![]() |
Off to see the wizard again!
Here i go!!!!
|
¨Tenga paciencia. Espera por favora.¨
¨Have patience. Wait please.¨ said the secretary at the customs office.
If she actually knew who she was talking to, she wouldn´t have opened her mouth. Given her ignorace of the situation I have endured, I will not fault her. Instead, I will just do as she suggests, and have patience. At 10:15am, I was back at the customs office. I was asked to please come back at 4pm. I left, and went and got some lemonaid to aid my immenent drop in blood pressure, fighting off a heart attack. It helped. I got some bread and water, and went back to the hotel, checked in again, and played a computer game for 5 hours. Mindless nothingness to ease the pain of boredom and waiting. I went back to the office at 4pm, to hear the statement above, ¨Have patience. Wait please.¨ The secretary had just gotten off the phone with the lawyer in Loja that was supposed to revise my paperwork and create a ¨providencia¨ for me so that I could leave. Instead, for whatever reason, it didn´t happen. Thus he told the secretary, ¨Mañana, mañana.¨ Tomorrow, tomorrow. I asked if tomorrow, REALLY meant tomorrow. She said, tomorrow, yes, tomorrow. She doesn´t have a darn clue though what the hell she´s talking about. She´s just relaying the info from the lawyer, who is on his own schedule, and as I have no one on my behalf, I too am just being fed the same. I will wait. I have to. If I want my bike that is! A thought occured to me today. I left Ecuador via immigration last thursday. I have not been in the country legally since then. I was stamped out. I when I leave the country, I will have been in no-mans-land for at least 10 days. I hope it doesn´t matter!!! If it throws me for a loop, well, I´ll be royally effed. So, now, I wait, more. All that means is that I will have more good food, tasty lemonade, and sleep well again. Not backwards yet, but definitely not forwards. --Alex |
That truely sucks!
Alex, I was just about to write you on FB when I thought I should check your blog first. Looks like you're still stuck in the manana-loop!
I'm more or less lucky so far. My bike is running fine with the new rear shock and repaired front wheel. I'm now in Casma, 400km north of Lima, and visited two archaeological sights near Barranco (200km north of Lima). On the less lucky side, there is a "paro", a strike/road block, just south of Huaraz, so I'll take the road from Casma and come down the Canyon del Pato tomorrow. Sunday I should be in Trujillo, or rather Huanchaco, the beach 12km north. I'll be there a couple of days, I guess you'll show up. Give me a call once you're in Peru - in the evening of course, won't hear it ring while riding. My Peruvian cell #: 992906219 Worst part of the day was that I faced a whopping 432 Soles (2.7 Sol=1US$) speeding ticket today. No use denying it. Ridiculous speed limit of 60km/h, I was going at least 140. I settled with the pigs for 100 Soles cash - which is too much (met 2 Columbians who were pulled over twice within 15 minutes and paid first 10 Soles, 2nd time 50 Soles) and of course I should have had them issue the ticket. Neither on the road nor at the station are the cops in Peru allowed to take any cash. You have to pay at a bank and if you do that within 72 hours you get a 50% discount. But who should care when he's leaving the country within a week or two. Watch out on the Panamericana. A friend just told me the worst part in the whole country is the 120km stretch from about 30 km north of Barranca until about 80km before Lima. Corrupt pigs by the dozen. I saw 5 teams on the 50 km around Barranca. No kidding! I paid 20km south of Barranca. I had been stopped before that, about 100 km north of Lima. There the cop didn't even ask for my papers, much less money. He had just stopped me to have a close look at my my bike and a chat. Go figure... Good Luck Manana! |
I am in peru!!!
I made it. Left at 2pm from Macará and made it to Chiclayo last night and had an awesome time with a family that owns a Polleria in town. Was so happy I even went to church with them.
Left late this morning and am now in Trujillo and am going to meet Frank (see post above), a German on a R1200GSA in a beach town just north of here. Huanchaco Lima tomorrow. Cusco Wednesday. La Paz, Bolivia on Friday. I´m headed south to Buenos Aires. I have friends that will be there, and I have already seen Peru and Bolivia. They are awesome on a bike, but it´s not something that interests me right now. Argentinian steak and wine is on my radar, and I´m hitting the awesome cities on the way. Time to go to the beach now. Frank offered to buy the first round of beer. I´ve got the second. --Alex |
Happy Dance
MVI_0065.MOV - YouTube
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EK3EjxeRu_k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Lima Tomorrow. ONWARD! --Alex |
Hi Alex, glad you've made it to the other side. :thumbup1:
A few posts back I asked you what the rotor was? from reading your latest post I now know you were on about brake disc. I'm from the UK and have never known it called a rotor before. You learn something new everyday as the saying goes. Be safe and take it easy mate time to enjoy again. Pete. |
Leaving early, arriving early, sleeping lots, eating more.
I am in Lima. I am leaving within minutes. Going halfway to Cusco. I stop regularly, whenever I feel like it, and eat lots of small snacks on the way to prevent getting tired or drowsy.
I'm making good time, but I can tell you, it's like like before. Much more relaxed and in control. All is well. Yesterday I left Huanchaco, north of Trujillo. I spent Sunday afternoon with Frank. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0094.jpg We sat around and shot the shit. He's been on the road a long time and had some great advice to share, and knowledge of the area as well. It was a good time to be had. Frank bought the first round! He kept going, when I went to bed. He's got time to hang around. I have a mission. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0097.jpg I'll try to arrive less ready to sleep, and slam out a new ride report soon! Woo! --Alex |
On the road again.
ONWARD! I'm loving your reports and photos. Stay safe Alex.
|
Good to have met you!
Hi Alex,
wow, your post is 12 hours old, so you must be way south of Lima already. I'm still in Trujillo but will leave tomorrow for Cajamarca. The Peruvian coast and the Panamericana are nothing to write home about so it's back to the mountains for me! After hearing your story I wonder what Ecuador has in store for me. I should be in Vilcabamba on the weekend. Have a good ride to BsAs, I hope to see you in Washington State! Cheers, Frank BTW, looking at the photo above, I'm sitting in that same spot right now, having one of these cold ones again :-) |
From the Pacific Ocean, to the shores of Lake Titicaca
I´m alive and well in Puno, Peru now.
I rode 35 miles from Chala, Peru on the Pacific Coast to Puno, Peru on the shores of Lake Titicaca. I started at 7:30am, and arrived at 6:30pm. I rode from the ocean to the altiplano. Zero feet elevation to 15,200 feet (4500meters). I got stuck in the mud for 30 minutes during a ride down to a lake to see Flamingoes, and rode 30 minutes through thunder and lightning, rain and snow, to arrive on the other side in sunshine warm enough to dry me off. It was all AWESOME. The photos I took are kick ass. I will be posting them all tomorrow or the next day. I have too many, and when I am riding as far each day as I am, I like to sleep 8-9 hours. So bed is calling my name soon. My body wakes up after 7hours or so, and I have to make myself rest a little more. No sense being tired! I´m heading to La Paz, Bolivia tomorrow. Going to go make use of the 5 year visa that I got in the summer of 2008. Get my monies worth out of Bolivia. It is only 257km (160 miles) to La Paz tomorrow, and I am going via Copacabana, Bolivia. There was a man there 3 years ago selling rings and jewelry that he made out of coins. I have to anniversary edition Peruvian Nuevo Sole coins with machu picchu on them. On one side is the date 2011, on the exact opposite side/location of the coin it read´s Machu Picchu. I´ll have two rings made if he is there. One for me and one for Kristi.(Nothing toooo special now guys). Bed time now!! --Alex |
Dudes! And wo
I am in La Paz, Bolivia. I arrived at 4pm and made my way directly to the Loki Hostel. I was here in La Paz in the summer of 2008 for 10 days, and walked around a lot. 3 years later, and my memory returned. I literally drove directly to the hostel. I couldn´t believe it. But I can promise, it happened.
I spent the afternoon relaxing, truly, for the past 6 hours. Now I am going to bed. Photos and ride report to come int he morning when I wake up. Going for a motorcycle ride tomorrow with no boxes, just tools and water. Should be good. I´ve got about 100 photos to load, so get ready for marathon reporting to come! --Alex |
Macará. Ecuador to Huanchaco, Peru
Let the marathon reporting begin!
Last thing you heard, I arrived in La Paz, alive and well, having smashed all the miles between Macará on the border of Peru, to where I am now. The following events tell you how I did it. As I sat in my hotel room in Macará, I wondered where I would be in the next few days. Would I still be waiting on the border, or would I be somewhere in Peru? As it would end up, I’d be in Peru! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0037.jpg It was hot nearly every day, all day, and I was enjoying the weather. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0038.jpg The city streets all seemed to be undergoing construction at the same time, and the workers were busy working during the day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0039.jpg You can see in the photo below all of the paving work going on, by hand, one brick at a time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0040.jpg It was some pretty impressive stuff. You can’t see it in the photos, but there were designs created by different colored bricks placed in patterns. It was coming along nicely if not very slowly. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0041.jpg When you don’t have the money for a fiberglass or aluminum ladder, well, you make one out of bamboo. Each rung was laced into a slot in the ladder polls, and held in place with rusty tie wire. It was a ladder nonetheless. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0042.jpg These guys were busy laying new pipe under the city streets. It was like that for days on end. I don’t know if they were working hard or hardly working… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0043.jpg All of this took place on my way to the Aduanas office for the umpteenth time. The office seemed to be empty. Ahhhh damn. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0044.jpg Oh, nope, there’s a girl working there, but she’s on the phone with her friend from Spain, and will be for the next 30 minutes, making me wait. Normal. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0046.jpg So, I took a stroll outside for 20 minutes. Right next to the Customs office building is what appears to be a dirt airstrip. The mountains were a nice back drop. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0047.jpg Here is a view of the wonderful Aduanas office from the outside. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0048.jpg I was then told to come back an hour later. Right. Well. I better go get some juice or something, and so I did. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0049.jpg I had a pineapple juice. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0050.jpg Back at the Aduanas office, it looked like something was happening! And there was paperwork involved too! Hot dang! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0055.jpg The holy grail of all three page documents ever created on the border town of Macará, Ecuador. I am free? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0057.jpg Feliz Viaje. Thank you. I plan on it! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0058.jpg Thanks for your visit. You are welcome Ecuador. I had a nice time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0059.jpg Thank you Sir Custom Officers, and GOOD BYE! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0061.jpg Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0060.jpg I’M FREE! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0063.jpg GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0066.jpg I spent the first 20 minutes looking for a gas station. I didn’t fill the tank in Ecuador, because the lines were 2 hours long at the only gas station that had gasoline. There are 4 gas stations in Macará, but only one has gas at a time, and there is always a line until the gas is gone. And there are police officers monitoring that you don’t fill up twice… Screw that, I’ll pay $5/gallon in Peru versus the $1.48 in Ecuador. I’m OUTTA there. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0067.jpg All around me were small cities that I passed through one after another. I stopped to take a photo of this sight, just outside the city. Garbage, vultures, dogs, and more garbage. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0069.jpg Just after the garbage pile was a stream running across the road, through part of the garbage. Yum, sanitary! I kept my feet up made my way through. Water crossing! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0070.jpg After buying gas, I hit the road, making good time at 70mph. No one was around and I was making time. Behind me was the same as in front of me. Dry, sandy, northern Peruvian desert. The view North. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0071.jpg Same landscape for a couple hundred miles. The view south. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0072.jpg The view west. I took the opportunity to find a suitable bathroom location. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0073.jpg There it is! Bury it in the sand. Success! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0074.jpg |
continuede
Seriously. It was like the great plains of America with no plants. Just sand. So many vehicles carry sand into the cities that even the intersections are covered.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0075.jpg I took this corner at about 8 mile an hour, and fell over at about 3mph as the front end washed out. Faaaack! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0077.jpg At this time, I was running out of money. I hadn’t seen a bank with an ATM since I left the border, and I needed gas. Where I dropped the bike is where I bought gas with my Debit Card, and minutes further down the road I found an ATM to get some Peruvian Soles. I had arrived in Chiclayo, and soon I was in my favorite type of lodging. A sex hotel. Secure parking, and cheap rates. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0078.jpg I hadn’t eaten much that day, so I made it a point to drop off all my crap in the hotel, park the bike, and find a tuk-tuk to take me to the nearest Polleria. 5 minutes later I was seated in a restaurant, and 15 minutes later I as eating Carne Enceballado. (Onion covered beef). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0080.jpg That is where things took on a change of pace. I had intended to eat some food, and head back to the hotel to get an early start the next day. However, I only planned about 2.5 hours of riding to Trujillo, to meet a fellow biker, so I was time flexible. Thus, when the restaurant owner asked me if I wanted to attend a youth group meeting at the church with the other restaurant owners children (aged 18,19,21,22), I was glad to accept. And so it was that I ended up being the newest guy at the youth group that night. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0083.jpg After church, and singing songs I couldn’t sing because I didn’t know the words, I walked back with the four siblings to the restaurant where we consumed a whole chicken, a platter of french fries, and 2.5 liters of coca-cola. You can see the mother of the 4 children in the photo. The adult male is the business partner, and the father would arrive minutes later. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0084.jpg When I told them where I was staying, they told me it was a dangerous area, and decided to give me a ride back to my hotel. A total of 3 blocks. But we had all 6 members of the family, and myself in that car! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0087.jpg With my night fulfilled, I hit the sack, and woke up the next morning ready to ride. I was on the outside of town with a full tank of gas, and money in my pocket. Vamos! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0088.jpg OW! I got stung by a bee through my crappy gloves. That punk! Now it’s dead though! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0089.jpg Some miles down the road, I came up on a bicyclist powering into the constant winds of Northern Peru. He spends 3-4 months a year on his bicycle, riding around the world in turn. This current trip was from Bogota, Colombia to Ushuaia, and back up to Rio, Brzail. He’d ride for 4 months. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0090.jpg I first saw him in Ecuador in the mountains. On the back of his riding jersey it says, Salamanca, so I slowed down and shouted out to ask him if he was from Spain. Indeed he was, and I took off. 11 days later he caught up to where I had made it in 3 days. He remarked that I was traveling slow… I told him why! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0091.jpg As he rode off, I was glad to be on a motorcycle. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0092.jpg Sooner than later, I arrived in Trujillo, Peru. I hopped onto an internet café computer, and found out that Frank, who I met via HorizonsUnlimited, would be in Haunchaco, on the beach that night. I made plans to park where he would see me on the way into the small beach town. It worked a charm, and he found me right on his way in. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0094.jpg That night, my second in Peru, was full of beers and good conversation. Frank has been in South America for 5 years almost, and has ridden over 50k kilometers. He’s moving north now, with plans of Alaska and Prudhoe Bay in the summer of 2012. Hopefully he’ll find his way to my parents house for a night! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0097.jpg |
Man that is an adventure beer on,good reading and photos.superb
|
73 photos, and some more to go up.
La Paz, Bolivia is a dangerous city. It sucks you in and for some of the people here, refuses to easily let them go. Many people at the Loki Hostel where I am staying have been in the city for over a month. Everyone parties EVERY single night. The hostel bar is full until 2am every night, and there are 180 beds in total. Last night 140 were filled.
