Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Ride Tales, Trip Reports and Stories > Ride Tales
Ride Tales Post your ride reports for a weekend ride or around the world. Please make the first words of the title WHERE the ride is. Please do NOT just post a link to your site. For a link, see Get a Link.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


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



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #256  
Old 28 Feb 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
Terry Two Wheel

Went by to see him and told him you were having a blast. Keep the photo's coming. I have my Nazi croch rocket in the warehouse doing winter maintances. Front/Rear brakes, new back tire, new grips and accellarator cables to name a few things. Take care.
Reply With Quote
  #257  
Old 5 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
The way of San Jose

Here for further serendipitous enlightenment. A selection of evil devices at the local hardware store.


Costa Rica is not cheap. 1000 equals $2us. The fast food places are busy


At the market where the locals eat..... this was about $4us Another place about $3us


Traffic is a Latin New York kinda thing. I could not (nor can anybody else) walk the streets without people constantly bumping into me. No offence was meant by this. No one stepped to the right but rather wandered, wavered and decided at the last moment. The system I developed was to walk as if I were in a real hurry and people did not mind such at all. A sunday stroll results in being pushed aside. Stop to be courteous and be pushed aside. Lots of buses on narrow streets and going quite quickly. Caution is necessary. Watching right hand turns near the farmers market where people stand in the street to sell their stuff is an entertaining contest of wills. Yes, that is a Harley.
Reply With Quote
  #258  
Old 5 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
And they never hook up the freakin' ground wire. Every time I use one of these things I look at that green wire dangling. Only been shocked once, though.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ratbikemike View Post



Tropical Latin plumbing does not include a separate pipe and such for hot water. Just one water. This thing it supposed to heat the water as it comes out the pipe. This devise is everywhere but the upscale hotels. It sporadically brings the water to lukewarm and goes to cold for no apparent reason. It is evil. Cannot be used without spontaneous bursts of profanity
Reply With Quote
  #259  
Old 5 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
life in da big city

Surprising who you meet. This guys father,as an infant, was hidden in a shoe box so the Nazis could not find him. At that time, my father observed that he would likely die before getting home and resolved to see how many men he could kill first.


The Blind Pig Blues Band did such a good job on Hoochie Coochie Man that I almost got a tattoo on my left arm, so I could hang it out the window while driving, ....in a gaudy, bright multi colored longhand script.... HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN. Not sure why I didn't.


Bill's girl friend was singing, so a bunch of us showed up to support her/him. Tongue in cheek humor is..... "she has such a nice smile". Bill payed for the dental work. Bill does not like 'face recognition technology' on the net.....


Sometimes it is big work for me to not complain long and bitter about struggles walking across town..... This guy had a better attitude.
Reply With Quote
  #260  
Old 6 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
Last few days in San Jose CR

I spoke to Bill, who gives every impression that he would be comfortable negotiating with Mafia crime bosses, and it was decided that the World SuperBike race in Australia was not on tv in Costra Rica. They have every channel from every provider. I paid $4.20 for a small Red Bell and did not bat a eye.($2.20 almost every where else on earth) Hotel, restaurant, bar and bordello, they insist every costumer is is provided with all the warmth, charm and since of well being that money can buy.


I found myself it a ...... shoestring store.


I paid her about $1.50 to pose for this picture.


He was so dismayed that I would not see his homeland , Peru, that he presented me with a gift, a necklace...
Reply With Quote
  #261  
Old 6 Mar 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1
Any new pix on return trip?

Still trying to master navigation on this site. Thanks for reply yesterday. Bob
Reply With Quote
  #262  
Old 6 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
That sun is sooo... good .....kinda bright tho.... The house cat at the Anchor Club


Walking by , I couldn't help but notice the sex toys marketed along with camping gear and guns....


