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Toronto to Guatemala
Hi everyone. My name is Rick. Presently living on my sailboat in Guatemala. Flying home May of 2018 (Toronto). Will hit the ground and buy a dual sport. I must go to NS to see my dad, he's getting up there. Would like to leave southern Ontario around the beginning of Sept. and ride back to Guatemala. No hurry and no route plans as of yet. I do NOT want to take any interstates. I turn 65 years YOUNG next year. I have riden off and on for 50 yrs. Presently ride my weestrom here in Guatemala and guite love it. Been here for almost two years now. I'm the "handy man" type. It would be great to share the memory with someone that can put up with me and vice versa.
Safe riding everyone. Rick |
Welcome to HU Rick!
Love the sailboat in Guate, a nice lifestyle. Try to get to the HU Ontario Travellers Meeting May 24-27 - a GREAT place to meet other travellers and check out what they've done with their bikes etc, and get a ton of info on everything you might want to know. Hope to see you there! |
That's great info Grant. I fly into Toronto on the 19th. I will most definitely try to make it. Thanks
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Sorry 1write. Apparently because I'm new the "system" won't let me reply. Actually not sure what to do? Merry Christmas to you too
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You can avoid interstates with some careful route planning, a GPS and lots of Zig Zagging back and forth. Once into Mexico you'll have to get creative ... and things can get a bit "remote" ... like Meth Lab remote. Use caution. I'll watch for your ride report, I'm interested to see how you do with the new Husky. A great bike I'm sure ... but for that long a ride, I'd look into a better seat if you plan on long riding days. :thumbup1: Should be options for a seat and good soft luggage too. :D Are you on the Pacific side or Caribe side of Guate? What port? I lived on a sailboat for a couple weeks years ago on Caye Caulker (Belize) Actually got sick of eating Lobster! :innocent: Have a great trip. Hope you can explore the good bits of USA on your way South and of course Baja and more in Cent. America too. I lived in Guate. back in the 70's. Had a Honda 50 step through and a Jawa 350! Safe Travels! bier |
Hi mollydog
First, I want to apologize for being slow to get back. Simply brain dead on my part. Also thanks for the welcome. Not 100% sure on the 701 right now. I think a 501 with a new cush sprocket would also do the trick. Actually better once I get it back. A Seat Concepts seat and Mosko R40 bags I'm thinkimg. I am very happy here but there are many gravel and rocky roads with the inevitable stream or shallow river crossing that simply NEED to be explored. There are things I like about both bikes. In fact, so many bikes, so little time!! Had one of the cheap 250cc Chinese bikes when I first got here but lusted for more ooomff around the trucks and buses. The 650 Vstrom I bought in Guatemala City has been great. Ticks all the boxes except ground clearance. With luggage and a pillion I would hit bottom on many of those damn tumalos. Sent for a heavier spring and after the swap the wee has been great. Still doesn't mean I want to be picking it up in one of the crossing though. So a lighter, modern bike is the plan for one up and the strom for two. I live on the Rio Dulce at Tortugal Marina. The Pacific side is a comfortable 2 day ride away. Just getting back from Monterrico actually. Antigua was cold but it was incredible to be watching an active volcano from the hotel or while riding. One hour ride toward the beach and we were peeling off layers. First time in 3 days I felt warm. A cruiser that just left here told a few Mexico stories. He was driving his 4x4 and got lost in the wrong neighborhood. He did his best, "oh silly Canadian" big goofy smile and backed out the door and drove away. The story that made me want to go was Copperhead Canyon. Perhaps even that train ride. However, just finished watching Breaking Bad and really don't need the meth lab experience. Life is really cheap in these countries. Been using my smart phone with Google Maps or Waze. Has gotten me to where I need to go but sometimes required "creative " riding. Occasionally wants me going through a divided highway or down one way streets. I'm thinking a small tablet, bike mounted with ram mounts for the ride back. Dakar style with perhaps three or four apps so I have choices. Smart phone is always plan B. Belize was a blast while on my sailboat. Best memory was the dolphin at Lighthouse Reef that came to "play". She wore me out! She mirrored every manouver I could think of for about 20 minutes. I was snorkling a reef when she found me. When I couldn't play any longer she just slowly swam away. Never made it to Caye Caulker. The charts were showing some pretty shallow water so we bypassed. Glad to hear your memory was a good one. A lobster OD. Did that in the Bahamas. So there you have it from me. If you find yourself this way on a bike give me a shout. Any excuse for a ride you know. Cheers |
Toronto to Guatemala
Sounds like it will be quite a trip! If you make it to the Ontario HU Travellers Meeting, I’d love to pick your brain about sailboat life
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Hi Travis
A good selection of cheap boats here to LIVE on but getting them ready to sail away can be VERY expensive. Way way more than most people think. If you are the handyman type that does EVERYTHING yourself you might stand a chance. You most definitely need to be that kind of person while underway. Just keep in mind that it is very easy to spend more than you actually paid for the boat to get her seaworthy. All that said, I love falling asleep to the gentle rock and bring surrounded by water. Another pastime for me is wakeboarding behind my dinghy. Retirement is rough Travis but somebody has to do it. Not sure if I will make it to the Ontario event. It will be tight for me. If you live in the area give me a shout next year. We can always meet for coffee somewhere. I don't need much of an excuse to go for a ride. I will be mostly in the Toronto or St. Catherine's area. Cheers for now |
Hi Rick,
Welcome to HU. I've been riding my 701 since 2016 and love it for its versatility. It really is a 'do it all' bike in my opinion. It keeps up to my 450 off road and easily handles slab for hours at a time - which my 450 is less enthusiastic about. Updates for me have included pannier racks, seat and fairing. If things 'click' for me I plan to visit a friend in Guatemala near Lake Atitlan this Fall. I'm coming from BC and am eyeing the Baja route. :mchappy: Please feel free to PM me and stay in touch in case our paths sync up in the Fall. Riel |
Hi Riel.
Thanks for the onfo and your feelings on the 701. It means a lot from someone who also rides a 450. If I do get one I was hoping to get the Rade Garage fairing, seat, racks and bags. That would be great if we managed to ride together. The Baja route sounds like an adventure. Copper Canyon has me interested also. If we don't make the trip together keep in touch for sure. Lake Atitlan is beautiful as is all of the riding in Guatemala. One way or another we will ride together. Hope your plans come together. Safe riding Rick |
Just like a big kid at Christmas. Just pulled the trigger on a 2017 Husqvarna 701 enduro. Good deal on a "new" 17 at a Canadian dealer. Let the farkle fun begin!
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If you have not already found your way to the 1000page adv forum on 701's I can recommend Husqvarna 701 Super Moto and Enduro! | Page 905 | Adventure Rider :thumbup1: |
Baja
When will you be entering Mex? I am also a sailor. I am driving my truck to Panama, my goal is to bring our pets because we have a place there and relocating from California. Plans not firm yet..
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Hi Cebaco
A little early yet to guesstimate entering Mexico. Right now "thinking" of the Baha to La Paz? Ferrry across to the mainland and if possible put the bike on the train that does Copper Canyon. Tunnels and bridges galore that will take my breath away. Then work my way south with a pit stop to perhaps check out a marina or two. Thinking Mexico "might" be around mid October. Just a quess at this point. |
Sounds like a good plan! If you leave Ontario in May or June on the new bike, you should have great weather for much of Canada and USA. By late October things should be cooling a bit in Mexico, Baja has less humidity so really tolerable if you drink plenty of water.
Some great off road routes ... if you know where to go. If solo, use caution. I'm not good at navigation so usually follow to find the excellent (secret) trails. Some are quite tough. I mostly stick to easier two track, don't mind deep sand too much but it's murder for some. On your Husky ... you won't even know riding SAND! :D SO NICE! And there is plenty of it in Baja! Do some research on routes and trails. It's just an amazing place! Still mostly unspoiled ... but not for long. For Copper Canyon (I've been 4 times on bikes since 1997. Take the Ferry from La Paz to Topolobambo (not to Mazatlan), then ride into Copper Canyon from there. You can go paved road, dirt ... or take the Train. The Train starts out in Los Mochis, less than an hour from the Port, and goes all the way to Chihuahua ... but you won't go that far. You could do the train but the best exploring will happen on your bike. Lots of unknown trails and little roads in and around the Canyon. If you can get your bike on the Train (I'm not sure?) then start at Los Mochis and go up to Creel. From there, bail off the Train, go exploring on your bike. Check out Mex 24. You can intersect this route once you're done with Copper Canyon and ride it WEST to the coast, near Culiacan. Pick up Mex.24 a bit WEST of Parral. Pretty amazing. I think there may now be a paved road ALL THE WAY down?When I did it in '07, all dirt. All sorts of terrain changes, nothing too difficult if you have off road experience. Your Husky will breeze through, I did it on a Vstrom, with friends on Tiger 900 and R12GS. It's a super remote area, very few services once into Sierra Tarahumaru. Good luck, looking forward to updates. bier |
Hey Molly Dog
Thanks for all the tips and info. Will read and plan with tjem in mind. So many boxes have been arriving to my in-laws back in Canada tjey tell me the spare bedroom will soon be full........ room full of farkles hahaha!!!! Pick up my bike in 2 1/2 months for my visit back home. Long list of friends to visit before heading off. One friend on a 1200 Triumph wants to ride around Lake Supior. So many roads, so little time but I'm going to try! As it is right now I "might" met a biker or two in route. Still months away, I'll see. Will be an adventure either way. Later Rick |
This is a question as well as a shameless excuse to get back on top of the new post list. Still looking for a travel buddy in the fall. I pick up my bike the end of May and will travel into Nova Scotia. Should be back in Ontario by mid June. Visit with family and friends before leaving for Guatemala Sept.