I´ve been in the bar, watching the scenes for the past few nigthts. It doesn´t get any calmer, and the people only get crazier. Last night was an ABC party. ¨Anything But Clothes¨ Guitar cases, garbage bags, towells, pillowcases, blankets, boxes, and hiking backpacks filled the room. It was outrageous. All of the photos from my ride south to get here are already uploaded, I simply have to write the story. It will come,. but not tonight! For a preview of the photos, you may see them here: No Jobs No Reponsibilities No Better Time pictures by bigalsmith101 - Photobucket These few are a couple of my favorites. Overlooking Lake Titicaca with a 6k meter mountain in the background. Elevation 3500meters. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0197.jpg On the way west over the mountains. Elevation, over 4k meters. Temperature 52*F (19*C) The hail came and stuck. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0189.jpg A preview of the ride that same morning. The snow, and the sun came in the same day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0159.jpg More to come guys! --Alex |
So glad you finally made it across the border, hope there's no more crossings like that on your travels. Great report, as always.
|
Great stuff!
Keep it coming :thumbup1: |
Huanchaco, Peru to La Paz, Bolivia
From Huanchaco headed south, I got a late start. Drinking beers until 12pm with a German means I sleep until 9am, and leave at 10:30. Dammit. Lima is not too far away, but of course it is nicer to arrive earlier than later. For me, the beginning of the day was more of the same from the day before.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0099.jpg Riding down the Pan-American Highway is a long straight road, broken up by small towns, and not much else besides. I was cranking out the miles in Northern Peru riding at an average of 55mph including my 5-10 minute food and drink stops. Hydration is important out in the dry landscape. Every once in a while, I would pass trucks that seemed to be overloaded, but were likely carrying their maximum weight capacity in light weight straw. These trucks aren’t that big, but their load of hay sure is! Make sure to look at the top center of the load of hay. You can make out the head of a working guy. When loading the trucks, they often toss the hay bales up to the worker, and then he stacks them. What better way to unload them than to leave the worker on the top of the pile? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0101.jpg This was the scene for the first few hundred kilometers of road. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0103.jpg What’s up!? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0104.jpg At a gas station rest stop I had a coca cola and a bag of chips. While sitting in a chair a pair of bikers rolled in on some older bikes. One was riding a 1986 Suzuki GS500 and the other was riding a 1970’s era Italian made Morini 350cc V-twin. Saweet. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0105.jpg Hitting the road again, it was more of the same. I even got to go through some tunnels… Neato. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0106.jpg Hey what is that ahead of me? Oh, right… Nothing! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0108.jpg An obligatory shot with bike in the frame. Hey Paul! Yeah, you over at Highway Dirt Bikes! This one is for you! My next DR650 will have this top-clamp/ hand-guard/ mirror set up. I love it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0110.jpg The coast was a nice ride, but damn it was windy. I could tell when I was riding into tough wind by the speed of the bike. Going down a downhill section, with the wind would take the bike to 70+mph, riding flat roads with the wind; 70mph was the cruising speed. Against the wind? 60-62mph. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0111.jpg More awesomeness on the road. Sometimes I forget to take pictures with me in them! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0114.jpg As it got a bit later, I realized I would be arriving in Lima that night. Navigating a city of over a million isn’t that much of an easy thing in the middle of the day, let alone at night. However, there wasn’t much left in between me and Lima so I pushed it a bit that day. This particular stretch of sand dunes caught my eye. I kept thinking that a quad or a bike with paddle tires would be quite the experience out here! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0118.jpg As the sun set, I stopped for a photo. Sunsets really light up the sky where I am, and remind me a bit of the sunsets I can see from the kitchen table at my parents house. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0119.jpg Coming up over this hilltop, I could see the lights of Lima in the distance. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0120.jpg Just getting to the “center” of Lima proved to be a hassle. It is a big city, and the highway runs through the center of it. It started to rain lightly as well, and I was in the middle of a massive amount of traffic trying to navigate to a place I was unfamiliar with. My destination for that night’s accommodation was The Flying Dog Hostel. Tom, Charlie, Andy, Cass, Ty and Jill all stayed there at some point during their visits to Lima, and Tom and Charlie even stayed there twice. During the 3rd week of September when Ty and Jill on their V-Strom 1000, and Charlie and Tom, Andy and Cass were all in the same place, they all bought sets of Continental TKC 80 tires. In some sort of confusion, an extra set was purchased, and I was given first dibs on the tires rather than returning them. I bought the set for $175, with plans to hit the mountains with the guys when I caught up. Needless to say, I never caught them, but the tires were still there waiting for me. The “Autopista” is a no motorcycle allowed area, and I was the only motorcyclist on the road for that reason. At some point, I took an exit off the thoroughfare and found myself asking locals for directions to the Mira Flores sector of Lima. At one point, I asked a motorcycle cop for directions. He waved in the direction ahead of me, and then took off. At the next stop light, he pulled up beside me and told me to follow him. He would lead the way. The guy’s call name? FENIX! [IMG]http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/bigalsmith101/No%20Jobs%20No%20Reponsibilitie s%20No%20Better%20Time/IMG_0121.jpg[/IMG] Well, following the Fenix was a task in and of itself! This guy stopped for no one, lit up the intersections with his police lights, sounded his siren at every corner, and expected me to follow as he lane split lanes that were too narrow for my boxes. He never lost me though, and I was able to keep up. In about 15 minutes, we came back to the Autopista and he began telling me how to get to the Mira Flores area, near Kennedy Park. This is basically how it went. “Ok, amigo. I’m going to radio my police captain and ask him for permission for you to ride on the autopista, because motorcycles aren’t allowed on the autopista. Garble garble, static static, hablo espanol, etc. Ok, he said you can use the autopista. Now, there are several bridges over the autopista, each one has a name, like, the first one is blah blah, and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, no the 5th one, yeah the 5th one is named blah blah blah. Ok. Don’t pay attention to those ones, you are looking for such and such, blah blah blah. But DON’T take such and such, blah blah blah, no, you want the one after that. Ok. So go up the one after such and such, blah blah blah, and get to the stop light at the top of the ramp. DON’T forget, the one you want is NOT the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th, but the one after such and such, blah blah blah. Ok. Now when you get to the stop light at the top of the ramp, go through it. Don’t go through when it is red. When it is red, stop. When it is green, go to the next light. Ok. DON’T take a left there, and DON’T go straight. You want to take a right at the light after the first stop light at the top of the ramp that is on the exit AFTER such and such, blah blah blah. Ok. Then you are close to the Mira Flores area with Kennedy Park. Ask for more help there.” I consider it a testament to my honed Spanish speaking abilities, thanks to my time spent in the mountains of Ecuador where no one spoke English, that I actually understood his directions. And believe it or not, I found the place. I felt like a champion. SUCCESS. … … … That night was spent eating fast food from McDonalds. I ate a Big Mac meal with a coke and a McChicken burger. It wasn’t very good, but it was cheap. I finally found my tires inside the hostel as well, as they were in the storage room that no one thought about until about 3 hours after I arrived. Also, the French and Mexican couple from Panama riding 2up on a V-Strom 650 that visited me with Sean on the KTM690SM when I was in Azoques, Ecuador were staying at the hostel as well. We hung out shortly and all went to bed early. The next day, I asked a local German guy that lives half the year in Lima, how to get out of Mira Flores and onto the highway headed south. He gave me good directions, and after getting gas, and munching on some chips, I hit the road. On the way out of town, I say this up in the hillside. MOTOCROSS! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0122.jpg Alongside the highway there were many fruit stands, and about an hour after leaving Lima I stuffed a banana into my mouth and kept riding. The fruit down here is great, and really helps keep me energized on the road. I don’t find myself getting hungry, and I feel great when I stop every so often and scarf down a piece of fruit. Another hour later I stopped again and had an apple and bottle of coke. I had ratchet strapped my new TKC 80 tires to my top box in Lima, and they were holding on well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0123.jpg The landscape north and south of Lima is quite different. North of Lima it is quite dry and dusty and very sandy. South of Lima brought on more greenery and rugged areas. Less sand dunes and more rock faces. Heading south in the direction I am heading. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0124.jpg Looking north in the direction I came from. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0125.jpg It seemed like every time I came around a significant corner or rise in the landscape I was faced with a valley full of growth. These places produce massive quantities of fruit from what I have been told by the locals. However the transportation industry isn’t that great down here, and export isn’t very high. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0126.jpg I was loving it! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0127.jpg At this fruit stand, I ate an orange and a mango. They cost me less than a dollar for the both of them, and the mango was outrageously delicious. I would have carried a bag of them with me if I knew I wouldn’t see them again! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0128.jpg From there on out, it was a lot more of rocky sand, and straight roads south. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0130.jpg As the sun began to set, I found myself looking for a hostel/hotel in all of the small towns that I passed. Once again, I ran into the beginning of the night, but damn. What a good day of riding! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0139.jpg I posed for a mug shot. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0141.jpg |
story continued...
That night, I spent in the small town of Chala, Peru. The next day would have me riding the coast further south, and heading across the mountains to Puno, Peru. It would turn out to be one of the best days of riding in my entire adventure thus far. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0145.jpg With the coast line on my right side, I knew I was headed in the right direction. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0146.jpg Somewhere down the road, I got hungry, and stopped to have a snack of lays potato chips that I bought at the store the night before. There was a nice area that looked like it was just for locals to hang out at. It could have been a bus stop as well, but there were no buses to be seen. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0148.jpg This sign told me that Arequipa was 265km away. A local woman had told me that it was 5 hours. 160 miles in 5 hours? I’d have to average 32mph. Could the roads be that terrible? I decided to wait and see. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0147.jpg From across the street, a woman rolling a cart of fish tamales crossed the street and took advantage of a possible sale. I should have bought two of the damn things, but by the time I had opened the first and realized how damn good it was, she was across the street and down the road a ways. They wrap them well in a type of local leave, and then tie them with strips of inner bamboo material. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0149.jpg It was so damn good! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0150.jpg As it turned out, the woman that told me it would take 5 hours to Arequipa was off her rocker. That, or she wasn’t able to look at my massive (for the area) motorcycle and realize I wasn’t driving an overloaded jalopy of a bus. It would be 3 hours of riding to Arequipa, with another hour on the side of the road either taking pictures or eating food. The winding Pan-American Highway was kick ass. Here is a view from “whence I came”. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0151.jpg And a view down the road and around the corner. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0152.jpg Kick ass riding in 3rd and 4th gear, at about 45-55mph most of the time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0153.jpg It was like that for well over 30 miles. Aaaaaawesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0154.jpg At one view point the ocean was putting up a good fight to beat down the rocks. I’m sure that some day it will win. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0156.jpg One of my favorite photos from the past 7.5 months. While riding this section, I was reminded of the ride that Tom and I took on our way into Cuernavaca, Mexico. We rode through Lagunas de Zampoala, and had tight windy mountain roads through a lush green temperate forest that reminded both of us of home. At the end of that ride, we had both remarked to each other that it was the best road that the last 3k+ miles had had to offer us yet. Even just thinking back on that day over 6 months ago makes me smile and feel happy. THAT is what this adventure is all about! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0159.jpg Near the end of my coastline run, I began to turn inland, headed east. Around at least three bends in the highway would bring me to a verdant green valley that housed a small farming town. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0160.jpg The farms make use of the valley rivers that run out to the ocean and form fertile deltas in an otherwise quite arid part of the nation. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0161.jpg Heading inland, it was more dust and dirt and rocks and sand. And, another tunnel. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0163.jpg Soon, I was riding around a nature preserve that claimed to be the home of Vicunas, Alpacas, and Llamas. And just like the sign said, I found myself staring at alpacas. Coooool. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0167.jpg After a couple of hours of inland riding, I found myself stopping every 30 minutes to adjust my fuel mixture screw, turning it clockwise to close off the fuel supply as I gained altitude. As I climbed into the mountains, the bike would begin to bog down at 85-90% throttle. The fuel wasn’t burning, as the air supply became thinner. Then, I passed this sign. I had to double back to get a photo with it. The highest point my bike has yet been too! 4528 meters. 14,855 feet. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0168.jpg Believe it or not, it was still 52*F outside (11*C) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0169.jpg Nearly immediately after this sign, I came across an alpine lake with Flamingo’s standing in it and flying around. Cool! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0174.jpg I decided to take a path off the highway and go down to get a closer photo. Which is what you saw above. However… I got stuck! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0176.jpg Shiiiiiiiiit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0177.jpg |
story continued...
So, I tried for about 5 minutes to get it “un-stuck” before realizing I was being insane, and “trying the exact same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” So I took off the right side pannier.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0178.jpg Then I took off the left side pannier. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0179.jpg Next came the tires. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0180.jpg Damn you Flamingos for luring me down here!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0181.jpg However, with excess breathing and panting in the thin air at nearly 15k feet, full throttle tire spinning, and a bit of grunting, the bike was free, and I began the relatively quick process of re-installing the panniers and loading the tires on. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0183.jpg I had been STUCK. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0184.jpg Back on the road again, after riding by some locals that had been watching me from the road side, I began to see a LOT of dogs on the side of the highway. None of them looked unfit to me, and all seemed to be in good shape. This one in particular ran away from me when I tried to get close. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0185.jpg Then, I came to a WAY bigger lake. There was a small boat amongst the birds. The people up here in the mountains apparently fish a lot. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0186.jpg To the north east I could see looming rain clouds in the distance. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0187.jpg To the south east, the clouds looked less menacing, but still full of rain. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0188.jpg Rain? Nah, hail will do it! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0189.jpg After the hail, I found myself immediately passed the rain and hail, and into dryer weather. It was also getting late, and I was closing in on Puno, Peru, on the border of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. I found gas station on the way into the town at around 6pm, right as the sun set, and then I set about looking for a place to stay. I soon came to an area that offered the triple play I look for. Inside of half a city block was a sign for a hostel, a sign for a polleria, and sign for internet. I had found, food, lodging, and entertainment. The next day, I hit the road early again, at 7:30am. My goal that day would be La Paz, Bolivia! Lake Titicaca was the highlight of the day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0190.jpg Here you can see many boats, and piers in the water. It looked to me to be a fish farming area. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0191.jpg After a few more fishing areas I was headed to Copacabana and the border or Bolivia. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0193.jpg And then. I made it. I went about 5 miles down the wrong road, having missed the turn about 30 miles before hand, but when I got back heading the right direction, and saw a BMW R1200GS, V-Strom 1000, and KLR650 pass me, I knew I was headed in the right direction again. Whamo Bammo. Bolivia baby! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0194.jpg The border crossing into Bolivia was a very straight forward process. Visit Migracion and get stamped out of Peru. Go to Aduanas, and get the bike import canceled. Change my Peruvian Soles into Bolivian Bolivianos, and head across the border. Visit Migracion, and get stamped in after showing the 5 year visa I acquired in the summer of 2008. Go to Aduanas and get paperwork for the bike. Done. Go to town and get your boots cleaned and over pay the young guy. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0196.jpg In the small tourist town of Copacabana, Bolivia I had the best Empanadas of my life, for 5 bolivianos a peace. Or about $0.62/each. The town is the port city to Isla del Sol, a rather large’ish island inside Lake Titicaca. I have been there before, and hiked from one end to the other. It is a nice place to visit if you haven’t already done so. Having done so, I took off for La Paz. On the shores of Lake Titicaca, the scenery is pretty kickass. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0197.jpg Close up of the mountain on the horizon of the photo above. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0198.jpg A bit down the road, I tried to buy gas. The gas stations in Bolivia are not meant to sell gas to foreigners for the local price of 4 bolivianos ($0.50) a liter, and are meant to charge double that price. At the first gas station I encountered exactly this, and decided to see if the next one would let it slide. And gratefully it did. I like paying $2/gallon versus $4/gallon. It saves me the price of a hostel dorm room on only 3 gallons! Down the road was the ferry across Lake Titicaca at one of its narrowest points, saving the hours that it would take to ride down and around it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0199.jpg On the way across the slight waves of the lake had the boat rocking a bit. A passenger bus was also on the ferry, and it was rocking back and forth pretty steadily. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0201.jpg Safely on the other side it seems like the lake just doesn’t end. I haven’t seen a larger lake in my life. Then again, I haven’t seen any of the great lakes. Lake Ometepe in Nicaragua is big though. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0204.jpg Heading towards La Paz, on the side of the road was parked a V-Strom 1000 and an F800GS. Three Brazilians from San Paulo were making an 8k kilometer round trip from their home town to Cusco and back to do the Inca Trail trek. A guy and his wife were two up on the F800GS and the other man was riding the VStrom. We conversed in Spanish until they told me that their English was much better. It was better for all of us. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0205.jpg As I pulled into La Paz, I kept seeing signs for the distance into the city. It was when I saw the sign that said 20km (12miles) to the city center, while I was already in the outskirts of the city, did I realize the size and sprawl of the place. Having been here on a bus before, I didn’t really take into the size. As I came into the city, I was in the Alto area of the city, above the center, and looking down on the valley below. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0207.jpg The backdrop to the city is intense! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0208.jpg As I wound my way down the valley walls into the city, I wondered how I would ever find the Loki Hostel that I intended to stay at that night. There is parking nearby from what I have been told, and I enjoy the Loki chain of hostels. Also, I had stayed there 3 years before, so I was happy to go back. I remember from three years ago, that from the main drag, if you look south and up the hill and see a big red building, you have found Loki Hostel, La Paz. And that is exactly what happened. I came down a hill, found myself on the opposite side of the valley/main drag, and looked up the other side to see the hostel three blocks up the hill. Damn. What luck! After parking illegally in a Police Parking lot to check into the hostel for 5 minutes, I pulled up the hill to the next street, took a right, and pulled into the parking lot where I have parked my bike for the past 5 nights at 14 bolivianos a day. Less than $2/day for secure parking is good enough for me. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0209.jpg Inside the hostel, I found my dorm room, dropped off my stuff, and went down to the bar to get some food. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0210.jpg In the “quite area” I loaded my photos, and began my report. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0211.jpg Over the next few days, things would NOT slow down a second, nor would this place fail to live up to its reputation as a party hostel of the grandest nature. Not one night of the week is a slow night, and never once is someone lacking for something to do. The city itself it not much of a tourist attraction, but does lend itself well as a hub to the surrounding area. Many people travel to and from Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Rurrenabaque in the Bolivian Amazon jungle, and Huayna Potosi an 18k foot scalable mountain. Other than that, that party like there is no tomorrow, every single night. I can’t handle this type of lifestyle personally, but I CAN and do enjoy documenting it. Being around fun people is fun, and here in La Paz, the fun never ceases. --Alex |
Last few days in La Paz, Bolivia
The next few nights would prove to be entertaining in their own right as partying continued, and I met a few more friends. You’re looking at some Midwestern Canadian girls that haven’t stopped moving in 3 days.
See what I mean? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0213.jpg One of the days, I went out for dinner with another American guy, two Australian guys, and an English girl. We went to the “Star of India” restaurant, where one Aussie (front left) and the American (rear right) had a go at eating the “Worlds Spiciest Vindaloo”, which was said to contain the ground up entities of 40 chili peppers from the foothills of the Bolivian mountains. To finish the Vindaloo means you earn a t-shirt stating exactly that. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0214.jpg He was happy enough in the beginning of his attempt. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0215.jpg He was already sweating after the first bite, not to mention halfway through as you can see here. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0217.jpg He didn’t say anything verbally, but his noises made up for it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0218.jpg This guy was laughing? What the hell!? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0219.jpg He destroyed the dish, and rose smiling! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0222.jpg He was having a harder time of it. But he did finish! Success! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0223.jpg That night would be the ABC party. Anything But Clothes. And it would prove to be a wild night of partying for what would appear to be the entire hostel. I however, didn’t drink, though I did wear two pillow cases wrapped around my waist like a loin cloth, in conjunction with a Peruvian Cowboy hat. The 2 liter bottle of water in my hand led all the others to believe I was already too far gone, and was saving the night with water. They were wrong. I was taking pictures. Rumor would have it that this “Love Heart” would get his laid. Rumor would have it that a twenty something blonde Canadian girl would prove it true. Who can blame her? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0226.jpg This Aussie guy donned his backpack and didn’t stop dancing for about 2 hours. He now works at the Loki Hostel. Who can blame him? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0227.jpg Garbage bags, boxes, tinsel wrap, and bow ties were all in attendance. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0228.jpg These two French Canadian dudes used DVD covers from the Movie room and taped together a kilt and shoulder guards. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0229.jpg He was a… Robot? He claimed it, so it must be true. Srini would prove to an entertaining guy over the 5 days I have been here. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0230.jpg Half of the guys were shirtless, and the girls put on quite the show themselves. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0235.jpg Oh yea! Any of you guys remember that girl from the boat from Panama to Colombia? On the Stahlratte? The one that was caught in the act of making out with another girl? Well, she got her wallet stolen in La Paz at the bus station and has been here for 7 weeks. She’s still crazy! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0237.jpg Damn. As the bar wound down, so did the outrageous activity, and some of those that chose to go out that night leaving at 3am, wouldn’t come back until 11am the next day. Are you kidding me? I’m telling you, La Paz is dangerous to your health people! The following night didn’t slow down either. Here you can see a body shot in process, being laid out on the bar. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0245.jpg From the looks on the bar tenders faces, Ronan and Ty were quite happy to see the British girl loving it just as much. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0247.jpg That is another girl going for the booze. Slurp slurp… Brit girl is still loving it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0248.jpg This is how the night ended for me. It just doesn’t slow down here. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0251.jpg I left the bar to go upstairs to bed. I woke up an hour later and decided to go to the computer room where 6 desktops adorn a bench where half the hostel tries to check their email. I hopped on ADV and HU to check my Ride Reports, checked my email, and sleuthed around on Facebook. A seat to my right was an Israeli guy. Next to him, the British girl from the body shot. I was camera less as the following took place. Ty, the bartender from the body shot was asking the British girl to politely return his shirt the following morning at the bar. I realized then that she had a grey shirt on versus a white one like previously seen. How did that happen? She didn’t respond, so he asked her again. She looked at him, and just said, “Ehhh”. So he asked one more time, to say, “Please, will you give me my shirt back tomorrow morning at the bar?” And with that, she looked at him, and in one swift movement became utterly topless in a split second through the shirt at him. Topless British girl then proceeded to write and email, check facebook, and then look at flights all while shooing away the several people that tried to convince her to go to her room. When the last girl that tried to help her to bed explained that she was half naked. The Brit girl exclaimed, “Oooooh, wooooow, I’m naked. Sooooo whaaaaaat!?!?!” At which point she turned to the Israeli guy and leaning over, with both hands pressing her breasts towards him asked, “Does this look like I’m NAKED to you?!” Loki Hostel, La Paz, Bolivia…. You have earned your reputation. Onward!!! --Alex |
Happy Birthday to me!
I am Uyuni, Bolivia today. I stopped short in Oruro yesterday after onñly 120 miles. 110 of which were through torrential rain.
Today I rode 420kms (260 miles) from Oruro to Uyuni, 60% of which was offroad and across part of the salt flats following a family in a 4x4 Land Cruiser. On the road to Uyuni, the driver of the truck told me that there were road blocks halfway to Uyuni, and that passing them was impossible. He told me that I could follow them to Uyuni, as they were headed that way. There were 7 people in the 5 seater SUV. I started with 89 miles on the tank of gas, with a MAXIMUM of 100 more to go before running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. I told the driver that, and he assured me that we could get gas in less then 60 miles. Pretty damn close for my comfort zone, but I went for it. When we arrived where the driver told me there was fuel available to be purchased, there was NONE. No one had any. I had to buy 5 liters of fuel from the family, which was pumped into a 2 liter bottle straight from the fuel pump! He told me we could find fuel before I ran out. OMG. The next 80 miles were all off road, and some of it passing through sand. I slowed down to about 6mph before I dumped the bike in the sand the one and only time. I did come close about 4 other times though! After cruising around mountain, off road for 30 miles, we came to the Salar de Uyuni, the famous Bolivian Salt Flats. And in we went. I was following the man. Had I gotten a flat tire, or had a mechanical problem... I would have been screeeeewwwwweeed. Instead, everything went exactly according to plan. Within 5 miles of the town that had a gas station with gasoline, I went to the reserve section of my petcock, which is notoriously good for about 10-12 miles. When we arrived at the gas station that finally had gas, I put 18.7 liters into the 19 liter tank! FAAAAAAACK! I was so close! It was awesome. I took a video at 55mph while riding across the Salar, and many photos as well. Today was the most outrageous day of riding I have ever done in my life. Photos to come likely in a few days when I reach B.A., my destination for Saturday. On a side note. ! Tomorrow I am turning 25 ! As a present to myself, I plan to cross into Argentina, and buy a big ass steak dinner, and maybe a glass of red wine or two. I probably won´t be anywhere where there are tourists, but if I am, I plan to insert myself into their plans, and have a good time. I will have a good time no matter what I do. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, I DRIVE MY PARENTS CRAZY, I RIDE A BIG MOTO, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!:blush::online2long: ONWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! --Alex |
Happy birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Alex.
Have a GREAT day. |
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Alex, Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. Have a great day Alex. Hope all continues well for you.:clap: |
Happy birthday dude. May your wheels keep turning for many more adventures to come.
|
Happy Birthday
Hope you have a great one.. and continue to entertain us with your trip report.... pics about the british girl would have been interesting lol Cheers Geordie aka Will |
Happy to see you are moving forward and Healthy..........
Happy Birthday Hic:thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::mchappy: |
Happy Birthday and I am looking forward to your next report.
I like the photos too. |
Today was the most difficult riding of the entire 7.75 months of my adventure, no lie. I rode with a flat tire for over 30 miles. You wouldn´t believe it. Had a spark plug (1 of 2) foul, and was only getting 28mpg versus nearly 40. Ran out of gas the moment I left the dirt and hit the street 140 miles after buying gas. Found some kid to bring me 5 gallons for a cheaper price than the gas stations charge foreigners, and found a tire shop inside of 5 minutes.
IT WAS OUTRAGEOUS! I am giving the bike an overhaul tomorrow. I rode to the border after fixing my flat tire, but have yet to fix the motor issue and the fact that I am getting 28mpg. I found a motorcycle shop in Villazón, and the owner invited me to dinner with his friends, and then escorted me to a hostel with internet nextdoor. I´m going back in the morning. The bike needs to be washed badly as well. Argentina tomorrow or the next day, depending on how much of the bike I want to overhaul. Photos and the entire incredibly unbelievable story to come when I have a moment of spare time. As for now, I am going to eat chocolate, and relax in my hotel room. AWESOME. --Alex |
Ahhhhh, shheeeeeeaaaat.
A quote from my Ride Report on ADVrider.
Quote:
When I was relaxing, healing, and otherwise being detained in Ecuador after my accident there, I spent a lot of time on the internet searching the forsale and want to buy adds both on ADVrider, and HorizonsUnlimited. Selling bikes in Argentina is always a precarious thing and involves leaving the country with the buyer and entering in again after changing hands. Buying bikes is much the same. Hopefully you can find a good deal on one, and find someone that knows what he is doing in regards to selling the bike. Well, I responded to a Want to Buy ad on the HUBB at Horizons Unlimited, and found a guy that planned to arrived the 28th of November. Well... Let me do some math. I´m running out of money. I don´t want to pay to send my bike home. I would rather sell it. This guy is looking to buy. I can be there by the time he arrives barring any crazy unforeseen problems, which I am inately good at finding... Hmmmm.... So, after a few emails, it was decided, Steve from Australia would by my bike. I would sell it to him, help him with the paperwork, and see him off on good terms flying home a week after he arrived. He even went as far as to send me a deposit. So, a few things remain. I will be riding the next 1100 miles (1750km) to B.A starting tomorrow morning. I will likely arrive Monday afternoon. Steve arrives the same day. I´ll spend a week with him, getting the bike taken care of, helping him sort his tools and gear for the bike, and allowing my Spanish to help him get on his way. He plans to travel for 5-6 months. Today I spent in the border town of Villazón, Bolivia doing much needed bike maintenance. I changed the oil and filter, cleaned the air filter and carburetor, adjusted the chain, and most importantly found a man to drill out and tap the two top mounting bolts for my pannier frame that broke off INSIDE the motorcycle subframe. All is well now, and the bike feels great. Also, ADVgrifter, you nailed it head on. I too was suspecting the spark plugs being fouled for my crap gas mileage, and indeed it was the problem. They were both black as night, carbon allll over them. I replaced them with genuine NGK plugs, and the bike ripped down street right away. The guy working on my bike, Javier, and the shop owner José were up partying all night until about 6am. I arrived at the shop at 9am... I could smell the liquor on both of them. I think Javier was still a little drunk too! He tried to change the circlip and washers on my needle jet, but I made him leave it original, that is why I have an extended fuel mixture screw! His latent drunkeness made it harder for him to understand, but he eventually left it as it was. After that, all was well. ... ... ... So, after 8 months and 3 days, I am flying to North America from Buenos Aires, I will arrive at the Vancouver, Canada airport 2.5 hours from my parents house (It was $220 cheaper than Seattle) on December 6th, and be home from my Central and South American adventures. HOWEVER, the Ride Report does not stop there. NO, indeed, it is just reaching the end of this particular line. Yes I will be home in ten days, for about a month after which I am planning something OUTRAGEOUS for the month of January, which for now, it is top secret. But I can promise you, it will be awesome. So, Argentina tomorrow, B.A in a few days, selling of the bike a few days later, and flying home a few days after that. Then it is home for the holidays with friends, family, and loved ones. Kristi is even on Christmas break from University the day after I get home. The next 40 days are going to kick major ass. Stay tuned everyone! Onward! And soon. Northward! --Alex |
Well done. What an adventure! I'll miss those daily emails that tell me you've posted another installment. All the best for the last leg of your trip and looking forward to posts on your new venture.
Paul |
The last AWESOME 8 days.
As I left La Paz, Bolivia and the continual party atmosphere of Loki Hostel La Paz, the skies opened up and rain poured down on me for a couple of hours straight. As I was riding, I didn’t stop until I reached Oruro only 120 miles down the road. I was heading south to the Bolivian/Argentinian border at Villazón. In Oruro, I decided to stop for the day, as I left late, and it was pissing rain. At 2pm I was parked in a hostel, walking the streets and looking for food to eat. The next day, I hit the road early for Uyuni, and I am glad I did.
On the way out of town, I tried to buy gasoline at the last gas station, and they refused to sell me gasoline. I needed to go back into town to Cinco Esquinas gas station, where gas is 8.7bvs(bolivianos) a liter for foreigners rather than the 3.7bv/liter that the locals pay. The other option was the next gas station 80kms further south. I chose to go back into town (12kms) rather than risk the next gas station. Luckily, I chose this option, as when I arrived at the gas station 80kms further south, it was closed, and had no gas! On the way south to Uyuni, I found a slight road block and practicing strikers. Even a burnt up car! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0255.jpg After being told by the locals to just ride around the burned car and into town, that is just what I did. That is when paved road turned to dirt. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0256.jpg A view of the signs, all telling me I was cutting it close on my road to Uyuni. I already had ridden 80miles and only had about 100miles to go, or 162kms… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0257.jpg Hmmmm. Straight down the dirt road, or a right turn down the paved road… Straight! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0258.jpg The straight (dirt) road had an access road running along it. The main road was washboard hell, and the access road was sandy hell. What do I choose? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0259.jpg At the next town I asked around for gasoline. I had 94 miles on my tank, and 90 more to go safely. The man driving this land rover told me there was no gas around, and that I couldn’t possibly continue riding due south for Uyuni, as there was another road block that ABSOLUTELY would not allow me to pass. However, he was going to make a trip to Uyuni with his family via a round-about way, and I was welcome to follow. Yes, there will be gasoline along the way. [IMG]http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/bigalsmith101/No%20Jobs%20No%20Reponsibilities %20No%20Better%20Time/IMG_0260.jpg[/IMG] So, with a little hesitation, I agreed to follow him out into the middle of now where and hope for the best. Llamas! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0261.jpg Damn. I really am in the middle of nowhere. I hope I never lose this guy! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0262.jpg Look at him go! At near 55mph, he was tearing across the altiplano in the middle of Bolivia and I was following him. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0263.jpg People live and die out here as well though, and I’ve got proof of it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0264.jpg After an hour and a half of mostly 25mph riding with lots of various speeds between it all, we took a break. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0265.jpg It was some of the best riding I have ever done. AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0266.jpg When it was time to find fuel, apparently there was none, and no one was selling any. And I only had another gallon of fuel with at least 80 more miles to do. So, the man asked me, “What can we do?” I pointed out that his truck was gasoline. Maybe I could have some gasoline from his truck? Yes. Ok. And so it went. He opened the hood of his truck, took the fuel hose off the fuel pump, and filled up a 2 liter water bottle twice, and dumped it into my tank. Onward! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0267.jpg As we continued on, I tried to take it easy to make sure I wouldn’t run out of fuel. Later on, I would learn that that would save the day. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0268.jpg This bus was empty, but there were about 15 people around it working on getting it “unstuck” from it’s predicament. It would have sucked to have been the passengers! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0270.jpg The scenery was outrageous this day, and I was having a great time, EXCEPT when I fell over in the sand at 5mph and bruised my left leg pretty good when my left pannier landed on me. [IMG]http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/bigalsmith101/No%20Jobs%20No%20Reponsibilities %20No%20Better%20Time/IMG_0271.jpg[/IMG] Soon enough, I could see the Salar de Uyuni in the distance. Holy Crap. I am going to ride across the salt flats! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0272.jpg Dude. DUDE. DUUUUUUUUDE. This is AWWWWEEESSSOOOOOOOMMMMEE!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0273.jpg My “guide” took off into the Salar at full speed ahead, and I did my best to keep up without eating dirt in the bumpy roads. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0274.jpg And then, it was simply the immensity of the Salar surrounding me as we flew over the salt at 60mph. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0276.jpg See. I was really riding across the Salar! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0277.jpg Damn, my ugly ass hair is getting long! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0279.jpg Soon, we were getting close to where we would be pulling out of the salt and back onto the dirt and sand, and crappy roads. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0281.jpg For a moment, we stopped before we left the Salar, and the man asked me how I was doing for Gasoline. I told him that I was on my reserve and needed gasoline soon. He told me that in 5km(3miles) he was filling his gas tank, and as it would be, so would I. I filled 18.7liters into my 19 liter tank! Woo! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0282.jpg Here is the guy that led me 150 miles across the middle of nowhere to lead me to the salvation that was Uyuni! Thanks man! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0284.jpg The bike was covered in Salt dust and not less than a kilo of dirt and sand as well. AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0285.jpg Soon thereafter I found a European tourist couple walking down the street and I asked them where they were staying. I then found their hostel, booked a room, went out for food, found some internet and passed out. My goal for the next day, Tupiza or Villazón, I wasn’t sure yet, and I had 208 kms of “good dirt road” to make it to Tupiza…. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0288.jpg Well the first 1/4 of the “good dirt road” was ACTUALLY “good dirt road”, and I was having great time. That is basically where is ended though. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0293.jpg Llamas! Or are they Alpacas. I think they are Llamas! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0294.jpg To be continued... |
story continued...
Sometimes, the “good dirt road” would turn into “shitty sandy road” and it would turn out I would take a well timed photo of the road behind me….Because…. Aaaah shit.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0295.jpg I had the presence of mind to take a picture while it was down this time. And the sand wasn’t particularly nice to me when I was picking it back up. All of you guys with KTM990’s and R1200GS’s must have fun if you have to pick them up! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0296.jpg It wasn’t but a few moments later when two Brazilians, Robertson and Anderson, rolled up on a Harley Davidson and a BMW G650GS. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0297.jpg I asked Robertson what he would do if he fell. His response,”I don’t fall”. I like that attitude. Slow going in the sand for this guy! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0298.jpg His riding partner Anderson had the same idea, and followed behind the Harley, why not, he’d never be left behind out here! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0299.jpg As they pulled away, I was happy enough to see this bolt on the left side pannier rack flopping around. After removing the pannier, it was obvious enough that it was snapped of IN the frame of the bike. Damn. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0300.jpg The other side looked like this… I hadn’t given the bike a once over after my epic ride the day before, and well, lucky me! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0302.jpg I’m not going back when I’m 40% into the 208kms of dirt road though! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0304.jpg On the way “deeper” into the middle of nowhere, I passed what seemed to be the local garbage dump/collection pile. There was garbage EVERYWHERE, for about a mile, and then it was back to the desert. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0305.jpg I’m halfway there!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0307.jpg Ah damn. Look at this stuff! Middle of nowhere awesomeness! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0308.jpg Check out this Czech guy on his R1200GSA. He was hauling ass standing on his pegs down this section of the “good dirt road”. I hope he slowed down for the sand up ahead! His two friends were behind him. One on a KTM 990ADV and the other on a R1200GSA http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0309.jpg OH SHIT. Flat tire! What do I do! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0310.jpg First step first. Get off the bike, whip out the Enduro Star Trail Stand, take off the Velcro Strap, secure the front brake lever, and get ready for action. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0312.jpg Take off the panniers and remove the luggage from the top case. Remember to take a photo of what “the middle of nowhere” in Bolivia looks like. I’m 50km’s from the next paved road, I have a flat tire, and I’ve just remembered that the Ecuadorian Police still have my Cycle Pump and patch kit. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0313.jpg Sit by the right side of the bike, put hand on pannier rack and push the bike up onto its side stand. Introduce the trail stand, and get ready for more action. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0315.jpg Remove the wheel, pop the tire loose, remove the tube, and find the whole. Damn it, I can’t even patch it. Roll it up, and stash it in a pannier. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0316.jpg Go about collecting scrub brush branches to stuff into my tire to help with the fact that I have to ride 50 more kilometers on a flat tire…. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0318.jpg Thanks donor bush! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0319.jpg Go man go! Am I really shoving branches into my tire? Yes man, you are really shoving branches into your tire. You have no other vegetation around! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0320.jpg And, proof that I have shoved most of those branches into the tire… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0321.jpg Re-install rear tire and get ready for round two. Riding. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0322.jpg 40km’s to go! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0323.jpg Man. I am out here. The view below is ahead of me, and it doesn’t look like much fun right now! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0324.jpg What is that? Oh, right. It’s pulverized scrub brush branches weeping out of my tire. Oh the joy. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0326.jpg What’s next? Realize I am surrounded by small patches of wheat grass. Run through the trail stand process once again, remove the wheel, pop the tire off, collect wheat grass and stuff away! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0327.jpg HAHAHAHAHA! It just pulverized as well! 30kmph (18.5mph) for the next hour, and I look down every once in a while to see more wheat dust on the ground when I stop. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0329.jpg At least the scenery was nice! You see that road sign? This is a normal route of transportation! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0330.jpg Oh hell yes! A view of Tupiza! That is what I am talking about! Have I mentioned that my bike has been running like crap for a while now? I can’t ride the bike over 3000 RPM, and it’s cutting out under anything more than VERY low acceleration? Uphill in 1st or 2nd gear… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0332.jpg I made it to Pavement, but not after I went on my reserve, and NOT after I ran out of gas DIRECTLY as I touched paved roads! Ahahaha. The irony! The view, having come from Uyuni. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0333.jpg to be continued... |
story continued...
Ahhhh, a celebratory cocal cola. Thanks side of the road vendor lady!
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0334.jpg Well, as I was rolling down the very slight incline of a hill, towards town, this young guy came jogging up to me. Hey, what’s wrong? Why won’t your bike start? You have no gas? I have gas. I have 40 liters I can sell you. I’ll go get it! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0335.jpg And that is how I got my entire tank filled for 5.5 bolivianos/liter, much cheaper than the tourist rate of 8.7/liter, and without having to move the bike a bit. I had only ridden 140 miles since the last fill up. 28 miles per gallon versus my standard 40-42mpg. UGH! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0336.jpg 2km’s down the road I found a “gomeria” which is the same as a “llanteria” which is a tire shop that patched my tube for me which I shoved back in the rear tire and looked like a pro as I FLEW through the tube puncture repair process. On the way out of town, the sun was setting, and I needed to blaze a trail to Villazón, the border city of Bolivia and Argentina. It was “an hour” away. My bike was running like shit at normal rev’s and so I was riding slower than normal, and with MUCH less power. Fouled plug/s was my guess. WATER CROSSING! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0337.jpg When I arrived in Villazón, it was 8pm, and dark. I had lit up the road on the way there (a nice, wonderfully paved, like new highway) with my ADVmonster LED lights. I rarely use them except to be more visible during inclement weather and at dusk, but this time they were awesome. I found myself looking at a KTM and XR650R parked outside of a Auto-Moto parts store, and pulled over to ask for help. Instead, I was invited for dinner and had a great time with Jose, Javier, and more. MEAT! AWESOME! The next morning, after being escorted to a hotel the night before, I woke up and rode back to the shop at 9am. I had to wake everyone up to get any help. They had all partied until the night before until 6am! They said it was for my birthday which had been my hell of a day in the dirt from Uyuni to Tupiza! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0343.jpg Jose is 32, and feeling it this morning! What’s up guys! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0344.jpg I really thing Javier was still drunk as he was disassembling my carburetor… I was honestly a little concerned. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0345.jpg Dude. There are parts of my bike EVERYWHERE and all over the floor, and a pan of oil under my bike, and, and, and… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0346.jpg And everything will be fine! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0347.jpg Let’s go for breakfast. This guy was on a Honda XR250, and was a crazy bastard. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0348.jpg Breakfast time! Look at José (hands in the air) he’s HUNGOVER! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0350.jpg After breakfast, it was back to the shop, cleaning the carburetor with gasoline scavenged from my gas tank. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0351.jpg Outside, José’s brother was trying to kick start the XR650R. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0352.jpg Lunch time! 3 hours later. Beef with a friend egg, rice, potatoes and a salad. For $3.50. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0353.jpg After lunch, back at the shop, the bike went back together, and Javier and I rode around to find a guy with a drill that could remove the pannier frame bolts that broke off in my frame. This guy had some old school HEAVY duty machinery at his disposal. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0354.jpg Here he is, welding a tab onto the remainder of the screw embedded in the frame. After hammering the tab to loosen the weld from the frame, he tried to unscrew the screw, it didn’t work. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0355.jpg This is what he was trying to remove… http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0356.jpg By using the welded on tab. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0357.jpg Next step? Drill the bitch out! I had to stand on the other side of the bike as he leaned full on into the bike. Go man go! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0358.jpg What is this? Candid camera? Can you see his right cheek bulged out? He had about 150 coca leaves in his mouth, and that is not an exaggeration. It was ridiculous. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0360.jpg After he drilled out the screws, he tapped them from 8mm to 10mm, and after a quick stop at the hardware store, I was good to go! That night I spent again at the same hostel. Nice and pink! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0362.jpg |
story continued...
The next morning, I was off to the border, 8 blocks down the road. That is where I met this guy from Uruguay, making a loop up and around through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and back down via Brazil. He was LOADED to the gills with this 125liter top case draped over his bike rack and passenger seat. And riding a Kawasaki 125cc bike. Nutter!
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0363.jpg This European guy, living in Sucre, Bolivia was on a different mission, to re-enter the country with his American bike that was on temporary import papers. Nice 1200GSA amigo. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0364.jpg What does that sign say? 5121km to Ushuaia. That is a long way! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0366.jpg Damn 1909 Km to B.A. I’d end up riding it in 2 days as well! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0367.jpg Check out this German bicyclist that I met along the way. He started in B.A and rode south to Ushuaia, and then rode north again towards Bolivia. He was about 50km from the border. His bike was kick ass. It had a generator in the front hub that was always activated and powered the front and rear LED lights. I saw his front light from well over a mile away in direct sunlight. I was very impressed. Further, the rear hub IS the gear box, and it appears to be a single speed bike from the outside. Indeed it has a 14 speed consecutive gear box of which he can access any gear ratio from 1-14 speeds. Meaning gear 1.5, 3.8, 9.7, 13.2, are all available and accessed by the rolling gear shift on the handlebar. Meet Tom. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0368.jpg As I rode through the brilliantly paved Argentine highways, these impressive rock formations popped into view. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0369.jpg And this quite impressive burial area as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0370.jpg Then, came the clouds as I began to lose altitude from the previous 3800 meters of elevation! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0374.jpg It was very nice to cool down in the clouds, and smell the water in the air, kind of like at home in the “Pacific North Wet”. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0375.jpg When it was time to gas up again, I met Hernan! What’s up amigo? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0376.jpg I asked him where he was going, and he said he was returning home from a month on the road, 2 weeks of which he spent in Copacabana, Bolivia on the shores of Lake Titicaca with his friends. He was riding for B.A. and planned to arrive there the next day. AWESOME. Me too! Let’s roll. But not before I get some money from that ATM. Into the ATM I go, and realize that I don’t have my debit card! Damn it. I must have left it in the ATM at my last transaction in Bolivia. Oh well, I have another card that I can use. I took out the maximum 700 Argentine Pesos that I could, and promptly left the ATM, AND MY SECOND CARD. Faaaaack! I didn’t realize until it was too late…. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0377.jpg And so we took off, into the sunset, headed south 300km without a gas stop as there were no gas stations anyway. All at 100kmph. (62mph) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0379.jpg Hernan just cruised along. We didn’t get off the bikes for 3 hours straight. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0380.jpg What’s up Hernan! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0381.jpg I took a few photos from the saddle as I rode alongside him. Most of the time I was 50 meters behind him, but for a good photo I got a bit closer. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0387.jpg That night we stayed in a cheap hostel in Santiago de la Banda. I rode 194miles without a gas stop, but got 45mpg, the best of my entire trip (as I cruised at 62mph the entire time. Hernan, on his Honda NX400 Falcon received more than 61mpg! After settling in at the hostel, we hit the town to find a Parillada, and had a grill plate with loads of meat. Hernan ordered a Fanta and a Budweiser, poured each of us a glass of Beer and then added a bit of Fanta to it as well. Hmmm.. It wasn’t that bad! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0388.jpg Then Hernan pointed out one specific moto out of the hundreds that were passing by during the night hour. This one was special. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0389.jpg The next day, we really made some time after filling up with gas. We rode straight for 3 hours. Hernan lives in Campana, 80kms (50miles) north of B.A., and he didn’t want to pay for a night’s accommodation when he could sleep at home. And so we made TIME! This photo will show you a guy on his 250cc road bike drafting me at 65mph. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0396.jpg When we filled up for gas again, we had ridden 197miles, and I was mentally freaking out about gas. I put 17.7 liters into the 19 liter tank, and told Hernan that I couldn’t wait that long until the next gas stop. Every 250km was my limit. Every 150 miles at least. That is 2.5 hours minimum anyway! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0397.jpg We stopped for lunch and shared a $5 sandwich. It was massive even after cutting it in half! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0398.jpg A way down the road (another 400kms) we stopped again and threw on our rain suits. Well, Hernan did while I zipped my liners into my pants and jacket. On the way south from Santiago de la Banda where we stayed the night before, it reached 114* F (45.5* C)in the flat prairie/farmlands of northern Argentina. It was the hottest temperatures I have seen on a bike in my life, and 9 degrees hotter than Mexico where Tom and I saw the next highest temp of 105*F. We had been roasting in this oven for about 4 hours before cooling off in the wetter weather. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0399.jpg Hernan also had a large blue plastic sheet to drape over his giant pile of stuff. Made my panniers look like luxury items. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0400.jpg That night, we arrived at 9pm in Camapana, having ridden a couple hours at sunset and dusk and only losing each other for a 15 minute period of time when we weaved through a 5km construction zone and met up at a toll booth on the other side. I slept that night on his floor on a bed mattress after using his internet which made Peru and Bolivia internet feel like Dial up. I had forgotten what fast internet was like! The next day, I spent the morning cleaning my bike, as it was Monday, November 28th, and Hernan would be leading me into B.A. to Dakar Motos where I would meet Steve Cook, the Australian prepared to buy my bike! Before leaving though, we rode to the Super Mercado, bought some steaks, rode back to his house, and Hernan went to work! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0409.jpg His Dad had arrived an hour or so earlier, and like father like son, they were enjoying their midday meal preparation. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0410.jpg Hernan has a great looking Boxer as well. But he didn’t get any of the Churasco’s (steak). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0411.jpg Hernan’s house was a quaint thing, but it served his purpose well, and had secure parking inside his front room which served as a kind of mud room for him. Both of our bikes fit well after removing my panniers. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0412.jpg Check out the rear tire of my Pirelli MT90. It made it 4591 miles. Not bad on a loaded bike when Tom made about 3k miles on his last rear TKC80. I’m going back to Mefo Explorers when I get home. I made it 8k miles on my rear before it was replaced. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0413.jpg Here’s a shot of Hernan’s Honda NX400 Falcon. It proved to be a good bike that made it 7k kilometers (4200miles) with no issue, and was easily riding 60-70mph while we were on the highway. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0414.jpg This is Hernan’s way of making a living. Pimping out his truck services! A 1982 Ford F100 that has been converted over to Natural Gas. Pay the man, and he will get it done! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0415.jpg As we left Hernan’s house, he gave his friend a ride down to a local cross street. His friend had delivered the truck from where he had stored it, and we dropped him off. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0419.jpg Next stop was to deliver me to Dakar Motos, a motorcycle hostel on the outskirts of down town Buenos Aires run by Javier and Sandra. It’s a great place to be, and currently I am working on making sure that Steve gets a bike in good condition for the remaining 5 months of his adventure! The bike will be getting a new front and rear sprocket with chain, an oil change, and he’ll be ready to rock and roll! [IMG]http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/bigalsmith101/No%20Jobs%20No%20Reponsibilities %20No%20Better%20Time/IMG_0421.jpg[/IMG] More to come in the next few days amigos! YES! ONWARD! --Alex |
Fantastic report, it's been so much fun following your journey, very much looking forward to seeing what you have planned next.
|
!sold!
Alright every body!
The bike has been !SOLD! and the new owner Stephen Cook rode it back in to Argentina and obtained legal temporary import papers. Sunday is filled with tying up loose ends, transferring money, and deciding what of anything I have that he would like to have, and what I will be taking home with me. Monday at 6pm I fly home. I am no no longer the owner of my old 2007 DR650. And guess what! I don't care because I made a deal with AdvBilly (fellow inmate) to buy his! Left Side http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/LeftSide.jpg Right Side http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a.../RightSide.jpg Full Frontal http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...01/Frontal.jpg From the Rear http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...romtheRear.jpg Cockpit http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...ockpitArea.jpg Notice the Similarities? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_8260.jpg Comfy Ass http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...enazcoSeat.jpg Can you say TUBLISS? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...lissWheels.jpg Oh, right! AdvBilly lives in Mobile, Alabama and I am going to a Fly and Ride in Mid January! And I'll be towing one of these! http://www.moto-mule.com/trailers.html http://www.moto-mule.com/181.jpg I'll be taking names for all of you inmates that might want to put me up for the night on my way back north! ONWARD!!!!!! --Alex ________ |
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your great adventure
I have enjoyed every word of it :thumbup1: Safe journey homeward :scooter: Cheers Geordie aka Will |
Thanks for sharing your adventure Alex.....wishing you all the best in the future.
MERRY CHRISTMAS Hickery:funmeteryes::clap: |
Hi Alex,
I enjoyed reading about your adventures in SA. Have a good trip home and I'm looking forward to reading about your next adventure. |
Hey, so you met Gert (Bolivian/Dutch riding an American 1200GS). Guy turns up everywhere. I rode with Gert in Peru and Bolivia a couple of years ago, then again in British Colombia.
Please offer my hellos (y besos y abrazos) to Sandra and Javier, in that order. The Everett convergence zone awaits! Mark |
Thanks Alex for sharing your adventure, it has been a great read.Really enjoyed it.Look forward in reading all about your next adventure.
Take it easy Pete. |
Great report Alex, great pic's. Your enthusiasm and optimistic attitude no doubt inspired a lot of people. Cant wait to see how that "cooler on wheels" goes behind that awesome looking new bike. All the best on your return home.
Cheers, James |
The last few days.
Dakar Motos is exactly what you want when you’re traveling in Argentina, a cheap, friendly place to stay with secure motorcycle parking, and a mostly friendly family staff. There are 6 beds in the form of 3 bunk beds, and a 7th pull-out bed. There is also room for about 5-6 tents as well,
While I was there for the first 4 nights in Buenos Aires, I met several friendly people. Mick, from England, had already been staying at Dakar Motos for 8 weeks. Yes, eight whole weeks, and was planning his exit in the following few days. Here you can see him writing in the guest book. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0426.jpg Bob and Chris, a retired couple from England were staying there as well, and were about to embark on a 9 month journey that will take them to Prudhoe Bay this summer. They are well “adventurized” on their 2011 KTM 990 Adventure, complete with safari tanks to hold 41 liters! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0427.jpg Mick is riding a 90’s era Honda XR650 Dominator. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0428.jpg I arrived on Monday, November 28th, the same day that my bikes new owner Steve would arrive. 3 days later, Mick, Bob, and his wife Chris would depart, heading south, aiming for the Horizons Unlimited. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0432.jpg If you ever want to get me a birthday or Christmas present, I wouldn’t mind to have a riding suit like what Bob is wearing. A two piece Goretex shell Rukka suit. The pants and jacket cost more than I sold my bike for! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0433.jpg Well, off they went and Steve and I were left hanging out with Heikki and Ulla, another retired couple, this time from Finland that were waiting to be permitted to collect their R1200GS from the shipping company. They were very nice people as well, and the company of other bike oriented travelers was a nice change of pace from the last 3 weeks of backpacker hostel filled travel. The next day Friday, December 2nd, Stephen and I caught an early boat to Colonia, Uruguay for the sole purpose of transferring the bike into his name, and achieving legal status for him while he is inside Argentina. First step though was for me to get us to the Buquebus terminal with ONLY 15 minutes left to spare as we left at peak rush hour traffic at 8am and damn near missed our boat! The Argentine dock workers have seen this plenty of times before, and after lane splitting the entire 22kms to the ferry, asking for directions from every car at every stop light on the way there, and arriving with no time to spare, we were rushed through customs, and I handed over my temporary import paper for Argentina, effectively canceling my import and permitting me to leave the country. In the case of this ferry, the same time we left Argentina, we entered Uruguay, and THEN, the bike was exited as well. On the boat, we got ready for the 3 hour journey across the waters. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0444.jpg The view from the front of the boat showed nothing but water ahead. The ride was smooth though, and enjoyable. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0445.jpg At this point, I had yet to print off the new paperwork that would allow Steve to reenter Argentina with the bike in his name. We were planning to do that in Colonia, Uruguay after we arrived. Leaving it up to the last minute eh? Have you met Stephen yet? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0446.jpg On the way across we had front row seats of the cafeteria on the boat, and eventually ended up with some food as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0447.jpg Land ho!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0449.jpg Here we are, just about to exit the ship on the other side of the large bay that separates Argentina from Uruguay. Steve was stoked to be on the road and to be experiencing this kind of travel. Before we left Dakar Motos, we removed the panniers and top case off the bike, and just strapped a large duffle bag across the rear rack on the bike. Bob and Chris had brought all of their gear in two duffel bags, and offered them to anyone that wanted them, as they were sacrificial bags in the first place. I snagged the 15 year old scuba diving gear bag with heavy duty canvas and hard core zippers. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0451.jpg On the other side, I went through the paperwork to enter Uruguay, and while chatting with the customs officers, this motor-home rolled up with two older Germans inside. They too are headed to Alaska. I have given my information to them, and also to Bob and Chris, I hope to see them this coming summer! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0452.jpg In Uruguay, we hit up the firs t ATM possible to find some local money. Everyone out here seems to ride a bike, and bike specific parking is all over the place! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0453.jpg After getting some money and finding a hostel, we took off down the street looking for a print shop that could print a good quality color copy of my photo-shopped title that had Stephen Cook typed under the owner rather than Alex Smith. We weren’t able to immediately find a place though, and instead opted to eat some food instead. Hell yea. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0455.jpg Then it was off to a photo printing shop that we found that printed me a nice color copy of my desired document on good paper, with good quality. Set, we headed back to the Hostel for a beer. Steve likes beer! That is how our night went! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0458.jpg The next day, at 8pm, we had a scheduled departure back into Argentina in Buenos Aires. Before hand though, we took the bike down to the local beach for some beach action. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0460.jpg As we say there, Steve began to realize what he has signed himself up for, for the next 5 months. Relaxing wherever he wants, doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants, however he wants, with whoever he wants. He really liked that idea. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0462.jpg Steve learned quickly to get some sun while he still can. It’ll be dang cold when he begins his southern ride to Ushuaia. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0466.jpg The bike was getting some sun as well. It even had a new TKC80 rear tire put on a couple days previously as well, as the rear Pirelli MT90 Scorpion had made it over 4800 miles. Not bad. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0467.jpg Then, sooner than later, it was time to get back on the boat, and head back into Argentina. On the way over, it was the same as before just in reverse. Leave Uruguay and enter Argentina, and then cancel the temporary import papers. On the top deck as the sun was setting, the weather was quite nice. This girl stepped into view and got her picture taken. Not bad. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0469.jpg Leaving the port of Colonia. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0471.jpg See you on the flip side Uruguay, maybe next time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0472.jpg As the sun set for good, the sky changed color. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0476.jpg Uh oh, we’re docked in Argentina. You had better ride the bike Steve, just for the sake of it. You have that re-done title in your pocket? Good. Let’s roll. First and only time as passenger on the back of the bike, and only for a few minutes! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0477.jpg These two Brazilians were traveling in style! They were riding a nice Honda Shadow. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0478.jpg Success! We’re in Argentina and the temporary import paperwork is in YOUR name Steve! What, what did you say? Oh right, we got a flat rear tire. Shit! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0479.jpg Stack the bike on some boxes because we left “home” without the trail stand, and get to work. I made Steve buy a bicycle pump for fixing flats should he get one. We got one, and THIS time, we were prepared. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0480.jpg That night we found ourselves at a cheap hotel down the road after asking for directions all over the place. And the next day we were off for some food. I love the food in Argentina. It’s not cheap in comparison, but it never failed to be good. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0482.jpg Steak, fries, bread and beer! Putting on the weight! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0483.jpg Almost finished with this portion of my trip here in South America. I’m glad I get some good food to eat! A few more stories to come. --Alex |
Last night in Buenoes Aires and South America
It is day Day 248, the outskirts of downtown Buenos Aires at the Munro Train Station. Stephen and I are headed into the center to find the restaurant called La Cabrera where I intend to buy us dinner, and eat the biggest steak of my entire trip. If not for having gone there once before, it would easily be the largest steak of my life.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0484.jpg In no time at all, were down town in the Retire Station, a massive colonial style building that serves as the main train hub for the city. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0485.jpg We soon hailed a cab, and found ourselves headed even more so into the center of Buenos Aires, into the Palermo district. Fortunately for us, the driver knew where to take us. When we arrived, we put our name down on the waiting list, and settled in next door at the adjacent bar and shared a liter beer while we chomped on a bowl of peanuts. It was a good beer called Patagonia. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0487.jpg In about 30 minutes, my name was called and less than a minute later we were seated inside La Cabrera, looking at menus that consisted mainly of Steaks and meat cuts. Steve ordered the 400gram (14oz) Rib Eye steak, and I ordered the 800gram (28oz) Rib Eye. I am glad that I did. It was awesome! We also ordered one of the cheaper bottles of wine which was still great, and enjoyed the entire meal, complete with the several side dishes that come along with the steak. Steve was stoked, I was in hog heaven. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0489.jpg Steve promptly “smashed” his steak after this photo, and left nothing to spare. Not a crumb. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0490.jpg This type of meal gets a thumbs up from me! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0491.jpg If you are vegetarian, or the thought of consuming large quantities of meat disturbs you, you may look away now. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0492.jpg And that was my last night in B.A. and last night in South America, sharing a fantastic meal with the new owner of my bike, who is about to embark on an adventure of his own soon as well. I you are ever in B.A, check this place out (La Cabrera). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0493.jpg After leaving the restaurant, and finding our way back to the train station, and catching the train to the station closest to our hotel, we called it a night. It was T-17hours until lift off. --Alex |
:thumbup1:bier
|
Tis the season
Home Sweet Home!