I was to meet friends here at the "world famous Del Ray" and go elsewhere.(goggle it)
As I sat at the bar, a woman, bubbling over with out going charm, sat next to me and said in good english spiced with spanish, "Welcome to my country!!" and planted a big wet kiss on my cheek. I, embarrassed, said that I really am expected to meet friends any minute. Soooo, I really did go to a whore house and get a kiss!! Never mind that it was part of a hustle and she was expecting a $100 quick turn around. Never mind that part.
Reply With Quote
  #263  
Old 6 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
Up and going north....

Good bye to the folks at the really cheap hotel. (Skid row /red light area) This, a few moments after trying to arrange for a little more cleavage....


This guy, a pushy helper, thought I would obey his bull horn. And he didn't have a gun!! Got into Nicaragua without incident.


The roads in this part of Nicaragua are great and I pressed on under that full moon low on the horizon. Photo by a 13 year old boy that was hanging out at a police check point. Really great ride....


Somehow found the Breaded Monkey Hostel in Granada. Was great.
Reply With Quote
  #264  
Old 7 Mar 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Kata, Phuket, Thailand
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by ratbikemike View Post
Good bye to the folks at the really cheap hotel. (Skid row /red light area) This, a few moments after trying to arrange for a little more cleavage....


This guy, a pushy helper, thought I would obey his bull horn. And he didn't have a gun!! Got into Nicaragua without incident.


The roads in this part of Nicaragua are great and I pressed on under that full moon low on the horizon. Photo by a 13 year old boy that was hanging out at a police check point. Really great ride....


Somehow found the Breaded Monkey Hostel in Granada. Was great.
That's awesome, I've stayed at that same hostel! I'm not sure if you're planning on it but Isla de Ometepe is pretty sweet. Beware: when I was there they overloaded the ferry with bananas and sunk the ferry a few yards from the pier!
Reply With Quote
  #265  
Old 7 Mar 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 1
Hi Mike.

I think we have a few of the same friends from your pictures of "The house cat at the Anchor Club" and Bill with his girlfriend in San Jose. I lived in Costa Rica for a few years and only visit now. I haven't seen them for a few months but they appear to be doing well.

As a new HUBB member I can't send a PM yet but I would like to talk to you about Bill and other CA countries. I've been one of his "friends" for 22 years.

Be safe.

Phil
Reply With Quote
  #266  
Old 8 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
Leaving Granda and across Houndras

Jeremie,
Am I right that you are stuck in an office in Thailand? Must be tough!! That may well be my next effort at travel.
Cygan,
Had a great time at the boys club there. PM me anytime and I will see if I can sort out how to answer.
I had breakfast at this restaurant....


....with this woman and her daughter


The stool and floor are one piece heavy plastic and the rest looks like a kit from the local hardware store. A concrete base, wow. A modern methods out house....... and it is level!! Always ....always...... check for paper.


A confusion of humor to do with a little ass... talking to an ass etc etc
Reply With Quote
  #267  
Old 8 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Emerald Queensland Australia
Posts: 251
Mike always enjoy your posts!

I love the way your personality shines through in the way you present your posts.It's great the way you show the real sites/people .Noel
Reply With Quote
  #268  
Old 8 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
Traveling into Hondruas.

Noel.
Thanks for following along.
This guy sits at the policia check point and benefits from the generosity of travelers, He took this picture.....


.....of the policia that arrested me (YES!!) for not having my papers in order. The bike papers were in a safe place, with the camera, not with the rest of paperwork. He is quite proud of being an honest cop. I have been in a busy, traveling mode and several things don't get the attention needed.


In Hounduras now. This woman with the very dark, bruised eyes and the machete said harsh things to me in spanish, so I moved and stood behind ......


.....these guys. Much to the amusement of all. After the atm business was done, the cop on the left gestured that he wanted those tires on the back of the bike. I said in a clear and direct voice, " You know enghish,.... BULLSHIT? It was a rare and precious moment for me.
Reply With Quote
  #269  
Old 8 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
El Salvador and the '24hr visa'

At customs (aduana), this is the guy that told me where to sit. I told them that I was headed home and just passing through, so they gave me a 24 hr visa. Being late without a police report would subject me to a heavy fine. It is about 250 miles across the country.