The question. Gps????? I think I will post a separate question for this. It could get deep. Thanks everyone. |
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For me, biggest challenge would be learning to navigate the tech and really be comfortable using it. Would take me while to learn, but I feel it's something that really comes in handy ... and now a required item to ease travel. Garmin Montana seems to be THE GO! :D:D:D:D:D |
Hi Molly Dog
Friends my age sort of split in two. Those that played and played and played and played and PLAYED on those LIFE SUCKING MACHINES ( computers )!!!!!! Or........... became diverse, fun and interesting people with a variety of talents and skills. People that could actually change the brakes on their car, make muffins with the kids, water ski in the afternoon and with the help of their wives, build a sailboat for retirement!! For me personally, as you can see, I view time spent in front of a computer as sucking the life out of me. There are of course exceptions as always. I love love love them for research and how too's on subjects of interest to me. So here's the thing. To me, this gps is a tool. A power tool. I just want to be able to squeeze the trigger and cut the 2×4 in half. If I had to go onto a computer, download stuff so the motor knew how to work on 120V, then purchase more stuff to inform the motor which direction to turn, only to find out I had to educate the blade before it would properly eject wood shavings.............. Hope your laughing at my rant!!! We all work hard for our money and just don't want to make a bad decision. So easy to do in the land of electronics. We all know that the latest and greatest is simply a container ship away as we put down our money in the store today. I've been going mad trying to make a decision on WHICH GPS. I see Garmin has discontinued life time maps on many of their models. Leaves me wondering why?? The TomTom 450 was getting my intetest. Then this morning I see that a 550 rider will soon be released. A few weeks ago I was considering just getting an app. The new "Scenic" app has been putting smiles on many a bikers face. I don't have an Apple product however and it is not available on Android. I was actually thinking of buying an Apple just for this and two or three other apps as my bike navigation but the cost kept creeping skyward. Can't imagine it would servive the shallow river crossing I "almost" made. This morning, after a little more research on that life sucking machine, I find out that like bikes, no GPS can do it all! Can I get you a drink?? I need one. I have decided that I have a few months yet to make the call and just like in "dog years" that's a lifetime in the electronics world. If I had to make the call right now, this very minute, it would be the Garmin 395. I WANT the 595 for the bigger screen but just can't justify the price bump if thats all that really interests me. For me its like buying dual sport tires. How much off road will I truly be doing?? I understand the Montana is the better choice for a full knobby rider. As much as I like to think that about myself the reality is I still two up on the VStrom a fair bit as well. So Molly Dog, if your still here, let me pour you another drink. I do respect your opinion and would like to hear YOUR thought process as to why the Montana would be the GPS for YOU. Oh, just to make you smile I should let you know............. I bake muffins and do brake jobs on friends cars while they are in their house "fixing" my computer!! |
My head hurts every time I have to make an executive decision regarding electronics but I have decided. I'm going to buy the 9.7 2018 - 32 GB IPad with gps. Armour it and Ram mount. Load it up with the apps I want. There are 3-4 for now that should get me started. A nice large viewing area for these aging eyes. It should look and fit well in the area provided by Rade Garage fairing design. Smart phone as the next layer and finally some good old fashioned paper. Oh........ and here is the kicker!!!!! I have an incredibly beautiful and intelligent IT person to assist in all the downloading and "how to use" instruction............ that would be my 10 year old granddaughter!!! Thanks to Molly Dog I am pumped to be heading to the Baja. Been reading up a little and it sounds like I will totally enjoy that part of my trip.
Still looking for a riding partner?? You only have to worry about me at full moon. The rest of the time I'm a puppy!! |
I meet some truly interesting people at morning coffee. Met a lady geologist the other day that painted an incredible picture of Utah for me. DEFINATELY will make that a part of my route back to Guatemala.
Just landed in Toronto and in a week pick up my new bike in New Brunswick. An interesting education on buying the bike in one province and registering it in another. Just picked up a few things today at MEC. Things are starting to take shape, looking good! Will do a bit of a shake down in a week as I ride from NB to NS and then back though the NE to St. Catharines Ontario. Bike season IS HERE!!! |
Interesting! I've been reading more and more about latest iPad, I think I'm going that direction as well! Seems to do everything I would need traveling.
Utah is definitely a MUST SEE state. May be getting HOT by the time you get there, but you will adapt in a couple weeks. You've got the bike for it. I've been to Moab, UT twice on my DR650. One trip I rode out there from California ... and back via off road through Black Rock Desert in Nevada. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...cFfJ3Rp-XL.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...vbTMXdc-XL.jpg White Rim Trail ... you'll find this easy trail and lots more challenging trails too. Baja is HOT in Summer unless you stay on the Pacific Coast, but just 3 miles inland from the Ocean, it's hot as hell. I generally go from October to April. After that it can heat up, stays hot until late October with some variance. Have fun on the new bike ... :mchappy: |
Thanks MD, love the pics!!! Your DR looks like THE WEAPON. So glad to hear you too think the IPad will do the trick. As I said before I do respect your opinion.
It looks like I need a lesson on what to take and how to pack. You sure look to be traveling light! I probably won't hit Utah until the beginning of October. Still hot but that's my timing. |
There’s a possibility that I’ll be on the road the first week in October in Mexico, coming in from Reynosa and headed towards DF. You plan on riding off-road throughout MX?
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Hi Thirty One
I'm pretty much up for anything as long as it's legal. Also if I can avoid meth labs and drug lords that would be a good thing |
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I have some things to straighten out in the USA when I go back next month, so will update you on whether or not my October run will happen. P.S. I love Guate. I've lived there a number of times and always am looking for an excuse to go back. |
OK cool. Still a few months away but we'll see how things develop.
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Don't take packing lessons from me! ... that Moab pic above shows my DR650 with just a day pack on it. All my gear was left at camp site near the town, as we did a series of day trips, leaving the main stuff in camp. Here is my bike loaded up with everything for riding cross country ... mostly on highway (kitchen sink included!) https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...BFGrvHT-XL.jpg I took 5 days riding out to Moab, Ut from San Francisco. Spent 10 days riding, then rode back mostly all on interstate. When I'm not camping I can go a bit lighter: https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...9m9gmbT-XL.jpg Same bike, different paint job and luggage. Temps and Weather October is sort of Fall crossover month ... and can go either way on temps. Utah can swing to cool in just a week ... or can still be HOT. Rain? Usually not. I have more time/experience in Baja, but basically mostly still hot in Baja until at least mid October. But all this varies year to year depending. Once you hit November you will have mostly great weather but sometimes rainy season can extend into November in coastal Mexico (not Baja) and all of Cent. America. And of course November begins Hurricane season! But generally things cool a lot, humidity drops and rain subsides. :scooter: !Que le via muy bien! |
Hey MD
You know the joke.......... I don't need to be able to run faster than that bear. I just need to be able to run faster than YOU!! I might not be the lightest traveler on a motorcycle but I might be a pound or two lighter than you! Damn it MD....... if you want to bring along a patio BBQ that's YOUR business!! OK, all kidding aside I think you have a pretty sweet set up there. You have the ability to bring along whatever YOU feel is necessary in terms of needs AND wants but, like a magic trick, you can also slim down and travel light............. nicely done! I really like the looks of your bike in the Desert Storm paint scheme. I bought the Mosko Moto R40 for two reasons OTHER than I think the stuff is bullet proof. 1: the 40 just seems to fit the 701 like it was made for it. The R80 just looks like "too much." IMO 2: the 40 would FORCE ME to travel lighter Not sure if I'm succeeding with 2. I bought the 22L stinger, a pair of 2L Mollie pouches and two tent pole bags. I'm using the 8 L stinger as well and I need a little more storage. As I type this everything is in bags to hop on the plane in two days to get my bike. I will get a better feel for things then but my gut is telling me about 20L more storage will make ME happy. The luxuries I am hauling that take some extra space are a chair, a cot and my tent is a 3 person. I will travel a bit for two weeks getting back to Ontario. The bike will be off the floor so I am sure my ass will be sore! I have boxes of mods waiting when I return, one of which is a new seat from Seat Concepts. We both know how important THAT is! Looking at your bike I would guess your on a Sergeant. Great choice for the DR. A friend just informed we are taking off for a trip to the Timmons Ontario region in July. That trip will be "post" mods so it will be interesting to "feel" the improvements! That's the latest from me. Hoping to be traveling to many of your adventure routes in a few months. Thanks for all the tips! |
3000 km now since I picked up my new bike and I'm a pretty happy guy. Visited PEI, my dad in NS and then worked my way back to Ontario by way of Maine and Quebec. Just recently installed the Rade Garage fairing/windshield and a really nice upgrade. Realizing now that a 9.7 IPad will be just too big for my navigation but the mini Ipad would be perfect. I can still wait a bit to see if an IPad mini 5 is coming or not.
Looking forward to trips around Ontario with my buddies before turning south in Sept. By then I should have figured out all the packing questions. Happy father's day everyone! |
GPS?
Husqvarna 701 just read through your thread and the trip sounds pretty interesting. Been preparing my bikes for a trip through Baja myself but can't really decide which bike to take KTM 500 EXC or R1200GSA.
I can't help but shutter to think about using a tablet as a NAV on a bike for doing that type of long distance riding. I have tried that route early on while riding in China and to each his own but in my opinion it's not a suitable solution. Those types of devices won't hold up well to the weather, and most of all the constant shock, and vibrations that you will put it through. On a bike that is ridden in the street is bad enough but once you take it off road all bests are off and not to mention the large possibility of it coming dislodged and flying off into a ditch somewhere, ask me how I know. Early on in your thread you talked about and quickly dismissed the Garmin Montana which is an excellent choice or one that you haven't considered is the NAV from BMW the Motorrad Navigator VI. The screens are very nice and viewable and they are waterproof. With the Navigator you will be able to hear turn by turn instructions through your helmet with a Sena 30K and make phone calls as well. Even if you decide to continue down your iPad route I would think long and hard about your mounting scheme because the RAM Mount options are not going to cut it. Again, ask me how I know. If your biggest put off is the fact that (unbeknownst to me) Garmin is offering lifetime maps (every one of my Garmin devices have life time maps and I have about 5 or 6 of them) then just pay for the updates every couple of years when you feel like you might need an update because the reality is, you don't necessarily need an update every single time that Garmin comes out with one. My updates are lifetime but with the NAV stuck in the car or even on the bike I go for a year or more sometimes before plugging it into my laptop but all the while it never stops me from getting to where I need to go. Just saying! That's my two cents worth. Anyway I'm planning a trip down there myself on or around the time that you are planning to go maybe we can meet up? A |
I'll chime in on choice of bikes for Baja ... but lots depends how much further South you intend to travel beyond Baja and how serious you want to go Off Road.
Going further into Mexico? Riding though to Cent. America and S. America? Next question is how much Off Road would you like to do? Finding good Off Road tracks in Baja is easy, but NOT so easy on Mainland Mexico unless you know the terrain or have a guide or tour group. Cent. America even tougher to find good off road routes without a guide. Lots of private property and MUD on the Caribe side. If you're set on doing solo exploring Off Road then it's clear the KTM 500 EXC is the way to go. A great dirt bike ... but, IMHO, I would not take one on a long multi country trip. (several reasons why) As with so many trips, you always end up riding A LOT on the highway. Yes, you can go searching for "Adventure" off road, but best ride with a partner or two or use a guide or join tour group. I also see you listed an F650 BMW ... that bike could be a nice compromise that would allow pretty good Off Road capability yet could be a better loaded up travel bike than the KTM 500. Better for luggage and fast highway riding. Better than GS off road. If you only want to do basic Dirt or Gravel roads ... then I would go with your R1200GS. A great bike ... if you can keep it running. I've seen a few break down when abused riding ROUGH wash board tracks through Baja and even a couple failed here in our California Sierra Fire Roads. Baja Off Road is a GS eater! :eek3: The GS drive line is, IMO, a bit delicate, may not always hold up to strenuous Off Road/Wash Board abuse. So, my advice, take it easy on your GS, try not to over pack, keep weight down, make sure suspension is modified to handle the load. All should be good. (with luck of course! :thumbup1: ) I love riding GS's on beat up paved roads or going through Pot hole'd streets. Works great, packs up great, handles great, is fast and smooth and super comfortable. What could go wrong? :smartass: But I can't afford a GS ... so will stay with my funky 12 year old Suzuki DR650 for now! Regards Navigation, I agree the Garmin Montana seems to be the Go! I would bring an iPad for internet, not Navigation. Yes, big expenditure to buy both and yes, I could use my Phone to Navigate ... but I will treat myself to the Garmin and hope that I can make it work. (I'm not good with such devices! doh ) bier |
Hi Long Long, thanks for the input. Between you and Molly Dog I have been swayed. Garmin it is. Keep in touch and perhaps we can meet and travel together, who knows.
Thanks again MD....... Now........ which model?? More time researching on the life sucking machine. Need it soon for my Timmons trip |
Hey guys.....HELP!! 395?? 595?? Montana??
I use Bluetooth earbuds. I like the 5 inch screen..... Is the Nav worth the extra bucks??? Thanks for the help |
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I would do your own reading on this but have read HUNDREDS of positives on the Montana. :thumbup1: It ain't cheap but gets very good reviews from nearly all sides. Hope this helps! bier |
Thanks again MD. YOUR research has saved me hours!! I am right there in my bike mods and installs. Just finished a bit of reading myself and the Montana seems to be making people happy. Tomorrows job is run the power to my tower and MAKE A DECISION!
Decision MADE! I am ordering the Montana in 10 minutes. |
GPS Montana
I would have responded sooner but my notifications were turned off.
It may take a little bit of getting used to but it's going to be pretty hard to go wrong with a Garmin Montana. I have the 650t but they have a newer model out now. The only drawback to my model is that it doesn't have bluetooth capabilities so no voice guided directions through my helmet. It does come with a wired plug for voice but I've never used it. You should be able to beef up your new unit with a memory card with as much storage as you will ever need to load multiple maps as well as your own route creations for future use. |
Mollydog I appreciate the feedback and for the same differences that you have mentioned for the various modes of travel (off road, street, dirt roads, etc.) is precisely why I have three different bikes, because the perfect bike does not exist. Of my three bikes the 650 Dakar would be the middleweight but as far as I am concerned is not very suitable as it stands to really take advantage of it's true middleweight status. It has the off road look but it's not really setup for off roading. Alas for me the 650 is out of the question for the foreseeable future as it is in the workshop and dismantled on it's bike stand waiting for an upgraded rebuild to what I feel will truly make it an adventure riding machine. So, at the moment I am left with two different bikes at the opposite end the spectrum to chose from.
I am beginning to wonder if Baja might require at least two trips on two different bikes in order to get the full flavor of the peninsula and then move on from there? Beyond Baja I have a strong desire to ride Peru and have recently been made a where that there are ferry's from Baja into the mainland of Mexico and boats from, I think Puerto Vallarta into Columbia. Can anyone confirm this way of travel? |
You could do a lot of Baja trips, lots to see.
If you ride your GS, be cautious about which off road tracks you take. Most, you can make OK, others can be a bit challenging on a heavy bike. Deep sand would be the biggest obstacle on the heavy GS unless you are an expert Desert Dune rider. Most tourists stay on the nice, paved highway the entire way, from the US Border, South to La Paz. From there, you have two Ferries that go daily to the Mexican mainland, one to Mazatlan, the other to Topolobombo. I prefer going to Topo as it only takes 5 hours vs. 12 to 14 to Mazatlan, depending on conditions. I have NOT heard about a Ferry from Puerto Vallarta to Colombia. I would like to take that Ferry myself if it exists. :mchappy: You could also fly YOURSELF and your BIKE from any major Airport in Mexico and possibly Cent America, to Colombia or other S. American City. Some leave from Los Angeles to either Peru' or Chile and rent a Cargo Container, then get enough other bikes (or cars) to share in the cost. Good luck! bier |
How to get down the Peninsula?
Mollydog thanks for the insight.
This is your thread and I certainly am not trying to hijack it. I will try to find out more information about boats from other places on the mainland that might go into Columbia, though. I can ride deep sand on my GS but admittedly it's not my strong suit on that bike. Regardless of the bike there's no way I'm riding asphalt all the way down to Cabo. My GS is completely fashioned for off road riding and the 500 is geared up as a dual sport machine. The biggest challenge for me is the choice of tires because I certainly don't want to be riding with off road tires a few thousand miles on the pavement before I get to the Mexico boarder and actually start the trip, they'll be well worn in by then and not fresh for Mexico. I've got some figuring out to do on that front. I think the October time frame that you have planned to go is perfect for a bit of cooler weather and I hope to be well sorted by then. I am preparing my GS for the trip as we speak but in the back of my mind I can't help but think that the KTM should be the weapon of choice. |
Not my thread, hopefully the info here will help EVERYONE! :D
If just doing a Baja ride, I would for sure ride the 500 KTM. But if continuing South, then the big BMW would be the Go for a longer trip. You're lucky to have two such incredible bikes. Tires are always a tricky thing for the exact reasons you state. I would use street tires until near the Mexican Border. Then switch to some sort of Dirt or Enduro type tire. Finding tires in Baja nearly impossible. You may find tires at some MC dealers in either Guadalajara or Mexico City. BMW or KTM dealer there usually have something. Expensive. You may find suitable tires in other, independent shops now. Most times when I go to Mexico I pack a tire (or 2) on my bike. I'm in N. California, 800 miles from the border. So I ride down on whatever tire is on the bike, once in Baja I visit a "llantero" shop (tire shop) and have them mount up my new tire. You can sometimes even sell them your "old" tire. If you know someone in San Diego, or another town near the Border, then order tires on line (cheapest way) and have them sent to your friend's house or business. Mount them up yourself or take into Mexico to have it done. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...z6k9ZKJ-XL.jpg ... this ride was 10 years ago. Rear tire waiting to mount up down the trail. 1st part of this ride is 1000 miles of Interstate Highway ... so I save the off road tire for when the dirt starts. This system works for me, carrying a tire on the DR650 is easy. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...mNkPSkk-X2.jpg A new front here carried on rear rack, had it mounted in La Paz, same bike, different look! |
Cars, airplanes, boats, bikes, tires!!! So many choices, so little time!! Riel mentioned earlier that he felt his 701 was about as close to the do it all bike as you can get. I'm feeling it! My new ( to me ) 701 just keeps me grinning. Before I made the call though Long Long I was thinking hard about dual sporting a 500. If I owned a 500, as you do................
Tires.......... My 701 came with tkc 80's. I was VERY pleasantly surprised! I asked at the dealership if the wheels were balanced and they said no. They also said to not waste my money and ride it first. In their dealership experience nobody has ever needed balancing. I was skeptical but off I went. 140 kph highway passing is rock solid, confidence inspiring in the twisted. The price seems reasonable comparatively speaking but as we all know there is no magic bullet in tires. These are a soft compound which keep me happy grip wise but its looking like a new back will be needed around 4500 km. Having been happy so far I am reluctant to go on a fishing trip in the new tire department. I have a new Conti rear coming in a couple of days that I will swap out before heading to Timmons with my buddy in a couple of weeks. For my trip south to the Baja I was figuring I would be putting on new rubber State side just before crossing ( as well as others in between I know ). My very limited experience of mainland Mexico tells me getting a new tire shouldn't be too difficult with a little planning. Finished mounting my new Montana. Received the North American city SD and installed that. Trial run looks good but as Long Long said I was also a little disappointed it doesn't have Bluetooth. Oh well, I plugged into the audio out with my ear buds and all is good. It's how I'm used to rolling anyway. In my research many people speak of open street map. Then someone mentioned MapsMe which I am accustomed to, stating that open street is what that app uses. To me, perfect. I will load MapsMe on my smart phone as my plan B backup. Time is ticking........ leaving Toronto first week of Sept and heading to Colorado and then Utah........... still looking for a riding buddy. Who's interested? |
Tires Choices
Husqvarna 701 I've been doing a lot of work transforming the 500 into what I think is going to be a really good long distance dual sport bike. I haven't had a chance to ride it yet but I converted to a Tubliss setup and have thrown a set of Golden Tyre GT2 16aa Fatty & GT2 16. Again, I haven't tried them out yet but as I understand it they are supposed to be good for pavement and off road.
There is so much to do with getting ready for a ride and I hope to be able to meet up with and take a ride down the peninsula in October. |
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Wow, looks like you're getting your KLR into some nice nasty stuff! bier
Do be aware that August/September are "typically" the heaviest time for Rainy Season in Southern Mexico and Cent. America. Of course, this can vary year to year. But global warming means more severe EVERYTHING. Hotter, Colder, more rain, longer droughts ... all crazy mixed up and no one is ready. :helpsmilie: In rainy season you do get cooling cloud cover, usually does not rain in AM ... so plan to ride from dawn to when it begins to cloud up. Once the rain comes ... take cover. (tropical storms preclude this theory, can rain 24 hours) :helpsmilie: Can be brutally HOT with 90% humidity. By late October or November rainy season tapers off and temps can cool (but not always!) Humidity lowers too. If too HOT, go up high (if possible). I ended up living in Guatemala because much of the best areas are around 1500 to 2000 meters. Nice and cool year round. :thumbup1: (Guatemala: Land of Internal Spring) |
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Fortunately I have a lot of flexibility, my only requirements are a) I have some form of internet connection most of the time and b) that I am not in Canada during the winter. So I'll need to burn off about 6 or 7 months minimum if I wanted to be back in the Spring. As long as I can connect to the internet along the way to keep business in order and running I ought to be good to indefinitely. I returned from ~6 months in Colombia this March but I flew in and rented down there. This'll be my first proper overland trip :scooter: |
Perfect! Man, I'm envious!
Baja gets HOT up until mid to late October, but very low to zero humidity ... so dry heat. Once on Mainland Mexico, in sub tropical coastal lowlands, and into Cent. America, November can be very nice, in my experience. The Caribe side (like Belize) get cooling breezes, NICE! It is also hurricane season ... so keep an eye out. Ride Safe, have fun, Rubber Side Down! :scooter: |
Molly Dog nailed the Guatemalan climate.
If I push it, I can ride coast to coast in one day. Many North Americans live in Antigua or the many towns around Lake Atitlan for the "eternal spring". I was quite cold and damp as I road in the clouds on one ride, only to be peeling off layers an hour later as I descended toward Monterrico. For such a small country, the rides are always interesting. One of the reasons I'm loving Guatemala so much. Motorcycle_Capitalist, LongLong, hope we can do some miles together |
Hello 701, I'm currently in Anchorage heading to Prudhoe then down to Argentina. I'm also looking at heading for Moab and Baja. No route decided on yet. I'd be happy to ride some of the route with you! I'm flexible on time but I may be a little in front of you. Happy trails!!
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Hi Meandering Motorbiker
I will keep posting my whereabouts when I leave and perhaps we can do some miles together. I am off in a couple of days to Timmons with a buddy. Apparently there is this "off the asphalt road he needs to explore. A good shakedown now the the bike is all farkled and ready to go. 2000 km round trip. Those interested in some 701 stats. I bought the Rade Garage fairing and extra fuel tank then filled them both. Tanks I mean. Found out I have a range of 420 km/ 260 miles @ 53 miles per US gallon. MM..... keep in touch and safe travels |
Hello 701,
I'm heading up to Dead horse on Monday. I'll keep my eyes open and hopefully see you out there somewhere! With a range like yours now has you should have no trouble on the longer stretches of wilderness! Happy trails! |
So it turns out my buddy spent the first 15 years of his life growing up in a small but beautiful northern Ontario town. There was this gravel road heading out of town towards Timmons. As a kid he just always "wondered"? So after looking for his mother's head stone, chatting with some locals, grabbing a coffee we head off. It was now a gravel logging road in the middle of the Canadian wilderness. In the middle of the 180 kms the road was out. We were able to "go around " on the bikes but it explained why we saw no other vehicles. Then, coming at us in a pick-up was the natural resource/game warden waving his arms. He was pretty surprised to see us in the middle of nowhere but COMPLETELY understood when we told him we were on our way to Timmons to see Shania Twain!
He just wanted to be sure we were aware of the NO FIRE ban. There were fires burning in areas around us and he didn't want this area to be next. I was a little disappointed in my Montana on this trip. The road we took ONLY appeared at one zoom setting and gave up on me a number of times. The screen would go blank and it would shut down. One time, as the road turned left, it showed me continuing straight to nowhere? It works flawlessly on the slab but I was happy I had downloaded off line maps on my phone as well. I have since become aware that perhaps another card with "back roads" might be the answer. SLOWLY learning a few more features of the device. Bike has been flawless so far. It's humbling to be riding such a capable machine knowing I am not the guy that can push it anywhere near the limit. My time in Ontario visiting family and friends seems to be flying by. Sept. is just around the corner and it will be time to head south. Friends in Colorado are looking forward to our visit. |
Thanks for posting this update. Very cool!
Good to hear the Husky is doing well. Hope the Montana learning curve improves. I'd be sunk if this happened. |
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Sent you a PM to potentially coordinate ride time South this Fall. :scooter: Cheers, Riel |
So what are you sleeping on?
I already had one of those self inflating mattresses that are about one inch think. You all know the type. They're better than nothing of course but the ground can still be felt. I wanted more comfort so after much YouTubing and reading reviews I made my decision. In April I ordered a Helinox Cot that was on back order and I waited. Figuring I would put the one inch self inflating on top for a plush sleep. Hey, I'm not back packing so figured why not. And I waited......... and waited.......... and waited! After a couple of calls and no cot in sight I gave up on the Helinox. Some more review reading and I thought perhaps the latest generation Therma Rest cot might fit the bill. Off to MEC I went. That's Canadian for REI. Anyway, was I ever disappointed! Testing in the store convinced me this approach was not the answer. A nice lady canoeist that watched me said she had returned hers. She also was less than impressed. So, after looking around at what else was available I spotted this FOUR INCH SELF INFLATING!! It's not just air but foam filled as well. Tossed it on the floor and gave it a whirl. Wow! It felt plush. No bottoming out of butt, hips or even elbows. I thought it was a little pricey but couldn't get over the comfort! MEC has their own version but in the end I went with the Therma Rest MondoKing 3D large. Rolled up in its bag it is only a smidge larger than the one inch self inflater which is now staying at home. It's only a month now before I head out. Things are coming together. I think I'll be sleeping in comfort. |
It's tongue in cheek ladies. I don't mean to offend anyone but when the beautiful 160 lb woman walks out of the dress store and tells us she just bought a lovely dress in a size 5 that looks great on her well............
