Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers Seeking Travellers
Michigan to Panama and back 2009 Michigan to Panama and back 2009
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers Seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth!
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manistee
Posts: 8
Michigan to Panama and back 2009
Looking for one or two people to ride to Panama and back in 2009. Plan on taking at least a month if not more. I want to explore a little in each country we pass trough this will not be an iron butt marathon. I will be retired and my wife does not want to go. I'd like to make contact and possibly take a ride in the US prior to 2009 as a compatibility check. I love people, speak a little Spanish and have a knack for finding places where few go that are memories of a life time. I will be staying in hotels but I am fine with economy. I'd like to talk to anyone who has made a similar trip as well for advice. Thanks

PanamaJerry
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: quebec city
Posts: 41
That can be fun.. I plan to do this kind of trip in 2008(maybe down to Usuhaia).. but if somethig dont work maybe. we ca ride together

we jus need to keep us in contact
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Detroit, MI, USA, Motor City
Posts: 4
What timeframe are you looking at? I am planning a Michigan (I live NW of Detroit) to Tierra del Fiego in Fall of 2009. Perhaps we could ride to Panama together.
My wife and I plan to ride two bikes and take our time, enjoying the trip along the way. Economy is good but not a dealbreaker.

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manistee
Posts: 8
Mike

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

Panama Jerry
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Detroit, MI, USA, Motor City
Posts: 4
I actually live in Pontiac, which is approx. 10 miles east of Howell. Where do you live now?
Mike
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manistee
Posts: 8
I'm in Manistee North of Ludington. We can e-mail off line if you want. Check my Profile as I accept e-mail messages direct. Which KTM do you ride, 950? They (KTM) are great bikes. I for some reason really like all the new Supermotos. The new Ducati is cool and from the pictures I have seen the Aprilia will be pretty neat as well. All you need is money. As of now I rdie a 2002 Suzuki V-Strom. Ideally every man should have 3 or four motorcycles. Just ask my wife.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Two years into the future, huh?

One month isn't very long.

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

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

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

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

Buy some maps, do some more research and make new plans.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manistee
Posts: 8
Well, Mister Lone Rider you certainly do not mince any words here. But! you have a very valid point. I do plan on stopping and seeing the sites along the way and I know most of the side roads are pretty poor and take a lot of time to travel down. So my new prediction is around three months. In all actuality I plan on being gone as long as it takes. This is my reward to myself for retiring after 37 years working for the same company. You can bet I won't hold back on having a good time and enjoying the people and sites.

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

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

Thanks for the information.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 36
Max Dongo's Disposable Tours
I am a spanish speaking tour guide and have considerable experience traveling in Central and South America, and access to motorcycles which could be ridden down and left in Panama, which is a way to see and enjoy a lot more of Central America than down and back in the time frame you have.

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

I will have a website up in a couple of months, and the first tour will be during the winter of 2008-2009.
Last edited by Max Dongo; 11 Aug 2007 at 15:30.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanamaJerry View Post
....We are all just trying to learn and enjoy life.

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

Happy planning...
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Forest, Va
Posts: 46
I don't normally plan that far ahead, and the chances of being compatible on the road is slim, it could workout. I too, ride an 05 V-Strom 650, sold my 04 in South America last year. Spent 38 years at the same place, 30 with GE and 8 with Ericsson. They went into a joint venture, then made me an offer I couldn't refuse! Like to stay in touch, and see how it plays out.

Harold
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 49
Smile Listen to Lone Rider.........
He is the voice of experience as am I. I have done this trip 3 times roundtrip...it's no biggie....all paved roads if that's what you choose. One month for the roundtrip would be horrible....better use at least 2 months....1 month each way.....and it ill be a very enjoyable trip. I would reccomend carretera #2 for El Salvador, though, the twisties and the ocean views are beyond compare. He is not harsh, just very knowledgable. May I suggest reading the whole HU website and its stories LOL. IMHO the Honduran border is the most expensive and toughest, in that everyone has their hand out and the offices change every month to keep us confused. One bit of advice, always ask for the top copy, the original for your paperwork, the border at the other end will give you a hard time if you have the 2nd or 3rd carbon copy. Who knew?? Good luck and brush up on your Spanish.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manistee
Posts: 8
Gracias Lizanne,

Ok I'll buy some maps and re-plan :-) I appreciate everyones input.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Omnimap.com - world leader in map supply

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

Maps are porn for travel dreams...
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 7
Was suppost to leave British Columbia, Canada this October for Ushuaia with three friends but personal commitments will leave me behind. Planning on doing the trip in February 2008 - weather up North permitting. Thought of doing the trip solo but company would be better. I'll keep an eye on this thread for any travel plans by others.

Stromba
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
shipping bikes Panama to Colombia chrisandlori Trip Transport 21 8 Mar 2017 17:36
Panama to Colombia by Boat - my experience The Big J Central America and Mexico 34 26 Sep 2007 13:58
Alaska or Panama? danbrew Route Planning 11 31 Mar 2006 02:09
Back from Panama or Costa Rica to Germany Wolfgang on bike SOUTH AMERICA 0 26 Nov 2002 02:49
Panama to Ecuador without Carnet Erling Trip Transport 1 26 May 2002 05:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:15.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top