The roads were good for travel and I found my way quite well, despite a very crude map and poor road markings. A startling sunset approaching San Salvador.


I stopped to check directions in the night and thanks these two profusely and kissed their hands. They became giggling, blushing girls.


I arrived after 5 1/2 hours, at 9:30pm and got all the paperwork done but for entry into Guatamala for the bike. The 'bank was closed so they could not accept any money. I was booked out of San Salvador and could not go to Guatemala with the bike. So, they let me camp here. The guards treated me well.
Reply With Quote
  #270  
Old 8 Mar 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 220
A light crash....

At the El Salvador/Guatemala border campsite. That is a regular 8 oz. cup. It can jump.


FINE!!.... I camped in the Immigration building....... By 8am they figured out that I had been out of Guatemala for only 9 weeks and sooooo.... no entry for the bike!! Not until 3-24-13!! ( must be out 3 months! ) The clerk said to me (a bleeding heart liberal), " It's not my problem!" The El Salvador guys offered me a 60 day visa, but if I went to Nicaragua I could not return for ANOTHER 2 months!! I was dealing with the supervisor thru an interrupter that was in NY recently, certainly not legally. I got another 24 hour visa with a fine of $1,300 (yes!) if I were late without a police report. But I could exit the country and return at will. I took off south, still in full cannonball mode plus some 'tude. Did it once 5 1/2 , so 24 can be done again. I was doing fine until I got San Salvador and saw a couple on a BMW that had a Costa Rica plate. I caught them in traffic and was going to use him as a guide through the city. After that it would be simple. Passing while meeting on coming traffic and passing on the right with a concrete ditch about a foot deep on the right etc etc. I tried the right and then the left and while on the right side the pavement dropped 2 or 3 inches with a square lip to return to the higher section. I should have made my move direct and with force,(lota traffic) but I tried to ease up the step. Not the right way to do that. I crashed at 20 to 30 mph. Not much damage, a puled muscle in my left leg, a bruised left tricep and a bent turn signal. AND the Costa Rica guy was gone. Everybody was nice at the crash site, somebody picked up the bike, a cop helped me to my feet a little before I was ready. It was only at certain angles that my pulled muscle hurt. so I was uncertain as to what my condition really was for several minutes. Pretty soon I was rolling bruised up and with a different 'tude. And quickly lost in a large city. Several wrong turns and I stopped to ask directions in spanglish. At the gas station, an english speaking beauty was found and after several minutes of confusion and after she read my paperwork to do with the fine, it was decided that her husband would get in his car and lead me to CA1 which was marked with a sign that read 'Poppas' which is the next city on that route. I made good progress until a got within about 25 ? miles of Honduras. I stopped at a house with several guys standing around in the yard. One spoke English and I learned that I was in fact on the right road. They were pleased to have me stop and all was in good jocular humor. A plastic cup of water was provided. A couple of minutes later a romantically inclined ' somewhat' crazy woman appeared. And then her friend arrived. There was quick talk of marriage. I made it to the border on time. It was just about 26 hours round trip on a 48 hour deadline. All the papers are in order ...

This is inside Honduras looking back....Whew!! Full riding mode , too busy for many fotos
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mexico Feb 17 to Panama round trip Mexico March 15 Scorpio33 Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 16 Nov 2012 02:24
Ao2W - USA and Mexico banditderek Ride Tales 1 25 Mar 2012 15:09
Heading to Mexico - looking for company davidam Travellers Seeking Travellers 12 21 Feb 2012 07:58
Inspirations? Mexico 5 months 2011 manfredschweda Central America and Mexico 8 23 Dec 2011 18:20
Inspirations? Mexico 5 months 2011 manfredschweda Ride Tales 0 17 Dec 2011 13:26

 
 

Announcements

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

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

Next HU Eventscalendar

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

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

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

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

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

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

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


 

What others say about HU...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

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

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



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

New to Horizons Unlimited?

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

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

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

Membership - help keep us going!

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

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




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:26.