We all know it's a marketing ploy to make her feel good about herself and you know what....... that's ok but seriously.......... Yesterday was a BIG day for me. If you ask my wife, a day long over due! You see, for the most part, men don't care if those underwear have elastics that are coming apart or a small hole in them here or.....THERE. I bought a half dozen of my favourite boxers years and years ago and they have served me well but.............. the time had come. My wife is a runner and she knows all about that moisture wicking stuff. For my ride back to Guatemala in some pretty hot conditions I too felt it was time. So off to Mark's Work Warehouse we go. Unknown to me my wife had already been talking with the guy a few days before and knew JUST WHAT I NEEDED. Micro fiber, moisture wicking anti-bacterial ........................BASE LAYER!!!!! Really.......REALLY!!!!! Apparently UNDERWEAR are just SO YESTERDAY! To demonstrate how long it's been since I've purchased new boxers at Walmart I ALMOST went into cardiac arrest when I saw the $25 price tag for one pair....... 1, just ONE!!!!!! And now the marketing. I am a size 37 waist and have been for years. Depending on the brand of pants or shorts I buy either a 36 or 38. But NOT UNDEARWEAR!!! A size large on the package says for waist size 38 -40. My wife bought me a nice pair a few months ago in a size large and they are just too tight. The lady salesperson says her husband has noticed the same thing. She says to ignore what the package says and buy what you have discovered works for you. Oh......... and by the way, it's NOT a coincidence I've used the word package all those times!! Talk about right place right time. I bought three pair because they were on sale at half price! I get home and I put on a pair of my new micro fiber, moister wicking, anti-bacterial EXTRA LARGE BASE LAYER boxers and my wife was smiling. In fact, she winked AND whistled. I'm hoping they will be comfy on my ride back BUT what's really important is that when I wear them I feel so..........so......... HANDSOME AND SEXY!!!!!! |
Hahaha well I guess you're set! Now there's nothing holding you back!
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I've been doing a lot of reminising lately. The fact that I'm 65. The fact that I have had a wonderful visit back to my home town and an incredible meeting with friends I haven't seen in many decades. OMG, one friend had a picture of our grade eight graduation!!! Hilarious. Sadly, in a class of 20, 4 are already gone.
We take so much for granted at times. To bring this back to an HU posting. People we miss or take for granted. I think I'm seeing the end of an era. While growing up there was this shoe repair shop. For me personally it was where I took my baseball glove and hockey equipment to be mended. Big machines, big needles! He passed the business off to his son Mike. As I discovered just the other day, Mike is no spring chicken. There is also no one stepping up when he is gone. I bought the Mosko R40 for my bike. I really do love how it "fits" the 701. The R80 has the hole in the back for the fuel fill, the R40 does not. Fueling is a bit of an ordeal. Not a deal breaker but it was getting a little old. Then I remembered Mike. I took the luggage to the son of a shoe repair man who was now an accomplished tradesman. I can do that he says. So today I picked up my custom modified Mosko R40. He did a GREAT job putting a hole in the fuel fill location. Looks like it came from the factory and still functions perfectly. Thanks Mike. A person I take for granted that will be missed. |
Husqvarna 701, I’m looking at similar mods (fairing and aux tank) on my Enduro R. Sent you a PM regarding that.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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Enjoy
After doing my 3.5 year trip from California to Ushuaia and Antarctica....no the Argentine Navy would not take my bike. BMW would have paid a lot for that picture. Then up the Amazon on a river ferry then into Guyana 98% solo at the age of 62 to 65...enjoy the time and ride by yourself.
Not only that but I had not ridden a motorcycle in30+ years before. Thinking about a repeat next year. |
Thanks very much for that post fast103.
VERY VERY inspirational! Glad to hear you want to get out and do it again but don't put the pressure on yourself to top that trip! That would be tough to do. |
A delicate subject for men of a certain age. The hard bodies of our youth are distant memories for "most" men over sixty. I need to loose a few pounds but compared to my friends, I am more active and in a "little" better shape. Regardless, there is a word, there is a topic of discussion that is as depressing as the sound of a snapping rubber glove................. sag.
Hey Billy, did you see Jim? I know right! He was club champion back in the day but look at that sag now. Sad isn't it! A little info for 701 owners. My geared up weight and loaded luggage put my 701 sadly out of trim. I wanted to deal with that so this is what I did. I weigh 200 out of the shower and maybe 220 all geared up. I weighed ALL of the gear I will be taking with me and it comes in at 75 lbs. I went to the Slavens Racing website and looked at what they had. Interesting the difference between the 690-701 options. You will see an 8.0 and an 8.6 that I was looking at for my 701 Enduro. Jeff doesn't think you can have it both ways, a spring for unloaded and the same spring for loaded down but I wanted to try anyway. When it comes time to actually order on their website an 8.4 showed up so that was my order. At the same time I ordered the XTrig preload adjuster and had them installed the other day. Both tanks full of fuel, all geared up with a single bag on my rack carrying "about" 10-15 lbs I got my......... my.............. SAG adjusted! According to the mechanic my sag is now good. In fact, he said my SAG is perfect! I guess at my age if sag is inevitabe at least having PERFECT sag makes me feel a little better. With an 8mm socket on a small extension I can now preload when I add my luggage. My adventure begins next week. I will cross the border at Fort Erie and head to Erie Pa where the first order of business will be to get a sim card for my phone. |
The border crossing was easy. I had no idea what to expect. All KINDS of stories circulating but the gentleman in the booth was, well, a gentleman.
I had all the right answers to his guestions I guess. Getting the SIM card was the painful part. They were having all SORTS of issues with their SYSTEM and it took me an hour and a half to FINALLY get hooked up. While in route a sweet looking Harley fell in behind me. I pulled into a parking lot to have a look see at my GPS and he followed and pulled up behind. Turns out he just wanted to know if I needed any help. I put a Canadian flag on the back of my luggage so other motorists will understand I'm an out of towner. Perhaps he sensed I was in need. We introduced each other and Jerromie pulled out his phone and looked up the T- Mobile for me. He then told me what he often does while camping on the road. Heads to the back corner of a cemetery. People so far have been great with their local knowledge. Had a cold beer and an awesome Philly steak sub at a friendly bar. The postman's suggestion. Made a DUMB mistake!! After setting up I made a pot of coffee. Drank about 3 cups as I relaxed before calling it a day. So here I sit, alone in my tent, WIDE AWAKE at the back of a very nice cemetery typing this post! I got busted by the grounds keeper earlier but when he saw the white hair, and my sincerest speach on how I would be VERY respectfull and gone at first light leaving NO trace he was cool about it. Now if I can JUST get some SLEEP!! Won't do that again, the coffee I mean. Just east of Cleveland presently if anyone wants to join me. Day 1 |
Where does Maple syrup come from daddy?
Well, let me tell you............ Where does flour come from daddy? Well little one, let me tell you......... Daddy, where do babies come from?? ASK YOUR MOTHER........ Just finished riding through all the country back roads of Indiana. I just LOVE discovering that local treasure of a restaurant. Had a great AMERICAN breakfast including two hot cups of coffee and some chit chat with some salt of the earth individuals. In Illinois now at a camp grounds. I seriously needed a hot shower and a shave. Had the best pizza I've had in a LONG time delivered right to my tent. Right now, life is pretty darn good. Oh, I'm rambling again. If any of my grandchildren ever ask.... Grandpa, where does CORN COME FROM...... Well, let me tell ya ... |
Camping
I'll be starting my road trip to SA from Niagara Falls Canada next week (but heading to British Columbia first). I never thought of a cemetery as a good camping spot but I'll make a mental note of that! did the gentleman give you any other tips about camping? hopefully there are no dangerous animals where you are
are you blogging about your trip anywhere? :mchappy: |
Hi Kevin. No, not blogging anywhere. Just sharing here to anyone interested. Local knowledge is like gold and the people have been super nice and helpful. The other night for instance when it was time to start scoping for a spot to spend the night I saw a short road to a river. At the end, a couple were there fishing. I spotted about 3-4 spots I could have pitched my tent but I asked first if it would be OK. I told them I didn't want to anger anyone if I shouldn't be here.
The gentleman told me it was State Park and that it would be fine BUT! it was Friday night and the locals often come there to party. He told me if a good night's sleep was my goal that just a little further down the road about a quarter mile I would see another driveway. Nobody goes there and I could set up and get a good night's sleep. That's what I did and a peaceful night was had. Talk it up. Ask the locals. Be polite and respectful and you will be rewarded with some great local knowledge. By the way. The grounds keeper at the cemetery was cutting grass the morning I left there. He gave me the thumbs up seeing that I left everything as it was. He wished me a safe trip and waved as I left. In a very nice campground in Knoxville Iowa as I write. To me, $12 for a clean rest room, manicured camp site and a hot shower is worth it. Good luck on your travels |
Stayed in another very nice campground in Nebraska last night. I wanted to write a few things here BUT I HAD NO INTERNET. Telling you this so that perhaps anyone coming this way could be smarter than me and look into which provider is best this way. I have T-Mobile and I'm not impressed. Maybe I just assumed too much.
