please let me know. I would like to link up with others for part or possibly all of this trip.

I will be riding a R100gs pd. I have had riding experience in Central America and have made the trip to Alaska and back.. I do not speak Spanish, but am good at animated jesters. and a dumb America expression.

Pappy

Goin South.
 

Pappy, see the thread "Routes South from Bogota" in the Route Planning forum. Looks like several of us are going to be doing this trip at about the same time.
Rick

Colorado, California -Chile
 

I am leaving to Chile the 1st or 2nd week of october...
If anybody is interested to travel with me...that will be awesome...
My name is Jaime Roessler, and my email is jaime@roessler.cl....
I am also fluent in spanish and with some experience traveling around south america....

looking forward

Jaime Roessler
720-308-1983

SAn Francisco to South America
 

I am planning a similar trip departing from San Francisco and I would love to find suitable companions. I have been To Alaska last year and going south now is just the logical follow up.

It would be great if I can get in touch with Brigid and her friend and talk about the trip over a good capuccino in North Beach.

Ciao.
Aldo

Canada to TDF in Fall 2006
 

It looks like plenty of riders are doing this route at this time of year. I am one of them!

Departing Edmonton on Sept. 25th heading for Creel by Oct. 10th via the Baja. After that it's an open schedule while riding South down the west coast and returning North via the East coast.

I'm a late 30's male, riding solo, expecting to travel frugally, who would enjoy the company of a few RTW riders occasionally. Drop me a message if you'd like to meet up somewhere.

Cheers,
Daren
dmotorider@gmail.com

Possible route
 

Hello,

If anybody is interested in comparing notes on a route from California to Tierra del Fuego my e-mail is pantarei66@hotmail.com

Approx departure mid/late Oct. 2006.

At this point I do not have companions but I would be more than happy to have some. Male, (I will turn 40 during the trip), speak semi decent Spanish (I am Italian).

See you all on the open road amigos!

Ciao

Aldo

Mike and Ted,
The Canoe guy really has the right idea here. Why in the world would you
ship your bike from UK to USA or Canada when you can buy a bike SO MUCH
cheaper here?:eek3: The UK pound is HELLA strong now, so its even cheaper
than ever for you lot. You may even find a KLR or other bike already set up for RTW travel. If not, order what you need online and head out to some places in the USA until it arrives.

Check out Craig's List in San Fran Bay Area. Only way to go IMO. By my reckoning you guys pay nearly double what we do for bikes and gear in the UK. Unless you hit the BMF show like I did...some great deals there!

Have a great trip and drop an email if you're in the SF Bay area. I'll buy the
first pint.

Patrick:scooter:

Thanks Patrick- will hold you to that! I have an old school friend in SF so we will definitely be up there at some point.

I agree it would be a hell of a lot cheaper buying in the states and might look at that for future trips, but for now its only about three weeks till we ship our bikes to BA. Can't wait!

cheers

Mike

Hi Iain,
Did you ever get away to your trip? I'm currently on the road going form Alaska to Argentina and started about the time you were planning to go. We're in Vancouver now heading South planning to get to Copper Canyon by for the HUBB meet.
I'll be slowing RIGHT down then but one of my travelling buddies is looking for people to go with from Panama to Columbia between late Dec to early Jan.
Dan

Upside down
 

Dan,

I hit the road in BA Argentina on 25th October 2006, a month and a bit down the line. Perhaps we should try and meet on the road as our paths cross.

Are you going from Panama to Colombia?

Let me know where you expect to be in the or four months time.

Iain.

florida to argentina nov. 2006 (BMW 650 )
 

i would like to get in contact with people doing this trip.
see you on the road.:scooter:
my e mail adress..... alelongobardi@aol.com

4 months time????
 

don't even know where i am going to be tomorrow at the moment!!

colombia is on the cards, but will be decided nearer the time/place. Probably.

4 months time is about january, which means we should have crossed the darien. so colombia, equador areas, all being well, down hill with a following wind etc etc.

Hey there,
I'm travelling with Dan and was the one hoping to travel to Columbia from Panama about Dec/Jan time.
If you're going thatdirection at that time, get in touch:

elcrust@hotmail.com

Mark