Stahlratte crossing
 

I just crossed the Gap with Shaun and 11 other riders (13 bikes in all including my Ural) on the Stahlratte and it was a great trip. The boat is plenty big, the crew takes good care of the bikes (loading, tying down and unloading), loads of great food and hanging out in the San Blas for a few days was a nice break. Yeah, it's pricey, but as others have said, you get what you pay for on this one.
Also, Ludwig (the capitan of the Stahlratte) has an agent in Cartegena, and I'm guessing for Panama going the opposite direction, who took care of all the bullshit paperwork for us. All we had to do was get insurance and wait around.

Just throwing it out there, although we are only in Mexico at the moment I would imagine around the New Year period 2 of us both with KLR’s 650 will be looking to cross. So if anyone is thinking ‘container’ at this early stage, let’s talk. (Ideally in English as my Spanish is not as good as I thought)

Cheapo crossing
 

Is there a particular time of year that boats are leaving more often? I'd love to set something up with a container, but the idea of having a set date to make it down there defeats the purpose of my ride :D

Next year I'm seriously thinking of skipping Mexico, CA and the Darien gap entirely and shipping from Miami to Medellin for the same price, then I could spend a lot more time in SA where I will probably never get another chance to return to. :mchappy:

That's a good idea Growler and saves the time and money traveling across many borders.

The cheap way is the unknown way on the Pacific. Not many do it so the price is not going to be the typical $850 and up. Heard they are going to hit $900+(check SteelRat's website IIRC) rider and bike on the Caribbean next year:(


Flying from the States is now looking very attractive if a person is not willing to try something new and probably cross sub $500 range, will take a little effort and time, not near as comfortable/scenic as the San Blas but great adventure awaits!

John

I just paid 850$ for the trip with bike by boat. Independece is one of biggest boat on this way from Portobelo to Cartagena. The boat is big, fast, should be safe but bad managed. 850$ is to much for theirs service.

Those who have taken a boat across the Darien please post your results in the Shipping Database system so it's easy to find and reference!

Shipping the Bike | Horizons Unlimited

thanks!

I met a Dutch guy in Peru riding a GS1150. He gave me a few episodes of Top Gear to watch, one of which includes the following very funny sketch...
top gear growler - YouTube

Had to share it once I saw a posting from Growler...:rofl:

London Slang - G

growler - A slang name for vagina, i.e.. "I'd love to see her growler". This probably derives from it's likeness to a furry animal ?

Sorry dude but its proper funny...

Mate, that reminds me of the guy on ADV who named his new trail as the Trans West Arkansas Trail or the TWAT for short !!!!

Wonder if Growlers shaved his beard off !!!

I'm sorry too Dude.