For instance, the other day it said I was roaming?? I thought it was coast to coast?? I'll look into it in a couple of days when I reach my friends in Colorado. I know when I sailed down the east coast a few years back, there was one provider that did a better job than the rest. Just sayin, maybe do your homework. |
Well now. You're headed for Guatemala, and along the way there will be lots of places without cell service or wifi. Just a couple of years ago your complaint would have served well as a joke, or a sarcastic exaggeration of current attitudes.
Pretty funny when people--including myself--are surprised at not being able to get on line instantly, every place, under even the most unlikely circumstances. Most of the world exists in the absence of cell signal, just as it always has. This includes many places which are completely worth visiting. It's more noticeable once you leave the densely-populated cities and transport corridors of eastern North America, and more true again when you enter the mountains. Of course your specific complaint about T-mobile is perfectly valid. They're cheaper than the other large US carriers (and better overseas), which is why I use them, but their service coverage is undeniably worse. In my area of the country Verizon is generally considered to have the best coverage, but still there are vast areas with no coverage at all. Does this seem odd? The same is true of Canada, except more so. Cell coverage, like wifi, is often better in the Developing World, where paucity of landline coverage and hard connectivity helps wireless technology leapfrog more quickly than it does here. In a lot of areas people carry dual-sim smartphones, which operate on multiple pay-as-you-go plans from different companies. That's a concept which might serve you well, if staying connected is really important to you. They seem to be popular in Europe, too. I don't mean to come across critical; I'm more bemused than anything else. Have fun and keep posting! Mark |
Hi Mark
My experience to date has been my sailing destinations. My observation has been that even though the locals don't know where today's meals might be coming from they all have a cell phone sticking out of their pockets. Everything you said is right on the money of course. You are obviously a much more traveled person than myself. I just bought a dual sim phone before leaving. Moto G6 plus. The other slot holds my Guatemalan Sim. Like you said, everyone I talk to along the way says only Verizon works out here. Unless things have changed and I seriously don't know? Last I heard I can't mix Verizon with this phone. I "think" their system is proprietary. I arrive at my friends place in Dillon Colorado tomorrow. They will have all the scoop. You now have me laughing at myself Mark. This internet thing has become such a crutch! My quess though is, that it's here to stay. Oh, and I just found out that my friend is baking me a Colorado peach pie with all the fixings for my arrival tomorrow. The anticipation is half the fun!! Thank GOD for the internet! Sometime today I will be seeing those majestic mountains begin. Dillon is at 9000 ft. I have a few layers ready to put on if needed. Thanks for making me smile Mark |
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I'm going to assume naively that you bought an unlocked phone, so that you can swap SIM cards. If not, take care of unlocking before you run into language barriers. Quote:
Mark |
It's 3:45 a.m. and I can't sleep. My friends warned me the altitude thing takes a couple of days so here I type. I would like to end the cell phone talk with this post, again, in an effort to help others.
I can ONLY RELAY what a biker that I rode with told me so forgive the 4th hand info. True OR NOT he claims his riding buddy bought "the thing" from China that now allows him to use his non Verizon phone on the Verizon network. If someone truely wanted to go that route it's "perhaps" at least possible to do without spending the big dollars on a Verizon only phone. Obviously more research required, I'm just giving hope. The good news is, when I arrived at my friends I find out they are using T-Mobile. They do a lot of traveling west from here to places like the national parks of Utah and have found T-Mobile to be just fine. Perhaps not all is lost in that regard. My fingers are crossed. Oh, the peach pie was to die for!!!!!!! |
I don't mean to be a Donny downer. Every person who rides has had close calls. Many have serious life changing injuries or had a friend that is no longer here. I'm only posting this because of how it effected me and it is after all a part of this trip.
Miles and miles of straight country road with a 65 mph speed limit. I was doing 65. A semi coming at me with two cars behind. Sure enough, the first car pulls out to pass the semi like I was invisible. On many roads I have traveled there is a substantial bit of asphalt to the side on which us bikers can dive to if needed but unfortunately for me not in this case. I had "maybe" 6 inches right of the white line and then gravel. If I hit that gravel at 65 it wouldn't have been pretty. The thing is, this was the SECOND TIME in just a couple of days this happened to me but at least the first guy clued in at some point and jerked himself around the truck realizing his mistake. Not this driver. I was " probably " engine braking when I realized this car wasn't pulling back in time but regardless, the closing speed would have been like hitting a brick wall at over 100 mph. I got as far right as I possibly could. I was riding that white line and a smidge onto the remaining 6 inches. I noticed the fear in the truck drivers face. His hands were waving. I remember pulling in my knees and elbows. I am completely serious when I tell you my bar end mirror went over top of that drivers side mirror. The people in the second car were screaming at what they thought was about to unravel but I distinctly remember the NON EXPRESSION of the offending driver. I can't tell you if the driver was a man or a woman. At those speeds it's happening fast but the utter lack of any emotion is what I saw. I was INVISIBLE. God only knows where that brain was. I have always said. " I would rather be lucky than good ". I quess it just wasn't my time. This rattled me deeply. REALLY RATTLED ME!! VERY DEEPLY!! I didn't sleep very well that night. I contemplated why we do what we do. Was it time to quit? All the next day it was all I could think about. I didn't sleep well that night either. Finally, there they were. I was 40 miles from Fort Collins and out of the haze I could make out the mountains. The Rockies! The scenery was going to change.......... big time. When I arrived in Fort Collins I seeked out the McD's for some WIFI. I asked a young lady if she could recommend a camping spot. She suggested I head north to the Red Feather area so off I went. Route 14 off of the 287 as I recall. It takes you into some wonderful twisties as you navigate the canyon. I stopped at the coolest campground. Becky gave me a sight under the trees next to the river. After setting up I wandered back to the registration area and grabbed a cold beer. Sat down with some folks, including Becky, and had some chit chat. A mellow, laid back group as I expected. Becky informed me at check in that this was a "Pot" friendly campground so don't mind the smoke. I don't partake myself but also don't judge in any way those that do. I teased her about the enormous selection of munchies she had for sale. "Goes with the territory" she laughed. I kept the fly off my tent that night. The sky was clear, the stars were bright and all I could hear in the blackness was the river sound. Fifty yards upstream and fifty yards downstream from me were small rapids that put me to sleep. A great sleep! Best sleep in days. I'm feeling a little better now. Life is good again |
Damn close call Rick! Glad you’re around to tell the tale :). I could understand if you’d decided to partake in the pot friendly activities at the campground that evening.
Was down in St Catherines last Friday, hoping to meet up and convey wishes for a good trip. Missed you by a day :(. Safe trip and looking forward to updates on your progress Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Good to hear! I’ll take that advice into consideration!
Enjoy |
Hey Joe, too bad we didn't get to meet but thanks for the best wishes.
Already planning a camping trip with my friends into the Moab area. They will be in their 4x4 camper. Been trying to look into new tires. I really want to try the Heideneu scout on the back. The 140/80 18 doesn't have the solid center strip so it peaked my interest. I will have about 7500 km on my rear and it is dead. The front has just over 10,000 but is now cupping pretty badly so it is time. Not sure which I will pick for the front. KTM of Aspen has the back and a couple of front choices but not the Conti TKC 80. They have the scout front but I need to research that a bit. I have a Tuesday appointment. First frost here last night so I am getting a loaner of a heavier sleeping bag, down jacket and hat for the night. Once over the mountains and down to 4000 my equipment is good. Looking forward to a great time. I'll keep posting. Oh, picked up oil and filters. Doing that tomorrow. Super pleased! 7500 km and I didn't burn a drop. |
Drivers ignoring oncoming traffic is COMMON in some countries ... so get used to it and have a way out and expect it to happen.
You will not find much of this in Mexico but further South may be worse. (??)Motorbikes have NO right away in much of the 3rd world. You don't count and many won't respect your right of way. Riding in Thailand I had to bail into the rice paddies several times. Later, I learned the drill ... you simply ride in the skinny bike lane and be READY to move if you have to. Turns out, in Thailand this is common practice. Sometimes we'd have 3 motorbike lined up, all running along road edge, a skinny bike path, while HUGE trucks whistled by, side by side with just a foot or two to spare. I actually got used to it. doh I had close calls in Ecuador, Peru' and Colombia as well. Many years back, not sure what it might be like now as there are 20 times more motorbikes than in the past. Since your riding a full on, World Class, Competition Enduro bike, I would not hesitate to run it onto the soft shoulder or gravel verge, ditch or ride paddy. The bike can do it ... and so can you! Engine brake before leaving road, down shift, DO NOT brake. Head onto the verge with some power applied to keep the bike going where you want. Should not be too hard on your Husky. Super stable, great suspension. Slowly, slow down in the gravel, don't try to turn sharply or brake. Look where you want to go (so many forget this cardinal rule!) If you go off the road ... beware drainage culverts. These can kill you. :( You will make it! |
I'm a little disappointed. I met a pretty cool dude, thanks to HU, that I was going to meet in Utah and travel all the way to Guatemala with but....... life happens. It turns out that life got in the way for Riel and although he may join me for a month and a half or so he will have to return to his home in BC in November.