It is 31*F outside, in the garage, and I am working on my ’06 DR650. Why? Because the petcock was left on sometime in the past 8 months and the carburetor was clogged and not delivering gas to the engine. So, here we go! (See that Red BMW K75 behind the DR? That’s mine. You can’t have it.) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2343.jpg So, after taking the side covers, seat, and gas tank off, I tore into the carb, removing every single part, cleaning it with gasoline, and then blowing the hell out of all of the passages with my brother in laws air compressor. It has a fine rubber ended nozzle on it. It worked a charm. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2344.jpg This bike has less than 5k miles on it, versus the 25k miles that were on the bike I just sold. It felt like riding a brand new bike. I didn’t know what I was missing! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2345.jpg So, along with my motorcycle, I also sold my pants, my jacket, my camera, my camera case, my sleeping pad, my Enduro Star Trail Stand, and some of my tools (duplicates). Of these things, I replaced the motorcycle jacket and pants before I even arrived home. I bought a new jacket from the Fleamarket/fellow ADV'er, and bought new pants on Ebay. I left home with a Rev’it Sand Pants, size XXL. Just short enough to sit above my boots, and just large enough to fall off my ass. I replaced them with size 36 Long AeroStich Darien Goretex Overpants. No more wet outer layer on my pants for me! Hell yes! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2346.jpg I left home with a Rev’it Cayenne Pro Jacket, size XYL (XXXL), just long enough to reach my wrists and just big enough to sag off my like a child in his father’s jacket. I replaced it with a Rev’it Sand Jacket, size XYL (XXXL), which I had tried on at the dealer before I left, but didn’t buy as it was not on clearance. It fit’s better than the Cayenne Pro for, and has better straps to cinch down any extra bulk, of which there is none currently as I am wearing the thermal liner because it is so damn cold outside J http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2347.jpg Ready to ride! Wooo! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2349.jpg Got my hairs cut yesterday too. Hot damn! Tis the season! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2350.jpg What’s next? I am going to the Seattle Symphony tonight with Kristi; she bought us tickets when she found out that I had bought tickets to come home. So, in a few minutes, I’m getting out of here, going over to her parents house, having dinner, and then heading out for a sophisticated night on the town. Good thing I still have nice clothes from my friend’s wedding I went to last summer! Onward! --Alex |
Dressed and ready to go
Well, after a motorcycle ride in (barely) sub freezing temperatures, it was time to get dressed and ready to go.
In my own humble opinion I can easily say that Kristi easily outshines me, again. Normal! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2355.jpg Off to the show we went, the Seattle Symphony. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2366.jpg We sat in the 7th row up (G) on the left side, seats 1 and 2, on the isle. Bitchin seats. From the balcony above, it looked like this. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2370.jpg It's getting all sorts of festive around here! Christmas trees and all. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2372.jpg The show was awesome, and absolutely worth it. Symphonies kick ass. Driving back after 10pm even reminded me how nice it can be to drive a car from place to place... SOMETIMES. --Alex |
Great to see you back home and enjoying the festive season and that you're still excited about the next trip. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
J. |
Tom has returned home!
Surprise! Surprise! Tom has returned home! But to do so, took a bit of planning. SO, I shot a message over to our long time friend Megan (friends since the 6th grade, 13yrs), and asked her what she was doing on Wednesday the 21st. Her response was, "Nothing, I'm not working." "Ok, Megan, come get Tom with me at the Vancouver airport?" "Seriously?" "Yes." "Ok!"
And so it went, I found someone with a car to help me collect Tom upon his glorious return to the United States of America. Here we are in the parking lot of a Starbucks in Vancouver, Canada hanging out because we are an hour early. Hello Megan! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2410.jpg TOM!!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2412.jpg Hey Tom, Where did you put that yellow ticket that they gave you for your checked luggage? Oh, you misplaced it. Excellent. Oh they don't have your luggage and are going to deliver it to your parents house? Excellent. Lets get out of here. Oh, by the way, you're paying for parking. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2411.jpg Tom's first declarative statement when he stepped out of the Vancouver International Airport? "I detect a distinct lack of PISS in the air." That's right Tom! You are home! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2413.jpg Glorious Bellingham fed Tom well at the Hawaii BBQ & Noodle House. Chinese food stuffed our guts to the brim, and Tom was as happy as a clam. Doesn't that air smell good Tom? http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2414.jpg HOME! Don't sleep too much Tom, we got shit todo! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2415.jpg As you can see. Tom is home. His bike is not as of yet, and will soon arrive at the Port of Seattle withing the next few weeks. To get the full account of what went through Tom's head in the weeks leading up to his return, please see his blog at: Thetomreport.blogspot.com ONWARD!!!!!!!!!!! --Alex |
Things to do
Hola once again my friends! I trust that everyone had a good holiday season, fantastic Christmas, and a kick ass New Year celebration. If you happen to celebrate something else, I hope it was kick ass too! And if things were shitty, well, write me an email, and I'll write you one back. (I haven't forgotten about you N8!)
So, like always, I have been rifling through the ADVrider website, and keeping my eye open on things, and buying and selling, and jostling funds around and making things happen. Since I have been home I have: 1) Replaced the riding gear that I sold in Argentina, thanks to the Fleamarket and Ebay. 2) Renewed my registration on my '95 BMW K75 3) Sold my miscellaneous gear and extra parts I had lying around, all to fellow inmates. 4) Sold my '06 DR650 that I had in the garage, to a fellow inmate. 5) Bought a Moto-Mule Trailer (moto-mule a cargo trailer to pull behind your dual sport motorcycle - ADVrider), and arranged to have it shipped to my the pick up location of my soon to be, new to me, fully farkled, 2009 DR650 in Mobile, Alambama. (Bought from an inmate.) 6) Sold the extra wheels that came with my bike, to a fellow inmate 7) Bought a new Canon G12 Camera (on ebay) to replace the G11 I sold to Steve the Aussie in Argentina. (Gotta have a decent camera for the Ride Report, and this one can take 720p HD videos, sweet) 8) Picked up Tom Reuter at the airport. 9) Retrieved my '76 Suzuki TS400 from my friends house 10) Enjoyed Christmas and New Year festivities 11) Spent a LOT of time with my fantastically wonderful, super hot girlfriend Kristi. (Not in any particular order of course. SO, now you see, I have a few things left to do. I still need to: 1) Plan my route from Mobile, Alabama to Lake Stevens, Washington 2) Contact all of you ever faithful ADV inmates that have offered me a place to stay, wether it be on your couch or in a bed, or on the floor. 3) Buy a plane ticket to Mobile, Alamaba 4) Ride my new to me motorcycle back home, covering 8-10 different states and anywhere from 3,000-5,000k miles. 5) Get a job. SO, Planned date of departure from Seattle International Airport is January 19th, landing in Mobile, Alabama. That give me 15 days to get my shit together. Sounds like I have about 13 days to screw off in the meantime! Stay tuned amigos! Onward! --Alex |
A motorcycle ride with my Madre! Thanks Mom!
Well, today, the sun was shining and the roads were dry. Around 9:30am, my Mom sent me a message saying that I should take her for a ride down the Snohomish River Road to a familiar place called Skydive Snohomish.
I got the message around noon, and inside of an hour, I was back at the house, and we were getting ready to go. The roads were still dry, and it wa s49* F outside (18* C). AWESOME. http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/icon10.gif http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/100_6526.jpg Mom picked a good day for a ride. A couple weeks ago, it looked a bit more like this outside http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/eekers.gif. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2408.jpg Well, we went cruising down the county roads, speed limits of 35-40mph, in a big loop that took us out of town, into the next town, into the next town (almost) and back home a different way. It was great, my Mom really enjoyed it, and I had a good time! For 2 up riding, my BMW K75 is a bit nicer to it's rider/passenger than the average DR650. http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/deal.gif http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSCN2426.jpg It was a kick ass day! Thanks MOM! --Alex |
cracking trip / write up that - I have no doubt this thread has sent many to the garage to fettle the beast before setting of on their own adventures.
cheers Alex/Tom - great stuff and look forward to your future exploits.... Zixxer |
Future Exploits
Rock Springs, Wyoming
Life is temporarily back on the road, but this time, in an 18 wheeler. The call came, and inside of 3 hours, I was bobtailing a Semi Tractor from Seattle to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where I am now back to work with my last employer, making money and putting it in the bank, while preparing to fly out of here to Alabama where I'll collect my new to me 2009 DR650 which I'll then Ride home to Lake Stevens, Washington. AWESOME. This is what I drove from Seattle to Rock Springs, Wyoming. A 2006 International Day Cab Semi. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0923.jpg Well the Semi Tractor that you see above, we haul a 32 foot trailer with a Moffett Forklift piggybacked on the back of it. Not unlike what Tom and i were doing in Alaska. (Though in Alaska we drove a flat bed truck with no trailer). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...dIinJuneau.jpg Let me describe my job a bit more to you guys. I work for a business called Mr. M LLC. Mr. M specializes in many things, one of which includes supplying trained contractors to a company called 3PD, which in turn deliver products for Home Depots across the nation. Currently, roughly 1200 Home Depot Stores contract their delivery services to 3PD. Among those Home Depot Contracts, Mr.M runs 15 of them full time, all while supplying trained contract servicemen as Rapid Response contractors. I fit in the middle of it all. I help Mr. M specialize in training new contractors, and filling empty contracts, anywhere that they may exist, anytime, for a nearly unlimited amount of time (hence my 6 months in one location in Juneau Alaska). This time it was up to me to deliver a truck to Wyoming, train a new contractor, and stay there until a new contractor can be found. All was well until.... Well it was fourth day into the week that I have been here, and the forklift that we use to off load all of our appliances went "tits up" and was dead in the water, stuck on the back of our trailer. It kinda went like this... The Fork Lift was run out of fuel, and we weren't able to start it without priming the fuel system (but we didn't know that yet). Well, first we had to fuel up the fork lift. After that, we tried to start it. And on the second crank of the starter motor, the starter solenoid welded itself open, and completely drained out battery while simultaneously frying the starter motor. That's when stuff went downhill. The rest of the day was spent offloading any deliveries that could be made, by hand, and returning to the store, borrowing a "Load and Go" truck, and hand delivering a dryer and a gigantic fridge. But what about tomorrows deliveries??? Box Truck Rental to the rescue! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0922.jpg And that is where I am now. Rock Springs, Wyoming is a town of just under 20,000 people, with an average high temp of 32* and an average lo temp of 11*. This winter has been fantastic from what I hear from our daily customers, and the temperature has been significantly warmer than normal. Today was 43* and was awesome. However, the wind DOES NOT stop here in South Western Wyoming, and that really can chill a person to the bone. Two nights ago, temperatures dropped below 0* F and it was damn cold. I'm still glad that I'm not in Fairbanks Alaska though, where it should be 46 BELOW ZERO tonight! (Currently -31 during the day.) So here is a shot I snagged during our days work. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0921.jpg I'm not sure exactly when I will be heading to Mobile, Alabama to collect my bike, but you guys will see it here first thing! --Alex |
Great Read Alex
Enjoy Your Work Ride Safe Soon on Your New Cycle :thumbup1: |
I'm off to see the Wizard!
I depart Rock Springs, Wyoming headed to Mobile, Alabama tomorrow at 11:30am, via Denver, Colorado and Houston, Texas. I'll be arriving at 9:45pm in Mobile, where ADVBilly (ADVrider member)has agreed to collect me from the airport!
All is well, and not only have I stashed some money in the bank, I didn't even have to pay my flight to Alabama! It doesn't get easier than that! Oh yea. I got a hair cut on day 4 hear in Rock Springs. I decided it wasn't too professional to show up at peoples homes with my long hair sticking out of my hat with my sunglasses on! AHAHAHAHA! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0934.jpg ONWARD! --Alex ____________ |
Longer Layover then Expected
Well, as I flew out of Rock Springs, Wyoming this morning, all was well and my flight was on time. Check out this plane. Awesome.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0935.jpg Next in line was a 3+ hour layover in Denver, Colorado before my flight to Houston, Texas. Time to whip out the book. Awesome. Boarding onto the plane for Denver, all was well, until some problem existed that took over 2 hours to rectify. A fault code showed up in the Pilots cabin that showed a problem with the aileron servo on the right side wing. 2 hours and 20 minutes later we were up in the air. Half way to Houston, in mid air, my connecting flight to Mobile, Alabama had already left. Damn. So, United Airlines put me up in a Marriott Courtyard Hotel, gave me two meal vouchers totaling $22 ($15 + $7), and re-booked my flight for the next day. It turns out my flight had been re-booked for 8:45pm the next night. Well, that wasn't going to do, so now my flight is scheduled for departure at 10:10am. I should arrive just before 11:30am in Alabama. Awesome. Check out my King Size Bed. Bitchin. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0937.jpg --Alex |
Mobile, Alabama (MOBEEL) and Southern Hospitality
I am now in Mobile (BETTER SAY MOBEEL!), Alabama and I am having a great time already.
Billy (ADVBilly) collected me from the airport yesterday just before noon, and took me down the road to his house. Mobile is a small airport by comparison, and he lives just short of 15 minutes away. At his house, I was able to get a look at my new bike. AWESOME. Right next to it sat Billy's personal 2011 BMW G650GS. AWESOME. From his house, he loaded up his bike in his trailer, I hopped on the DR650 and we took off down the road to his family hunting cabin in the woods. I parked my bike in front of the house. Here's what it looks like. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...951800x600.jpg However, on the way down the sandy gravel road to the Hunting Cabin (it's a house really), we drove passed the Skinning Rack, where all the animals that Billy, his friends, and his family hunt, are appropriately skinned. His father in law Larry was there, looking over a Western Diamond Back Rattle Snake that they had driven over, then skinned, and glued to a pinewood board. IT WAS HUGE! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...946600x800.jpg Later that same day, after I had been shown where I would sleep, Billy's friends Pat and Doyle showed up, and along with Larry and I, we all sat around and shot the shit while Billy hit the store for some food. It was a good time. After Billy got back, the good 'ole boys left, and we took off for Billy's house in his truck to pick up my Moto-Mule trailer that I bought from Mr.Bracket here on the ADVrider Vendors Section. I got it put together and on the bike inside of an hour. And it only took me that long because it was Dark outside! Check out this bad ass mono wheel trailer!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...963800x600.jpg After assembling the MOTO-MULE trailer, it was time for a steak dinner which Billy prepared excellently. I love steak. I love food. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...966800x600.jpg You see what I am talking about? AWESOME FOOD!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...967800x600.jpg After dinner, we sat down and tried to watch "The Sibirsky Extreme Project" by Walter Colebatch, but we were about to pass out, so we saved it for the next day. The next day, I got about bolting a 24gl (100 liter) Action Packer tub to the frame of the Moto-Mule trailer, and got to work testing it out. Saweet. Airborne on 3 wheels! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...972800x600.jpg This was of course all after breakfast, which was awesome, and after this, Billy took me on a 10 mile tour out and around his family timberland property. We rode in his Yamaha Rhino utility vehicle, and I began to see why people can learn to love the South so much. It was great. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...981800x600.jpg I'm already kicking ass and taking names. I'm stoked. As for now, I'll likely leave here on Monday and head south for New Orleans, I plan to meet a guy there named Michael that is the distribution manager for Kriega. I'll pick up a US-40 combo for my rear Luggage, and then head for West Texas to meet up with D-Rail and his pals who intend to spend 4 days in Big Bend National Park near Study Butte-Terlingua. On my way across the south it would be great to meet up with fellow riders and Adv'ers so here is what I need from you guys/gals. My computer charging cable has crapped out, and I don't have a smart phone since I came back from South America. I DO however, have a phone and a GPS. SO please, if you'd like to offer me a place to sleep, I need you guys/gals to call or text me. So many of you have so graciously offered me a place to sleep already, but now that I'm on the road and have little access to the internet, I'm reaching out again for your offers. I'll be traveling west along I-10, from New Orleans all the way to San Diego and from San Diego north to Seattle, PLEASE CALL or TEXT me at 425-903-2632 Thanks again guys/gals, you rock! ONWARD!! --Alex |
More in Mobile, Alabama!
