A pretty good but frustrating problem

[PJ]

From June this year I have all the time off I need, I have saved a fair chunk of Euros and my bike however unsuitable for travel is in perfect working order and of course I love it. So what's the problem? Well I can't figure out where to go.

First I was thinking of a trip through Morocco then into Mauri. Of course I got great advice on this until I looked deeper into it and then said why not the world? Think bigger! Looked into all the carnet stuff and shipping involved in that, then thought well I speak some Spanish and wouldn't it be easier and just as good to ride from Alaska through to Argentina instead. I'd also get much more improved in Speaking Spanish. Sounds good eh?

Now everyone I talk to is telling me that Central America is very dangerous with bandits and political situations and so is Ecuador, which would be the obvious one off shipping place to go to from Panama.

Has anyone got any good ideas? I know this question might seem a bit ridiculous but I seem to genuinely have baffled myself and would love some of your good ideas.

Europe is out by the way, as I have had a great time doing a big Euro trip about 3 years ago and loved it. I have never been off road either and ride a sportsbike so that would have to be a factor too.

Anyway, hope to hear from you all soon.

[rhinoculips]

It's hogwash! It's dangerous to just step out your door, or more so to ride a motorcycle through developing countries. Do not fear all the stories you hear about this place being dangerous or that one is, yadda yadda yadda.

Do the Alaska to TDF! No Carnet and beautiful cultures = a no brainer. Getting from Panama and around The Gap, hop on a sailboat from Colon to Cartagena. 5 days of blissful paradise on a sailboat...lovely.

I just did a ride from Colorado to TDF and yes there are areas that aren't ideal safety-wise, but so is New York City. When approaching certain areas with the bad reps, I talked with the locals in the know.

Colombia, the so called "Kidnap Capital of the World" was one of my favorite places and the women beautiful beyond belief. It is not as bad as most people think. Sure, you have to be smart about riding Colombia. Don't travel at night, stay on the main roads, don't eat something given by a stranger on the street etc are good tips. It is a very different(ie - safer) country these days compared to say 10+ years ago. JUST DON'T MISS THIS COUNTRY!

Don't talk yourself out of something because of stories you may hear or see on the news. They are usually blown way out of whack. Go do it!

Just be sure to have a great ride, wherever you choose to go.

Ryan and Lobo Rojo

[Lone Rider]

Always a question to be personally resovled.
Group help is usually weak - a crutch, if you will.

Check really well to make sure you're not being followed, as many or us are, and if the coast seems clear, reach out and go, just go...

Some people are still waiting for the traffic signal to change colors so they feel comfortable crossing...

[Walkabout]

Here is a thread that you may like to read:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...tion-1-a-30342

[charapashanperu]

Ryan,

Don't know if you can help me, but I am looking for a Matt Stackhouse from Colorado who rode CO to TDF and back on Honda XR's with a friend in 2003? Are you part of a CO community?

Toby (charapa) Around the Block 2007 |

[Vaufi]

Err... I wouldn't ride the Patagonian roads on a sports bike. I met an Argentinian guy down in Calafate. After dropping his road bike several times he left it in Rio Gallegos and took to public transport :-) And I believe most of the more interesting roads in central and southern America are gravel/dirt roads.

None the less - don't stay at home and wait for a better chance. Just go.

[martheijnens]

People already told you not to be worried or to be afraid. I don't think that's very helpful. If you are worried you are worried. You want to do the american north-south trip and are worried about central america? Simply skip central america! I shipped my motorbike from Caracas to Miami so it must be possible to do it the other way around. This alternative brings you to interesting countries. Enjoy it.