It looks like I am looking for a travel buddy for much of the Mexico ride. My friend Tim here in Colorado did a LOT of adventure cycling in his day. Twice across the US and more. He and Susan have seen most of the National Parks that I will be passing so it was extremely helpful for me when he offered a route to the west coast. With his experience traveling this part of the country he layed out a scenic trip. One that will take in many of the must see parks and yet essentially keep me moving west. I want to ride to Leggett California to hwy 1 and ride as much of that Pacific Coast as possible. My fingers are crossed that Riel can make it with me. He was looking forward to it. Aren't friends GREAT!!!!!! |
I was having relationship problems. We have since come to an agreement so I thought I would share for the benefit of others.
Monty (my Montana 680t) and I have had a working relationship for about 3 months now. I was less than impressed at first but have learned a few things about "his ways" over the last few weeks. My destination when I left southern Ontario was Dillon Colorado. I gave Monty his instructions, no toll highways, no interstates, no major highways and pressed GO! For the first four days inevitably after about an hour he put on one of the no no no's!!! One time I followed him and gave up. Fine Monty, fine! I was looking at 200 miles of interstate but at least I was heading west so decided to go with him. I pulled off at a rest stop to stretch my legs after only 5 miles into it. Monty had been thinking while I was gone because when I jumped back on he had me pull off at the next off ramp. Good Monty, good BOY!!! He picked a route over the interstate and onto about 2 miles of gravel to a country road heading west. I was so impressed and happy with my little fellow! He was finally GETTING IT!! So, what I "think" I have discovered is to not overload the little guy. I had NO complaints at all for "about" my last 900-1000 miles of my destination. Monty totally did as I asked and we are now good buddies again. |
Presently in Moab at my camp site WITH INTERNET. Arches and White Rim on my radar. Anyone in the area wanting to join me let me know. I might just chill a couple of days catching up on chores. Not sure if it makes any difference but thinking Monday "might" be less busy.
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1969..............Easy Rider
1969..............Then Came Bronson Those shows left me wanting a motorcycle adventure, but I was only sixteen. Three years later I was riding a Honda 750 Four. My best friend Larry a 650 Yamaha. We decided we were going to hop on our bikes and go. Who needed money?? Bronson seemed to find away. But then............... Larry tells me Susan is pregnant. A year later, my girlfriend was pregnant. Life unfolded for us both and it was time to grow up fast. People were depending on us. Today, my daughter and I are best buddies. Larry is still with Susan and has 3 girls he is very proud of and still runs his successful business. He is however unable to leave and out of shape to be hopping on a bike. When I asked my wife if we should spend 11 years building our sailboat she said yes because she new that if I started it I would FINISH it. It's taken me 46 years to get here. A few months back I had my hand in the Atlantic while in Nova Scotia. The Pacific is not that far away. I wish I was riding with a good friend but at least I'M RIDING. I am wrapping up this loose end and enjoying every minute of it. A few days back I spent quality time at Black Canyon of the Garrison River. Simply amazing!! Today I rode Arches. Good God!!! I am so grateful to be on this breathtaking adventure! |
Did y0u say Baja
just curious if your comng thru here ?
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Hi Fast Freddy
Yes, Baja for sure but I just don't know when. Too many variables at this time. |
Being a sailor, like others I've spoken with, we tend to rate the present "crappy" conditions we are now facing against our other storm experiences. " Well, it's not as bad as that time of Cape Fear at least"!
Getting an opinion on the difficulty of White Rim is tough. If your the kid whose dad bought him a dirt bike at 14, and for the past 30 yrs have owned and riden a knobby tired, fire breathing, wall climbing "fun" machine........ In those years of passionate bliss you ONLY broke one arm, one shoulder dislocation, and you hardly ever have to wear your leg brace any more. That guy, the trials rider whose bike DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A SEAT!? Your going to get a different number on the 1-6 scale of difficulty from those guys than say....... The fellow that's riden a Vespa in NYC for 30 yrs. The guy that's ridden his Goldwing, pulling a trailer, across America 4 times. Just because I bought an Arabian horse, doesn't mean I can ride it. Like giving the keys to your yellow Lamborghini to your 19 year old nephew because he "just" got his licence. Think "city slicker"! I rented a Harley while in NC and rode "Tail of the Dragon"! Dragged the pegs a couple of times, my heart was POUNDING!! Pull that guy off his Road King (me) and plunk his sorry ass on his new 701 and point....... White Rim is thata way partner! I used the 1-6 difficulty scale because before I went I "tried" to look up difficulty on line. Another fellow had asked that very question. Seems he was reading from the first two guys. I purposely DIDN'T look at all the horror stories on YouTube. Checked into the park. Went to the visitors to be sure my on line permit was valid and off I went. Went around clockwise and 5 minutes into it I had to stop for a jaw dropping photo opp. While stopped, a fellow riding a red KLR went a little further past me and he too stopped for the shot. Thinking it would be great to have someone to ride with, I asked if he would mind if I rode along with him. He said "sure" and off we went. I only know a few things about Scott. He is 69, he just finished an 800 mile BDR and he was sent from heaven!! to guide and help this Poser, Enduro riding wanna be! In conversation, while taking a water break, I asked Scott how he would rate the difficulty of White Rim. After saying it's difficult, given some guys ride through swamps and rivers up to their intakes, he said perhaps a "4". By the end of a very long day I had "about" 5 get offs and a couple of lucky close calls. With Scott's help, my bike only has hand guard scrapes. I personally have zero bodily damage however, my adventure has opened my eyes to my immense LACK of off road riding qualifications!! All I was able to do for Scott was to pick up and "save" his hat that jumped overboard. I was following remember. Scott saved my bike from much more cosmetic injury it would have sustained had I had to do it alone. He was there to push, help me get it back up, drag the front wheel around to go back down and have another go at it. I've often said I would rather be lucky than good. I cashed in ALL my pay it forward points to have Scott hang with me that day. I wanted to buy Scott supper for putting up with me but there wasn't much sun left and neither of us wanted to be riding in the dark. In the end, he was heading North and me West. I thanked him as humbly and graciously as I could. By the way, Scott was a master on his KLR. This was his second go around in 5 years. He did it ALL without one mishap! I felt like such a burden to him. Today I can say "I ?" did it. The memories will last a lifetime. The views, my good God, the views!!! Now, I KNOW!!! that for me White Rim will be THE HARDEST, most technically challenging ride I will EVER do! So you see, if someone asked ME on a scale of 1-6 my answer would be 6. It's all in who you ask. From this day forward my brain will always be saying.......... Well, at least it's not as bad as White Rim.. Yes..... I'm glad I did it but........ WHY WOULD ANYBODY DO THIS TWICE!!!!!! |
Hi guys,
Im currently on the road doing the trans American trail, approaching Colorado, I didn’t have the time to read through all the messages, but I’ll be going down through Mexico and Central America to South America in the coming weeks. If any of you are on the way and want to meet up for a drink or to ride, send me a message! |
Imagine your one of those handsome rock stars.
City after city, concert after concert, day after day! Drop dead GORGEOUS women throwing themselves at you again, and again and again. It would get old, tiring, enough already!........... OK wait, that probably wasn't the best example ???? Your a judge, with the Miss America Beauty Contest looking at one beautiful woman after the next. You'd want to quit............... OK wait, perhaps another bad example........ What I'm trying to say is I've been OVERLOADED with spectacular scenes! Completely saturated with the most beautiful!! Drenched in the wonder of it all !!! I actually STOPPED taking pictures. Around EVERY bend was ANOTHER jaw dropping moment. Some of the nicest people I've met were in America's corn country. Colorado, Utah, Nevada and now California. In MY LIFE the MOST spectacular wonders I have ever seen!! The cool weather made me run for it. It was going to get cold in "the desert"! I still have a hard time with that concept. "Metal Woods" "Jumbo shrimp" "Cold desert" Anyway, here I sit at my site, Westport California. The waves of the Pacific crashing in the background. Perhaps not a big deal to you road warriors reading this but a big deal to me. Coast to coast. My wife and I went on a small road trip in Guatemala to the black sands of Monterrico. I am more an easy coast boy and that was my FIRST time splashing in the waters of the Pacific. This is my second. Found out it's only an hour's drive to that big tree you can drive your car through. Seems it HAS TO BE DONE!! Should be a cool picture with the 701! Time to crawl into my sleeping bag and dream that I'm a rock star. |
2400 years old approximately. The drive through tree is in many photo albums. It's now in mine.
I am presently in a comfortable campground just north of San Francisco. The ride from the beginning of hwy 1 at Leggett to here has been everything I had hoped for and more. It's clearing now but this morning was drizzly and cold so I decided to chill here for a day. Sunshine tomorrow so I will head to the direction of Big Sur staying on the PCH as much as possible. People are loving the bike everywhere I go. She's a break from the everyday that's for sure. Had to get the picture this morning. Someone was taking their PET PIG for a walk. Lady said "Kevin" will live to be 20. He is two now. Don't see that in southern Ontario. But then again........ we DO LOVE OUR CHOPS!!! |
You're in my back yard now.