Yesterday, Billy and I took off for a round trip, 110 mile ride though the surrounding area and the Desoto National Forest. Out in the woods we rode, and took a look around. Meet Billy again!
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0987.jpg Tearing ass around the forest on great dirt roads was AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_0997.jpg After a kick ass day, we headed back to the cabin (house) in the woods for dinner that night. The Sunset was awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1007.jpg Billy cooked up a seafood gumbo with BBQ Shrimp on the side. Damn. I was hungry, and then I ate too much. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1009.jpg Then, this is what happened. You can thank Billy for this photo.http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/icon10.gif http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1011.jpg That was last night, and the next day we were up and eating food around 8am. Then, Kim Dunbar and his friend Paul rolled up at around 11am. Where did they come from? Atlanta, Georgia! 362 miles each way, 724 miles round trip, to come meet me out at Billy's place in the woods. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1014.jpg The guys run 14" mini cooper "run flat" tires on the back of their bikes. BITCHIN. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1019.jpg Kim brought us a couple of home brew beers that Billy and I will be drinking tonight, and sooner than later they had to turn around and head out on the road for Atlanta. Off road on GOLDWINGS!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1020.jpg Here we are just before they took off. From left to right, Kim, Billy, Paul and myself. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1022.jpg After they left, Billy and I took off again for a trip south to Dauphin Island and Mobile Bay, and to show me the boat that he bought the shrimp off of that we had eaten the night before. Aaaaawesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1026.jpg The name of the particular boat was "Heart Breaker" http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1027.jpg Then we rode over to Fort Gaines and I parked the bike in front of some big ass cannons! I loaded up the Moto-Mule trailer with my duffel bag of clothes that packed for work and this trip. I just through it in the trailer right before we took off and it fit with no issues. We hit speeds of well into the upper 60's and the low 70's and I could hardly even tell that the trailer was there. AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1039.jpg Well, we got back to the hunting cabin (house) just after dark, and Billy's father-in-law rolled in just 5 minutes after us. Doyle, their friend, killed a deer and was going to skin it. Would I like to grab my camera and take some photos? HELL YES! The deer was very dead. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1044.jpg Here I got to see them start the skinning process. First time in my life I've seen a deer skinned. Cool. Punch a hole with a knife in the rear legs, and hoist it up. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1045.jpg Meet Doyle! On the property where Billy's family hunting cabin (house) is, they only Bow Hunt. Even more bad ass! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1047.jpg Then Larry joined in to make the process just a bit easier. Cut and pull! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1048.jpg Turn it around and pull the entire rear hide off. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1049.jpg Cut off the tale! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1050.jpg Cut off the fore legs! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1051.jpg Skin it some more, and cut out the tender loins. Don't forget to smoke your cigar.http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/deal.gif http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1052.jpg Cut the front end (rib cage and head) off. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1053.jpg Get out the sawzall, and cut the hams into two pieces. Get it Larry! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1055.jpg Store all meat cuts on ice. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1059.jpg Get Ice from the Ice machine, and drag cooler into the walk in fridge at the "Skinning Rack". AWESOME http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1060.jpg That was my day. My day was awesome. Tomorrow, I'll be heading to New Orleans, to meet the distribution manager of Kriega USA. I'm going to take a look at some luggage for my rear rack (I won't always pull a trailer), and then I'm heading Westward! As I said guys, let me know if you want me to swing by! I'm headed to Big Bend National Park to go ride with D-Rail and his pals, and then I'm off to San Diego via I-10 most of the way. UNLESS, I go to Colorado, and I really want to go to Colorado. So, I'll probably go to Colorado. I want to check out the Wolfman Luggage! Send me a text of call me please! 425-903-2632. ONWARD!!! --Alex |
Heading West, Currently in Lovington, New Mexico
Last you guys heard, I was on the road heading west. I was in San Antonio, Texas having passed through New Orleans, Louisianna on the way. Since then I have passed on through Del Rio, Texas and into Big Bend National Park where I met up with fellow inmate D-Rail (Darrel) Bobby (Craven Morehead), and Brandon (Dizzle).
Here is how the story went down. I said goodbye to Billy in Mobile, Alabama, and got a photo of him on my way out. My brand "new to me" '09 DR650 complete with my little "Moto-Mule" trailer. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1075.jpg Here I am, dressed and ready to go. ATGATT baby! To answer a question, "I would think the logic approach is to wear one gear for riding dry and wet, and not take rain gear with you. Your thoughts when you get a chance?" I like to ride with one set of gear, and when I left the US heading south on my trip to Argentina, I wore Rev'it Cayenne Pro Jacket and Rev'it Sand Pants. In the rain, the outer layer would get soaking wet, and eventually my crotch area would get wet and I'd be sitting in a puddle of water. When I got home, I bought a pair of AeroStitch Darien Pants, that are goretex, and they have been a step up in Waterproofness, but are not too comfortable in the summer heat. They are great for where I live near Seattle though. I now have a Rev'it Sand Jacket, and I like the way it fits better than my previous Rev'it Cayenne Pro. It is waterproof enough for me, and with the AeroStich pants, I have found my happy medium. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1076.jpg After I took off from Mobile, Alabama I headed South West to New Orleans, Louisianna. This was the first section of highway I would ride while pulling the trailer at highway speeds. It pulled well, and after a while I didn't even notice it was there and I was cruising at 70mph+ http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1080.jpg When I got into New Orleans, I stopped on the side of the road for a quick photo of a tourist trap, a horse drawn carraige. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1083.jpg My goal was to make it to the house of the US Distributor for Kriega Motorcycle Gear. Meet Michael, the guy that hooked me up with a US-40 Combo pack for the tail rack of my bike. AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1086.jpg After hooking me up with motorcycle gear, Michael offered me a bed in his spare room and hooked me up with a place to sleep. After that, I took off to check out the French Quarter of New Orleans. I found a kick ass little shop that had some pretty cool things for sale. I saw a poster with Pink Floyds signature, a guitar with the signatures of the Greatful Dead, and this guitar signed by the Rolling Stones. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1096.jpg While I was downtown, I met Travis (HickonaCrick) and got a famous photo for the Ride Report. Hola! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1097.jpg That night, I slept well and took off early for San Antonio to meet another guy from the AdvRider crowd, David (HotAir) and midway, I was lucky enough to be pulled over by a Texan Police Officer. Apparantly I had been going nearly 80mph in a 60mph zone. I believe him, but I'll be damned if I thought that the Goldwing GL1800 behind me was a cop! Sure enough, it was a cop, and he pulled me over and told me the facts. Then, he complimented me on the fact that I was in full riding gear (not a common thing in Texas it would seem), and started asking questions about the trailer. About 30 minutes after he had told me that he wasn't going to give me a ticket, he took off. "I have to go ruin some other peoples day," he said. I'm glad he didn't ruin my day! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1108.jpg Just short of San Antonio, Texas I pulled over for a shot of the sunset. Awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1109.jpg When I arrived in San Antonio, I met up with David, and promptly we took off for the local Brazillian Steak House for dinner. Have I mentioned that I haven't paid for food yet? These guys are awesome! I ate way too much, and was happy I did! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1114.jpg The next day, I woke up and took off late, but not before updating my ride report a bit, and taking a look at David's Taurus Judge. A 5 shot revolver that fires 410 shot, or 45 caliber rounds... DAMN. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1120.jpg You do NOT want to be Judged by this hand gun. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1122.jpg After that, David took me out for breakfast, and on the way there, he showed me his car gun, and 5 round mini derringer revolver that shoots .22 caliber magnums. AWESOME. It unfolds like a pocket knife. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1123.jpg Turns into a hand gun. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1124.jpg And dissapears into your hand. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1126.jpg Breakfast was kick ass. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1129.jpg When we got back to David's place, I loaded up my bike, and got ready to head for Big Bend National Park. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1132.jpg On the way there, I took my time and went slow, I was in no hurry. On the way, another biker fell in behind me and we cruised about 80 miles before I pulled over for fuel in a small town and he pulled up beside me. Here he is riding an '83 Honda V65 Magnum 1100. He was a true biker. Ride what you have. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1133.jpg Just a bit further I stopped at a gas station/mini mart to grab a drink and instead ended up drinking the coke and chatting with the attendant there for about 45 minutes or an hour. In that time, about 25 people came in a bought multiple loterry scratch tickets. The attendant told me that he never saw anyone with money to spare come in and buy the tickets, only the ones that were looking to hit it big. The ones that couldn't afford to buy them in the first place. So, I bought $5 worth of scratch tickets, to see if I couldn't hit it big. I won $4, effectively gave the Texas State Lottery a free dollar, and walked away from it. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1135.jpg Here is the Texas Lottery "Honoring All Who Served". I don't know about that. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1136.jpg A little further on, I reached Del Rio, Texas, hardly 150 miles from where I started in San Antonio. The sun was setting, and I didn't feel like riding much further. Along the way, I realized that I didn't have my sunglasses on. Damnit, when I had stopped to put my ear plugs in, I had set my sun glasses on my tank bag and then took off, leaving them on the side of the road. I also didn't have any gloves besides my winter gerbing heated gloves and I was about to ride for a weekend in Big Bend. Well, along the highway I spotted a motorcycle shop, so I stopped in to see what I could find. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1137.jpg After a look around, and about 30 minutes of shooting the bull with the owner, his wife, and a mechanic, I had some sunglasses and gloves, and a couple of photos of the bikes he builds. This was the first time I had seen or even heard of a rear sprocket that serves as a brake rotor! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1138.jpg After asking where I could find a cheap place to stay for the night (as I hadn't made it all the way to Big Bend) I was pointed in the direction of a $28/night motel. WHen I pulled up, I met another biker on his '76 BMW R90/6 with over 150k miles on it. He was heading home to Deming, New Mexico. He was coooool. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1141.jpg The next day, I left late again, at 11am, to avoid any cool morning temps (I didn't have to go to far to Big Bend), and rode until my felt like stopping 100 miles down the road at a "Picnic Area." I think the Safari tank on the DR looks kick ass. The trailer is kick ass too! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1143.jpg The night before I bought some snacks at the dollar store. Here I am stuffing face on granola bars, sour gummy worms, a coke and a quart sized bag of pecans from some trees on Billy's property in Alabama. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1144.jpg From there, I rode until my butt got sore, stopping only to see if I could decide what it was that had once been alive but had since been turned into road kill. Apparantly this is a Havelina. (Wild Boar native to the area). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1147.jpg That night, I ended up in Big Bend National Park, and stopped for a photo at one of the park entrance signs. I had ridden over 1000 miles with the Moto-Mule trailer behind my bike at highway cruising speeds ranging from 55mph-75mph. It never gave me a problem. (A great solution to clear up space on your bike!) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1152.jpg Soon thereafter, I found the Chisoc Mining Company Motel and after checking in under Darrel's name, was unloading my stuff into Cabin 19. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1153.jpg From there, I took the advice of Darrel and took off to find the Starlight Theater Restaraunt and Bar where I was told I would find the "night life." http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1154.jpg First though, I had to order my dinner. I was hungry. I got free desert after eating the entire Diego Burger. It was rough, and I hardly wanted to eat it as it was 2.25lbs of rediculousness. But I finished, much to the surprise of all the people there, and I enjoyed my free ice cream desert. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1156.jpg This was the crowd that I found that night. One of the owners, and local teacher, a server/bartender, and a couple more locals. They were all quite drunk. :) http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1161.jpg See what I mean? The bartender/server on the left and a local on the right... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1163.jpg That night, Darrel (D-Rail) and his friend Bobby showed up and we the next morning it was time for breakfast. We got a taste of some of the local form of transportation. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1167.jpg And after breakfast, a taste of ADVrider Transportation! KTM 690R http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1168.jpg That day we took off around noon and rode 100 miles off road through the park, it was bitchin. Meet Bobby! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1182.jpg Bobby is 50, and has been riding his entire life. This wheely took off at about 30mph and probably touched down at 60mph. I can't do that. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1186.jpg Nor can I do this! Well, I am telling a little lie. I saw D-Rail roll over this lip and come around to the left. I didn't know what I was looking at and hit it without ever letting off the throttle. According to him, and I tend to agree, I caught just as much air, and landed just as well. I couldn't do it again, as I was too scared! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1190.jpg The night, D-Rail's friend Brandon rolled in driving his moto-van. We took off the next morning for the gas station, and saw this outrageous three wheels car. I call it a car, because it has a steering wheel. It's called a Stallion, and has a 4-cylinder Ford Ranger motor in it. The guy that drove it was retired and about 70 years old. To each his own. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1207.jpg After that, we took off into the desert. It was a kick ass day and about 80% through the day, D-Rail's KLR650 sprung a leak. Dammit! Meet D-rail in his moment of shittyness. [IMG] http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/bigalsmith101/No%20Jobs%20No%20Reponsibilities%20No%20Better%20T ime/IMG_1216.jpg[/IMG] About 15 miles down the road, D-Rails friend Brandon got a flat front tire on his brand new 2011 KLR650. I busted out my Enduro Star Trail Stand and got to work. D-Rail had one as well, but had never used it as in the past 25k miles he's put on his KLR, he's never gotten a flat tire! That bastard! I made short work of this flat, and we put in a new front tube. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1218.jpg Big Bend National Park is great for ADV riding, and I had a great time riding out there with Darrel, Bobby and Brandon. On the second day, they were all riding KLR650's (2011, 2008, and 2005) all of which were pretty much stock. All of them are better off road riders then me and were tearing up the trails on tires less suited for the dirt then my TKC 80's. IT WAS AWESOME! You can't knock a KLR650. They do the job. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1221.jpg And Bobby will show you how to wheely it as well. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1227.jpg Brandon will show you if you didn't learn the first time. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1229.jpg And Darrel will pull the inside line on you if you don't check your mirrors! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1236.jpg After 130 miles the second day, we found ourselves back at the Starlight, on the porch with the locals drinking beer like we had always been there. After a while we went inside for dinner. This is a shot of the wall above the bar. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1237.jpg The next morning, Sunday morning, after breakfast we all decided we had ridden enough for the weekend, Bobby had a family to see, Brandon had a girlfriend to take to a motorcross track to ride that afternoon, Darrel wasn't picky, and I still had 2500 miles in front of me before I would get home. So we parted ways. Kind of. Here is Brandon rolling out in his "Moto-Van" with his KLR650 in the back. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1251.jpg And my lucky butt (literally) was able to stick my bike in the back of Bobby's truck, and hop in for a 320 mile ride nearly directly north to the home town of Darrel and Bobby, Lovington, New Mexico. YAY! What's up Darrel! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1253.jpg At the gas station on the way out, we saw this guy... Haha. He was traveling in style. [IMG] http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/bigalsmith101/No%20Jobs%20No%20Reponsibilities%20No%20Better%20T ime/IMG_1257.jpg[/IMG] So was this dog! Zoom in close if you can, and you'll see what looks like a sheep dog straddling the passenger seat and the panniers. It was awesome. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1256.jpg When we got into Lovington, New Mexico we swung by Bobby's auto dealership called "Ranch Hand Auto". Across the street is his shop/storage area. Inside it was a Man Cave of a sort... Check out his Rock Crawler! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1265.jpg And his Polaris rig. [IMG] http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/bigalsmith101/No%20Jobs%20No%20Reponsibilities%20No%20Better%20T ime/IMG_1268.jpg[/IMG] And his DJ Sound System! AHAH! Bobby Moonlights as a DJ... Not really, he took it in on trade in the back of a trailer on a car he sold. It was outrageous. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1270.jpg Bobby and his wife Missy live about 30 minutes outside of town on a family ranch. They have a pretty neat wrout iron sign letting you know where you're at. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1272.jpg THIS, is D-rail's Toyota Rock Crawler... Coooool. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1274.jpg Well, what you see is what you get! I am in South East, New Mexico now, and will be staying at Bobby's house again tonight (I stayed there last night). I've been treated well in the past 2 weeks by my ADVrider amigos, and am having a great time! Tomorrow I hope to reach Las Cruces, New Mexico and meet up with another ADVrider named Dan. His DR650 has RM250 forks on it... I want to check it out. From there, I'll be heading west still and gunning it for California where a plethra of ADV'ers have given me their good graces and offered me a place to sleep, food to eat, beer to drink, and a place to work on my moto if needed. I hope to have no use of a shop, and plenty of use for food, beer, and sleeping. Stay tuned for more guys and gals! --Alex |
Great to see the adventure continues. Are you planning to stay mainly on roads or how does the trailer handle off road? How easy is it to put on and off, it looks like it attached via the rear wheel spindle.
|
I'm home!!!
Alright, it’s been 9 days since my last report/check in, and a lot has happened. Specifically, I have arrived home! I know that a lot of you guys were psyched to see me, and meet me along my ride north from San Diego, but things got in the way, and I chose what you will see to be a much different route home...
First thing first, I had to leave Las Cruces, New Mexico and our inmate amigo Lunatic (Danimal). Having just checked the night before if his spare RM250 wheel would fit on my DR650 forks (to decide if I could keep my DR650 front wheel when swapping in an RM250 front end, which I can!) I hadn’t tightened up my front axle retainer bolts... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1354.jpg Good thing my mind decided to instruct my eyes to lean out over the front end of the bike and look at them! 8 minutes later, and I was back on the road having solved that minor hiccup. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1355.jpg About 100 miles later, I stopped for food at a local KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), in front of me a couple driving from Louisiana to California ordered a 20pc family meal and then proceeded to sit down and consume the entire family meal... It would seem that I am not alone in this world. I took a picture of my kick ass motorcycle out the window. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1357.jpg About 100 more miles later, I pulled over for a break, and walked around for 5 minutes, then I laid down on the concrete in the sun for 10 more minutes, then I took a pee off the side of the road behind a large bush, and got back on the bike for more interstate. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1359.jpg I rode until it started to get dark, I made it about 15 miles east of Phoenix, or 344 miles that day. I had an offered bed in San Diego, and I figured I’d get there in 2 days. And so if came that I found a place to camp... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1364.jpg Under the stars! I’m a cheap ass. At least I am when I am by myself. I can be persuaded to spend money, but when I am alone, and a hotel costs $50, and there isn’t a cloud in the sky, I have a brand new “to me” extra long thermarest sleeping pad and a 0 degree down filled sleeping bag... I’ll sleep outside. I didn’t even have to use the tent that I had been carrying since San Antonio when David (HotAir) gave me one (brand new 3 man Coleman tent) that he didn’t use enough. Only my face was cold that night, and I slept in my shorts and a t-shirt in the sleeping bag. It dropped down to about 40 degrees that night. This is either the 3rd or 4th time I have slept in this sleeping bag since I bought it on Day 5 of 250 on my way to Argentina. I’ll have more use for it now that I’m home! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1377.jpg Later the next morning, I got on my bike and rode 165 mile before stopping at a Yuma, Arizona Dairy Queen. That’s where I met this 89 yr old WWII veteran that was driving a newer model bright red Jeep Wrangler. We talked about motorcycles, and then my trip and he told me that “Doing that kind of stuff is what keeps you young. Traveling the world that is. I got my fill in the Army. Saw damn near half the world while fixing airplanes. No wonder I’ll hit 89 this year!” HELL YES! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1382.jpg Later, I was about another 100 miles down the road, parked at a rest stop. I met some cool people there too, and was sitting in the sun for about 45 minutes. I busted out my cell phone to call BigJohn in San Diego, and my phone didn’t work. I’m using a friend’s extra phone, and his service lapped for about 8 hours... I couldn’t find a pay phone, so I just kept going. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1390.jpg Then, I was at Big Johns place! Excellent. Big John is 6’4” and half again my size. His appropriate steed of choice is a mostly stock BMW R1200GS. Its 105hp is something to be desired (if you’re me). http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1392.jpg Inside John’s house, everything is done right. Here we can see his fantastic audio set up accompanying his big screen TV. Not only is the music equipment top of the line, his choice in music and books for that matter, the audio is wired to the entire house. The main living area (kitchen/living room), bathroom, bedrooms, and outdoor back patio are all wired for sound. AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1394.jpg I arrived on Friday, and that night, John had his neighbors over for dinner. We stuffed our faces, and it was awesome. I ate my fill. The next day, John went to work. Well, he went to his volunteer post at the audio shop where he worked for the past decade and a half. While he was spending his Saturday shooting the shit with Audiophiles, I read one of his several hundred books. This one happens to be a Robert A. Heinlein classic, “The Star Beast”. I read it in one day. Mostly in the sunshine. J http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1398.jpg When I say that, everything in John’s house is done right. I mean it. Meal time is included in that statement. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1400.jpg On Sunday, while everyone else was getting their pregame face on for the Super Bowl, John and I made a 140 mile ride into the mountains, northward, and back down the coast. John makes his R1200 look similar to my DR650... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1406.jpg First stop of the ride for some refreshments at a gas station. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1415.jpg Here we are riding down the coast. In front of me is a NOOB riding his BRAND NEW BMW G650GS, wearing shorts, sneakers with calf length socks, a Peruvian style sweater, an off road helmet with no visor, and sunglasses. No Boots, Pants, Jacket, or Gloves... I hope he doesn’t crash... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1416.jpg We stopped for another break, and I took a picture of this house. With all the color in its front yard, it helped me realize why so many people love to be in California. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1421.jpg This scene... IN FEBRUARY. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1422.jpg Now you can see what happened... John said something to me the day I arrived. Something along the lines of, “You know, I have been meaning to head north to Seattle and North Vancouver, Canada to go check out some steel hulled sail boats, and provided the weather is good up there, I was thinking about going early next week, say, Monday or Tuesday. In which case, we could throw your little motorcycle in the back of my truck.” I might be crazy, but at this point, I’m not stupid. And with nothing to prove, and a beautiful girlfriend at home, who’s been waiting patiently for me. I knew when to say when. YES PLEASE! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1425.jpg And so it came to be that at 3am on Tuesday morning, we left San Diego, headed north to beat the L.A. traffic. We beat it alright. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1429.jpg And my happy ass didn’t have to ride through the 500 miles of rain that John’s 2002 Toyota Tundra laughed at. While my bike was catching a ride... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1433.jpg I worked on a book John let me borrow. Richar K. Morgan’s “Altered Carbon” AWESOME BOOK. Does it look like I care at ALL that I’m not riding 1280 miles to Seattle? I don’t think so. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1435.jpg Well, with initial plans to drive to Redding, California and then spend the night and depart in the morning, we passed Redding at 4pm’ish and kept on going. We made it to Eugene, Oregon; home to Voodoo Donuts where John and I bought ate a Maple Bacon Bar. We opted out of the specialty donut “Cock and Balls”. That was the end of my joy ride with John however, and I traded inmates for Mike, creator and builder of the Moto-Mule Trailer that I pull behind my bike. Mike showed up at Voodoo donuts, and I followed him back to his place. John was a great host! Thanks John! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1438.jpg 15 minutes later, I was parked in Mike’s garage. I like dry parking spots. I soon thereafter was fed, and then I went to bed. John and I had driven 950 miles in one day, and he had continued north to Longview, Washington the same night. He’s an animal! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1439.jpg The next day, Mike took me to his shop where I got to see some of his equipment. Here is a CNC Plasma cutter. I WANT ONE! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1440.jpg And a CNC mill! AWESOME! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1441.jpg And his shop neighbors ’86 Porsche! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1443.jpg After that, we headed over to the headquarters of ProCycle US, where I met the guys that sell nearly every accessory known to man for the DR650 along with a few other bikes. This particular bike belongs to Jeff, the owner of ProCycle. It may look like a standard DR650, aside from the Safari tank. Along with the bike has the “ProCycle Wheel Set” with a 19” front and 17” rear. The Front is a 110/90/19, and the Rear is a 150/80/17. The Motor is bored out to 780cc, with high compression piston, hot cams, oversized valves, and an opened midpipe/exhaust. It’s a MONSTER of a bike. AWESOME. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1445.jpg What does this look like to you? To me it looks like an oversized gigantic motor crammed into an ’86 Corvette... http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1446.jpg Oh right, a 6.9 liter TURBO DIESEL CORVETTE! HOLY SMOKES! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_1447.jpg Then it was off to meet Drum, a procycle employee at a local watering hole for dinner before heading back to Mike’s house for bed. The next day, Mike was feeding me breakfast while I was checking out facebook. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1458.jpg Then it was off to his shop to see his machines in action. Here is his CNC plasma machine cutting out aluminum plates that will soon adorn the side of my action packer tub on my trailer. BITCHIN. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1459.jpg Next step, powder coat the plates. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1460.jpg Then, hang them in the oven. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1461.jpg Homemade powder coat oven. Kick ass. I want one of these too. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1462.jpg When they are dry, take them back into the house to be pasted with stickers. Rad. He has a sticker cutting machine too. Put that on the list of items. http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1463.jpg Next, group shot with Mike. Now my trailer is complete! Thanks Mike!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1464.jpg Then, I hauled ass home to my parents house, 300’ish miles. Everybody was happy to see me. YAY! I’m home! The next day, my Dad woke me up at 8am with his mini laptop in hand... What do you think of this Al Pal? Hmmm. What year is it? 1997. What is is? Mercury Grand Marquis. How many miles? 98k. One owner eh? Yep... I think that’s AWESOME. And so it came to be that I am the new owner of a mini land yacht previously owned by an 89 year old man and his wife. This baby hasn’t seen the front side of 3k rpm’s in it’s life! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1473.jpg The same day, I went for a drive over the mountains to see Kristi! YAY! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1482.jpg Hi Kristi!!! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1490.jpg Dinner time! FEED ME! http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_1493.jpg And so it goes. I am home now. I’m currently in Ellensburg, Washington doing absolutely nothing physical for the next few weeks while Kristi goes to school full time. Tom and I will go the docks on Wednesday and get his motorcycle, and get the bike running again. I will probably re-read my entire ride report and then edit it. I’ll gather my favorite photos and compile them. I’ll study how to fuel inject my DR650. I’ll decide how and where I’m going to put a turbo (GT15) on my ’95 BMW K75 (Mike gave me a free BRAND NEW turbo! HELL YES!) And then I’ll begin planning No Job, No Responsibilities, No Better Time Than Now. ROUND 2. Can you say AFRICA? Onward amigos! Any Questions? Now is the time to ask, I’ll be full time answering questions now! --Alex |
Hi Alex,
Has been interesting following your blog, and good to see the adventure still continues on home turf. Quick question re the masses of photographs you have collected enroute. What did you use to store them? ie Hard drive, mem-card? I am shipping my bike to Chile in October for a brief 3 month trip. Would have liked to spend longer but the usual work and family requirements have to be met. Cheers Gordy |
Hey Gordy
Thanks for following along!
I brought along with me 2(two) 4 gigabyte SD memory cards and one 1gb card for my camera. I nearly used the entirety of the second 4gb card by the time I finished my trip. Whenever I would sit down with my computer I would upload to my computers hard drive all of the new pictures that I had taken with my camera. I NEVER deleted any pictures from my Cameras SD cards. NEVER. (Not including instantaneous deletions that occured when a photo came out terribly). Further more, all of the really great photos made it to my Ride Report, and henceforth were uploaded to my photobucket account to link them to my reports. So, in the end, I had 3 copies of my most important photos, and 2 copies of ALL of my photos. I stored in original formatting all of the photos that I took on my computers hard drive and on my memory cards. Secondly I had a 3rd copy of my photos, in a much smaller format 800x600, stored online in my photobucket account. If you are so inclined, you could carry a small usb thumb drive of 8gb-16gb and likely not run out of space. For my computer, I used a 3 year old ASUS 1000HA Netbook computer. It was everything I needed it to be. Enjoy your Adventure! --Alex Quote:
|
Fantastic report Alex, it really looks like you're ready for the next leg. Africa, wow are you going to have an amazing time. I look forward to hearing about you're proposed route, I've spent a fair bit of time around Africa over there years though sadly never with a bike, though it's been going round my head for a while now. Good luck.
|
photo storage
Hi Alex,
Thank you for the photo storage info. Good luck with your future adventures. Look forward to reading about them. Africa has got to be a go!:scooter: Gordy |
Hey Alex - sorry I missed you on the way up through California - it took me a while but I made it through all your blogs - hella of a road trip to South America - one to tell your grandkids about. Let me know if you're ever down this way (Sacramento), and i'll buy you a steak and a beer
Ro-Bear (aka HondoLane), from U-Bear's website |
Epic tale Alex. And the new bike looks awesome!
|
Hey BugsOnMyBoard, I'm glad you enjoyed the ride report! I had a great time writing it, and I'm having even more fun riding around on my new bike!
Thanks! --Alex |
Some Jobs, Some Responsibilities!
We're up and rolling again!
It had been 13 month since I returned to the USA, and the plans were being sorted out. Now I'm on the road again. This time to Australia with my lovely gf turned fiancee Kristi! No motorcycle as of yet, but the adventure continues! Life is grand! Follow the adventure here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...es-still-68392 Thanks! --Alex |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:36. |