Hi all,

So I'm planning a 3-5 month trip around the end of the year and thought I'd see if anyone's up for joining in for all or part of the trip, or just fancies meeting up at some point on the road....


Bit about the trip - so not planned too much but have the following so far:

• Start Oct / Nov 2011 and End Jan / Feb 2012

• Loop of South America - something like Columbia to Argentina - Start/finish and fun along the way not yet decided...

• Thinking I'll buy and sell a bike over their (probably a DR or KLR 650) rather than ship my Dakar....

• Probably a mix of hotels, hostels, and camping

• Will likely do some long days on the road, some short hops and hang around for a few days as and when

Bit about me: I'm 28 and live in London, UK. I've travelled a fair bit before, but never South America and only in Europe on a Motorbike. I'm pretty laid back and never normally plan trips at all (book the flights and see what happens ) - this one needs a little more planning, but I like to keep things flexible and jump on recommendations I find on the way. Pretty limited Spanish skills but trying to learn some decent basics before leaving. Things I'm into - Travel and motorbikes obviously , snowboarding, mountain biking, live music, anything to do with the sea and the usual and fun.

Anyway, let me know if your up for joining in in anyway - even if that's just a post here or maybe a meet-up in London to chat about your own similar trip...

Cheers,
Joe

Joe,

For starters, you made the right choice on leaving your bike at home and buying a DR or similar. I prefer a Honda XR, but that's me. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

- Don't camp. For you it might just be the way to save money, but to the people it means you don't like them. South America is about the people and you can find cheap lodging EVERYWHERE and get to buy your food on the street.. mix with the people... that's where your best memories will come from....

- Stay away from the Panamericana in Ecuador, Peru and Chile. BOOOORING pavement thru mostly desert. Go inland. Don't be afraid to throw the bike in a canoe to connect your desired routes....

- Avoid big cities. That's where the crime and corrupt police are. Provincial folk are much friendlier and will give you their last scrap of food....

- Cross borders at the less popular places. MUCH EASIER!!

- Take your time and enjoy! 400km is a good day in SA. Plan on 1/2 that if you have to cross a border. Don't push day after day after day. Rest. See South America.

- That is the beginning of the rainy season in the Amazon. That means no dirt roads for you anywhere in eastern Ecuador and Peru, or anywhere in northern Brazil.

- Write me. I have 25+ years on motos in South America. Double up on the language! It will save your life and your wallet.

swin,

I'm planning something similar from south florida, just replied to noah's trip post to south america as well..Feel free to PM.
About me...31, single, looking to have fun, get to know south american culture, experience some colombian "scenery" , visit friends/family in Bolivia for a bit and get to the HUBB party for new years. I know fluent spanish, can understand Portuguese 50Pct (better than nothing lol ) and am very flexible. Just bought a xt600 for this trip and will spend the next several weeks outfitting it for the haul...

Cheers
Mike

I flew my bike to BA out of Miami on LAN Cargo, it was a breeze and very economical. The BMW dealer next to the airport packed up my bike and delivered it to the airline for $200.

Well, don't keep us in suspense, if you don't mind how much was it to fly your bike down? Like minds are really interested

Cheers and have a great trip Growler

Hey Swin.
I just arrived in Buenos Aires. 28, first week in Sth America. All the same interests as you and laid back and slack at planning!! From New Zealand. Looking for riding buddies for all/parts of the trip.

Here for 2 months learning a bit of Spanish then plan to buy a bike (possibly off someone on HU selling?) during this time then ride Sth to Ushuaia (southern tip of Arg.), then back up for Argentina HU meet early December I believe, and spend from then to whenever (Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr???) riding up the west coast (chile/bolivia/peru/colombia/maybe a little amazon/venezuela/panama).
This route works best weather wise so I'm told.
Summer for the cold south, and avoid the rainy season later north (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Max