If you can, see a bit of Highway 36 (goes from Fortuna to Red Bluff) Great road. Best roads in California at your fingertips. PM me if you want detailed, two day tour of the best dual sport roads. Lots of roads through Indian reservations. Stunning terrain. Also perhaps ride through the Lost Coast area. Take Matole road out of Ferndale and onto Lost Coast. Ride all of Matole road if you can out to 101. Great Husky road. Another great road is further South off Highway one. Stewart's Poing/Sgagg's spring road. A great road that goes all the way to Healdsburg (highway 101) and THE BEST of the Wine country. A great road that has EVERYTHING. So much more. Patrick bier |
Wrong place at the wrong time.
Pacific Coast Hwy on a holiday weekend when "surf's up"!! The Big Sur area ride blew me away! Loved "the ride!!" All the campgrounds were booked and full or charging scalper fees. I can't handle crowds. As a rule I run the other way. After breakfast in Malibu on Sunday morning I just couldn't take it anymore. I made a run for Mexico and am now in a nice hotel room watching television, had a hot shower and am in my first real bed in a month, for the same cost as California was charging me for a place to pitch my tent! I'm a retired blue collar worker on a pension. California doesn't want/need "my kind!" Glad I did it. Very glad I saw the sights. The elephant seals were a real highlight for me. Love sending those kind of pics to my grandchildren. They love it. Quite honestly I'm glad to be in the land of affordable travel. Also, getting a little homesick for my little piece of paradise in Guatemala. The comfort of my boat and the company of my friends. Still looking at about 10 days travel. ( At my rate ) Well, I got it out of my system. Found out motorcycle travel for "this guy" is three times more fun when I am doing it with my wife. Am I aloud to say that out loud on HU??? |
When in Tecate at my hotel I met a couple of bikers from Arizona. They were back from a short stint into the Baja. One poor fellow was very sick from eating "the fish". Got the shoulder shrug when I mentioned temporary import.
Just a guess on my part but reading a little here and there I'm thinking you don't need one as long as your not planning to get the ferry to the mainland. If the ferry IS the plan I don't think you will get on without your temp. We talked a bit about our travels and they had me laughing when they said, you mean... "The People's Republic of California"?! We all have "little" love for California. Sorry if your from California reading this (MD) but it's from your fellow countrymen. I can see how people get in trouble crossing the border here. I was just waved on through and BANG, I'm in Mexico. I could have just kept driving until "the checkpoint" and then that would have been a bad day. I parked my bike on the street and walked BACK to immigration. I don't know what it is but having that Canadian passport is Golden!! The official asked me how much time I needed. I told him 15 days should be plenty and he said " I'll give you 180". Thank-you sir. Temporary import office was closed so off to my hotel I go. Next morning I go for my temporary. Gentleman matches the 180 with my visa, awesome! He tells me I can come and go from Guatemala and back into Mexico for those 180 days but that I MUST CANCEL THE TEMP before the time is up if I want to be refunded the $400 US. There also was a $60 processing fee. I just hope the border officials on the Guat side got the SAME memo. Was going to get insurance on line before entering Mexico but had internet issues so couldn't. Found a woman in Tecate that sold me some. Apparently not anyone can sell to a Canadian??? I don't know? I was turned away by one place because she said she couldn't?! I sure hope I never need it. Something tells me I just spent $190 US for a piece of paper. It was cheaper to buy for 6 months than 30 days. Ok, should be good to go. I leave next morning. Half way to Santa Ana the traffic is funneled into a modern screening area. I was asked for my paperwork and then the officer saw my temporary import sticker attached to the inside of my windscreen. All was good. Crossing the T's the day before was SO WORTH IT! It's now time for a brew in Santa Ana. 650 kms today. |
Ok, so I'm superstitious. The reason I haven't said anything about how the bike was running is because I didn't want to jinx a good thing. She was running GREAT!!!!!!........... until she wasn't.
The first indication to me that anything was wrong was as I approached ANOTHER ONE of those money sucking toll booths on the pay as you go hwy. She stalled as I was down shifting and I coasted to the booth. Every time, turn off bike, take off gloves, grab another 50-100, get change and receipt, put gloves back on, fire it up and go. Firing it up was getting more and more difficult. Letting off the throttle was an immediate stall. I had Googled and found a Husqvarna dealer in Guadalajara Mexico. I had planned to go there even before my issues to get a new front tire and some service work done but now it was imperative My friend Riel's words were echoing in my head. Pre-filter your gas and carry a spare fuel pump. Woulda, shoulda, coulda........! Damn, I was hating myself. Coughed and sputtered into a little town called Rosario and found a hotel. What a wonderful family run, middle of nowhere place. Lucy greets me at reception. A lovely young lady that spoke very good English. My room was comfy. Next day was long! I got up early and checked my 10 micron after market filter near the engine. Clean as a whistle. Lucy's brother Damitris ran me around to four little bike shops until we found the guy that would remove the fuel pump, drop the gas and clean the filter. Again, clean as a whistle. I take Damitris out for breakfast. What the hell???! Ok, I listen....... the pump is doing its normal "thing", fuel is clean! I fill up with fresh premium. Bike is a handful at low speeds. Quits at any low rpm situation. I'm stumped but I think "maybe" injector. It's early afternoon Friday and I make a run for Guadalajara. The bike shop is only open half days on Saturday so I go now. Lucy and Damitris tell me to take the HWY because it is safer than the freeway. They wished me luck, said they would pray for me and that if I ever come that way again to please come for a visit! The bike is "not bad" at 100-120 kph but it's a five hour ride. I arrive about an hour after dark and get a room. Hotel prices are double anywhere else I've been so far in Mexico but very nice. Saturday morning I'm at the bike shop waiting for it to open. Had to wait for Miguel because he speaks perfect English. I explain everything so far so they hook it up to the diagnostic machine and it says everything is fine including the injector. Put in new plugs. Two different plugs by the way. No change. Getting other service work done like oil change, replace brake fluid, check valve clearance etc but time ran out on Saturday. I spoke with Miguel about another suspicion I have. My Wings exhaust has been slowly getting quite loud. Too loud for me! I'm really fishing here but I was thinking........ Could the exhaust be too straight through now??? I mean, could the ECU no longer be able to make adjustments within it's perimeters?? Nothing has been done from stock in that regard because the bike ran fine. We talked about it so Monday hopefully the muffler gets repacked. 17500 kms since picking up the bike in Moncton NB. I AM having that adventure I was looking for. Meeting some really great people. So here I sit in my fancy pants hotel room. Just a LITTLE more comfortable than my tent in that cemetery. 2000 kms to go to get back to Angel Eyes. Wondering........... WHAT THE HELL DOES THE AUSTRIAN PRINCESS WANT!!!!!! |
Here I sit, Husqvarna Guadalajara Mexico.
I have to say honestly I was sceptical at first but the mechanic dug in. It all became PERFECTLY clear when he was doing the valve adjustment. I don't think ANYONE would have guessed........ broken exhaust valve spring! Well THAT explains a LOT! Parts are the next hurdle. The guys worked hard for me and sourced a spring. Not easy in Mexico. Three and a half days turn around. Bike just fired up and sounds great. Warranty........ It started out like it might be a problem but after a call to Canada the man in charge said all was good, they will honor the warranty. All things considered about as good as I could hope for. The spring was most definitely junk. Somehow got by quality control. At least I was STRANDED at a lovely hotel with Wifi and a pool. Hope to be on my way tomorrow! |
I have shown here NO MERCY!! Rode her hard and fast for 1500 kms and so far she is as good as new, maybe even a little better.
I "may be" falling in love again?! There is a restaurant in Tenosique Mexico I am familiar with. The wonderful shrimp dinner has just arrived!! Beer on ice. Tomorrow I sleep on Angel Eyes. Guatemala is one hour away. |
Good Evening Husq,
Just reading through your thread and enjoying it. Glad the trip is working out, mostly as planned. Planning on a trip to your little corner of CA this winter with my KLR and doing some Spanish school. Be great to get together for a ride…..or seven. A friend of mine is heading down there starting Nov 10, leaving from Texas. Let us know if you would want a little CDN company this winter. Cheers. Arctic |
Hi Arctic
It was a long day but I have arrived back to Angel Eyes and Tortugal Marina. The staff here are great! She is clean and sparkling. So don't laugh but the restaurant here has this killer mac and cheese. I was thinking about it all day as I rode! Having a big bowl and a cold beer as I type. I think a CDN riding buddy or two would be great! Enjoy your ride and when you are in my neck of the woods let's connect. I'll PM you my e-mail. Time now to vitamin E all those callouses! |
Hi Rick,
Happy to hear the Husky was more joy than sorrow on the ride down and that your back home safe. Hope to cross paths some point in the not too distant future! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Hey Joe
Thanks and a meet up for a beer would be awesome. I'll give you a shout if back in Ontario and if you ever find yourself this way you know where to find me. Safe riding. |
701 enduro here too
mostly around guatemala city and the highlands... pm if you travel around here sometime... may we can arrange a little ride :D :mchappy: |
Isn't HU great!
Maybe a riding buddy in Guatemala!! Cool. |
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