After reading many different opinions about ' Around the block ' agency at Peru, and having my own experience - I decided I should write a review.
I went on a two months trip across peru with my girlfriend. During the trip we rented a bike from Toby for a two weeks round trip around Huanuco.
We took a 250cc Ronco X-terra. My expectations from a Chinese bike were pretty low after travelling on an Indian Enfield for six months..
I was really excited to find out our Ronco managed to carry us both, including our laguage through quite hard roads and hot days.

We did had some delay before getting on the road, but the problems were fixed fast and we were out the next day.
Also i have to mantion, I cantacted Toby only a day before I got there (instead of two weeks before) .
We even got oil, fork oil and tires completely new. The bike was disassembled and built again specialy for us.
Toby's team cared about every small demand I had.
I was amazed by the professional welder he has just next to his workshop. Where you can built and modify anything. Maybe I'm so amazed just because my India experience.. but it is very nice.

Probably the biggest benefit is that Toby knows well all the nicest routs and places you should visit. During the whole experience, Toby was extremely responsive by emails and phone. He provided us a very detailed plan with gps coordinates of places to eat, sleep and explore. We didn't stick completely, but it was Very helpful!


Overall - Toby Is a very warm and pleasant guy,
I think he's little kindom in south Huanuco is a very inspiring, helpful establishment. He makes traveling by motorcycle affordable and convenient.
I warmly recommend!

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Crossing India Vlog - Holy Cow Road Trip on YouTube

I have ridden every country in South America except Uruguay and Chile on an F800GS BMW. I met Toby and his wife Sara a few years ago when friends invited me to take part in a tour. I was reluctant to ride a 250cc Chinese bike but agreed to go. The trip changed my outlook on motorcycle size. I had a blast riding ride and gravel roads and a year later I bought a bike from them. Since 2014 I try to get back to Peru to ride the Andes on my bike which Toby stores for me. The shop is top-notch. His craftsmen created a custom pannier frame and footpegs. My bike was originally a 200cc. Before I bought it they had the engine block bored (spelling?) to 250cc. Maybe that is not something special, but I was impressed.

One of the greatest values is the advice Toby will give you on route planning. Toby travels so touch base with him beforehand to ensure he will be in Peru, otherwise, I imagine he will give you tips remotely. I enjoy their company immensely and schedule my trips when they are in Peru.

I don't know and can't comment on every outfitter but I stand on record that they are very honest and deliver high-quality bikes. That said, nothing is perfect, and we are talking South America. Something can go wrong. Toby must go through gallons of lock tight but you still *may* find a bolt comes loose. Just like any bike, you should go over it regularly. If you are seeking zero risks, then its best you stay at home.

If I can get away I hope to get back to Peru in December or January. This job thing is really cramping my style. Until I break free of employment, I have refined the logistics to a well oil process. Direct flight to Lima, spend the night, next day a 90-minute flight to Huanaco for ~$140 round trip. Prepack my bike and wire the GPS the day I arrive, then leave the next morning. 6-days riding later I return to Huanaco, spent the night, then fly back to Lima where I catch a redeye home. Arrive a dawn Sunday and back to work on Monday. You can be an adventure rider in South America if you have 10-days to spare. =)

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Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride