USA to S. America aug or sept
 

I'm considering a trip from USA to South America (possibly as far as the southern tip of it) and would like to know if someone is contemplating a similar trip as it'd be better to travel together with someone. I'll be buying something like bmw650, and traveling relatively light.

My experience is not too much, maybe about 8000km in China and a few short trips elsewhere around the world. So I'm looking to drive at a reasonable speed and rate, with some sightseeing.

-Michael.

I have sent a message, ill be heading south i august, hope to hear....:thumbup1:

Peru, Brazil, Bolivia
 

Any questions you might have on Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia.... I may be able to answer. Have lived and riden here for 30 years...

:mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy:

Are you ready?
 

You say you are "considering" the trip. By all accounts, this is a massive undertaking. Do you have any idea of when you want to travel?

I hope to leave Chicago mid September and fly back home in time for Christmas from Buenos Aries. I'll be solo for the most part, on a KLR. I hope to hook up with someone in Central America and again in Bolivia for the salt flats.

Damn, I sure hope it's not a massive undertaking, because I'm doing it too, and I'm not undertaking it massively at all. In fact, I'm leaving most of it to the vagaries of chance and whatever feeble efforts I make at last possible minute, including plans, gear, maps, even learning how to use my new GPS (or, more likely, never quite learning and sending it home at some point).

I do have a couple of guidebooks, some experience traveling, a bike and certain bits of spoken Spanish to my credit. And I read, and I talk to people, and I've finally got the bike broken in properly (2007, 48k miles). What's to undertake?

See you on the road somewhere, maybe. You'll be traveling a lot more quickly than I, but you might see me waving and grinning from the slow lane. If so, slow down and we'll share a beer and maybe a few stories.

That goes for any and all. Safe journeys!

Mark

Hi Michael, Hi Mark, it's a piece of doddle as we say in Scotland. I will be hopefuly picking up my moto in Calgary on the 3rd Sep and bimbling gently south basking in the autumn sunshine. (I hope) Keep an eye open for a knackered old Brit on a dirty BMW R 1200 GS and like Mark said, flag me down if there is beer involved. (but not Alaskan IPA, it bites) Ride safe, Mike.

Alaska to TDF
 

I am doing this trip starting mid August from Anchorage. I will be riding 2 up with my wife riding to Prudhoe Bay and then just south. I dont mind stopping for a beer and a chat along the way, hope to see some of you soon.
Cheers

Hi Mike,

Hope I get to share a few more beers with you at some point along the way...but this time under circumstances where I don't need to ride home or cross any borders afterwards! I'm currently trying to shed some responsibilities, since otherwise I'll be hovering here in limbo forever.

enjoy,

Mark

Canada to TDF
 

Hello I have a r1200gs, I am leaving Canada on Aug. 13th. to TDF....send me your contact info and maybe we can get together for a ride or sharing experiences
Victor
www.VictorAdventures.BlogSpot.com
VictorCanada@gmail.com

dont send the GPS back too soon....
 

Hey markharf

not too big an undertaking - but this depends on how long you will eventually be away and the route you decide to take.

most of the countries you mention will have good tar roads and great places to stop and do some sightseeing. if you want to see some good photos and read a bit about it go to 2ridetheworld.com : diary
also have a look at our video page link - this may give you an idea as to what to avoid maybe!

if you want to travel Boliva - you may want to keep your GPS and make sure that you are not there when its too rainy as only 5% of the roads in Bolivia are tarred the rest are dirt/gravel and not too nice in the wet!

have fun - we also have GPS ref points on the index page too -

A2-sa
 

Michael,

I'm ready when you are! I've been postponing this trip for too long... I'll be heading south from Michigan mid-August to early September as my departure date is flexible. I'm fully equipped on a KLR 650 with ample supplies. I am on a tight have-to-pay-off student loans budget, so I'll be down for camping, staying in hostels, bagged lunches, etc. I too would prefer to travel with someone, however, it's been difficult trying to find the right companion. I am prepared to ride solo, but if you're serious about this endeavor please drop me a line.

Happy trails!

Victor

LA to BA/TDF
 

Hi all!

I'm planning a similar trip as you are. Starting in LA where I'll buy a used KLR in september and hopefully end in Argentina 5 months later. Will be doing most of the trip relatively cheaply since I will have just finished college by then...

Hope to meet you on the road or at the bar! :thumbup1:

Torben

Tdf
 

I'll be leaving Los Angeles as soon as late August, but probably early Sept. I'm on a DR650 and have no time limitations.

Chris Brown

Hello Torben,
i will leave from LA to TDF in the first week of october. My traveltime is 4,5 months. Perhaps we can ride some sections together. Please contact me via e-mail iheld@gmx.de

Regards
Ingo

Mail Info
 

Hello,

i am on the following e-mail list from another HuBBer - John. He creates this list for people who heading south this September/ Oktober.

I have this information from Obadiah who is on the list too.
link: Home

See you on the Panamericana!

Ingo

Seattle-TDF
 

I'll be heading south by mid-September, no itinerary, no rush.

Gary


http://r1150rt.smugmug.com/photos/608819756_SYjTf-M.jpg

Hi all,

it looks like there will be a lot of us heading down!
I am leaving Canada early October to reach Ushuaia late March, I'll see you on the road...

Yannick

Leaving Tucson Aug/07/2009 to Argentina and Brazil
 

Hi dedyaga
I'll be driving my Toyota Tacoma from Tucson to Argentina.
I'm leaving Tucson on the 7th and planning to stay on the road for 2 or 3 months. I do a lot of photography. Let me know your plans.
Thanks
Nino
dbrandolizi@yahoo.com

Gidday All
I am about to leave Canada for the US and the HU meeting in N.C.
Then it's back to Boston to fly out to join the missus for five weeks in Europe.
AFTER which I will be heading for Sth America in mid October (from Boston)
The route down through the US is undecided, however linking up with someone would be a good idea.
I'm on an R1200GSA which has so far gotten me to Inuvik (from San Francisco) and over through Quebec and Nova Scotia without too much drama.
While I have all the camping gear, I wonder whether it's needed in S.A.?
My blogsite is errolsadventure
Cheers
Erol G.

Hi Errol,

Camping gear is also something I've been debating whether to take along or not. From what I gathered on the HUBB and ADVrider, it's not necessary in any part of CA or SA. However, if you like camping or want to travel cheaply, it is nice to have, especially on the souther part of SA on the way to TDF.

Security is of course a bigger issue when camping. I read that in general it's less safe to camp in CA but have no personal experience with this.

My plan is to not bring camping gear and once I get to South America, I'll buy the cheapest tent I can find for the few times that I'll camp.

Cheers,
Torben

SA camping
 

Gidday Torben
It's not just the tent that is the problem, it's all the other "stuff" that goes with it.
Like the sleeping bag and Thermarest mat.
This stuff is bulky and therefore becomes a security problem.
Just a thought.
Cheers Errol

G'day all,

This is a some what related question, I'm also planning a trip from the USA through to South America, following a similar method to Torben, but I need to know whether it is possible for a foreigner to legally own a motorbike bought in the USA?

I am currently sitting in Australia weighing up different options, freighting a bike from here is rather expensive!!

Any help appriciated.

Hi Torben, I have done that run 3 times and am about to set off on a 4th. Your idea about buying down south if you decide you need it is a good one although you might consider taking a lightweight bag and bivi sheet for emergency bivvies. Anyway, your bike gear will keep you alive unless you choose to bivvy in really extreme conditions (half way up Aconcagua say). While I am on this thread a request, any solo or groups of riders want to group up for the CA part of the trip please get in touch, I have done CA solo and in a group and the hassle reduction by travelling in a group or even a two ship is "just sublime" as a certain puffer skipper would say. I'm picking up my moto in Calgary at the start of Sep. '09 and will be bimbling south just ahead of the winter. (I hope) Ride safe.

Hi all,

Yes a lightweight bag and a bivi would be good for emergencies. I really like to avoid too much bulk though like Errol said. Since I still have to buy the bike in CA, I'll see how it is loaded up, and if it's not too full I'll add a small sleeping bag and bivi.

Maja, riding in a group is definately more fun. And makes border crossings easier as well! I suggest signing up to the mailing list Platon66 mentioned in post #15 of this thread. It's not too active yet but there's 13 other people there making this trip so it shouldn't be too hard to find riding buddies :)

Daccadict, yes it is legal to own a morcycle in the USA. It is good to be aware of this different rules and procedures in each state though. For instance, in some states you will get the title of the bike when you buy it, in others it will be send to an US address within a few weeks. There's quite a bit to find about it on this forum and on the DMV websites of each state.

Cheers,

Torben

Grup riding to SA
 

Gidday all
Ducaddict, I spent a year or so setting up a bike for a length of the Amercas trip, including a letter to the US embassy in Canbera (Australia) asking what difficulties I may encounter.
After about 6 pages of rules and regs. they told me the inspecting customs officer had the discretionary power to allow or refuse entry of said bike.
You guessed it, I copped one who decided to be difficult and it took me 5 days, with the help of an agent, to get it in!
I'm still not sure why it was refused in the first place.
I would still recommend bringing your own bike, but hire an agent from the Australian end.
It cost me Aust.$1700 to fly it from Sydney.(Qantas)
Mike,I am at prsent in the US and am very intereted in joining up with other riders for, at least the CA leg in late October or early November.
I will be at the HU rally in Nth Carolina in August if anyone there wants to touch base.
Cheers Errol

Yet another Canadian heading to TDF this fall. Leaving Peterborough, Ontario early October (date flexible) on a KTM990. Very interested in linking up with others. Planning to take until March to complete the trip with a possible flight home for Christmas.
On the subject of camping gear, I have been able to put tent, mattress, sleeping bag, cooking equipment and coffee press in one side bag with room to spare for replacement front and rear tubes and some dried food. I am not planning on a lot of camping but you never know?? If you want some advice on the most compact equipment out there let me know.
I will continue to follow this thread. If you are interested in linking up please let me know.
Peter

Hi Folks :D

I read this thread and think for my self... evrybody is on the way to tdf.

Me too :-)

Today (Monday August 24) i stay in SF, left tomorrow to the NP's Yosemite and Death Valley. And after this i will turn down to Mexico.

Maybe i meet somebody on the road?

more infos about me? visit Motonaut.ch - Start

cheers Markus

Leaving LA 1st sept
 

Hi there...
Myself and my buddy Helmar will be heading south on the first of september.
If you want to meet for a beer along the way no problem.
You can see where we are at this link
Oisin's Blog
Stay safe on the road...
Oisin

wow!
 

Markus,

we have the same bike (mine being somewhat older!), how's the riding with that HUGE top box you have on there? I don't think I have ever seen a Super T carrying such a load...

Hope I'll see you on the way south,

cheers,

Yannick

gands2up heading South
 

Hi All,

Sue and I are in California at the moment heading into LA tomorrow or there abouts, we have ridden from Anchorage via Deadhorse over the last 3 months. We need to be out of the states by Sept 8th and will head down the Baja before catching the ferry to Mazatlan. we are not on any kind of schedule but have another 8 months to finish out trip to TDF. If anyone fancies a chat and a beer let us know where you are and we'll get in touch.

Stay Upright

Graham and Sue

Hi, all.

I leave San Francisco on a GS 1200 by the 10th September. I was thinking going New York crossing Canada, but maybe going South is a good option.
Does anyone fit this trip?

About experience: I rode France, Italy, Ireland, England, Isle of Man, USA (from Miami to San Francisco), Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabue, Bostwana, Namibia, South Africa, Ukrain, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Acerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Cyprus, Greece...

I can not say if I am a good mate to ride because I always ride alone, but I speak very good Spanish.

From Nairobi to Cape Town. A fantastic trip on a BMW Motorcycle across Africa

HEADING EAST...

Holy Land

MARENOSTRUM TRIP

What to take to TDF
 

Ind500, I have just been to the HU rally in NC and enquired about what gear to take with many who have done this.
Including one Grant Johnson.
The concensus seems to be no camping gear or cooking stuff.
So, I will be sending mine home to OZ once I'm finished with Nth America.
Cheers Errol G

i am also heading south on my klr, but later than most on this post, not till november or later.

why exactly is the consensus not to bring cooking or camping? I am planning on bringing exactly both... but i should also mention that i'm bringing a climbing rope and climbing gear for technical climbing.

thanks.
steve

Costa Rica
 

hey all
I am halfway to TDF , roughly, currently in Samara, Costa Rica, working in a bar for tyre money!
I will be heading out of here in a week or so, looking to ride through Panama and take the baot to Colombia on the 25th sept to Catagena...would love someone to ride with ...drop me a line. I am doing only paved roads unless absolutely necessary , am a bit on the budget side, hostels are in , but I have no camping gear..cheap and easy is the way forward.
Hope you are all avoiding the rain
Daniel
lowlifedan@hotmail.com

I'm not too far behind you Dan,
I'll be leaving Guatemala this weekend, how long did it take for you to get to CR? I'm on a DR650 but pavement is ok with me.

Emailed too.

Actually, if anyone is in the neighborhood, let me know.
Ricky

Hi, so anybody arrived mexicab border yet? Which one, considering the violence lately.
I just arrived from Netherlands into Austin afewdays ago, to sort out the bike (honda xr650l). I plan 2 get to mexico this wknd/ begin nxt wk.
Anybody in neigbourhood?

cheers, Remco

Gear to take to SA
 

Steve (pocketumbleweed)
It seems that accommodation is cheap and the camping gear can be bulky and create some security problems.
Constantly worrying about some hoon getting off with some of your gear can be a pain, I think you would agree.
I was going to take the full set, but was convinced that it is not necesary, though I am considering taking the sleeping bag and liner.
Chers Errol?c?

one more heading to TDF from Ohio
 

I too am heading South. leaving Ohio within the next four weeks. Would not mind hooking up with some others. I have some flexibility with departure time. Thinking about Coulmbia Libre Nov 1st. 2008 klr knickpool@aol.com

americas
 

hi guys im currently in san diago leaving tommorow for baja planning on getting ferry over to mainland mexico came down from anchorage via cold foot san fran route 101 and las vagas not raely planning much day to day riding anyone want to meet be great keith riding 1150gs gracias:clap:

Leaving soon
 

Hey all,
Count me in on riding south also. Solo on a KLR. Plan to ride out of Chicago September 15 and catch a flight on Copa out of Panama on October 8 to Bogota. Yeah, I know it's kind of the fast track. I'm slowing down as soon as I hit Peru. Hope to be in Ushuaia mid December. Would definitely like to cross some CA borders with others, Bolivia's salt flats too.

Cheers, Crawford

leaving LA 17th Sept
 

Hi all, just joined up on this site and arrived from NZ. I'm picking my african up in LA on the 15th then heading to BA via TDF over the next 3 months. Since I'm with "noddy no mates" will keep my eyes open, Starting off with Baja then following the coast. hope to see someone at some stage and do the beer thing...
Cheers
Mark

LA to BA
 

Hi Crawford,
Sorry mate trying to work out how to reply to a post. Seems I can't reply directly to your last post so hope this gets to you. I'm leaving LA around the 17th then down Baja and x over via ferry. would love to hook up. I have a laptop with me and will check email as much as poss. paramedic@xtra.co.nz
Cheers
Mark

In Parras, Mexico North-NorthEast
 

Seems all have same idea but different timeschedule a starting points!

I am currently driving with my Honda XR650L trough Mexico. I am in Parras. I am not sure yet, but I think with Independence Day - 16 September - I am trying to reach Vera Cruz. So anyone who is arruound at that tim, join me in the fiesta!

Leaving on 09/16
 

Hello everyone, I am leaving Denver 09/16 heading to SA. not sure witch border crossing i'll use, i am looking for partners to share the road.
anyone?
fdurancol@yahoo.com

El Paso 09/17
 

Hello everyone.
Crossing el paso this Friday 09/17
Anyone in???
Fernando

October to set off to TDF
 

Hey all

I completed a run through Africa solo in april, may and june - and now im in seattle (but from sunny england).

Im planning to head south in October, eventually hitting TDF sometime next year, when who knows, but probably aiming for march/april time.

Would love to have a travelling partner alongside me on my 800GS, or to meet up with people along the way.

Anyone got any notes on border crossings/visa's etc for mexico, guat, columbia, nic, hond etc?

Everyone keep in touch,

Craig
--
shambolista.squarespace.com

Hi Craig, I'm joining up with a guy from Ontario (Peter-ind500) in southern(ish) Arizona probably Tucson in mid Oct. prior to heading south, feel free to join up if you want to get a feel of Latin America before "wingin it". As to everyone else crossing into Mex around then, anyone fancy a mass join up in Mazatlan to work out transiting CA and getting to Colombia from Panama? Use this thread or PM me if you fancy it. Ride safe

hi Craig

i'm leaving from vancouver oct. 8th and heading toward the the copper canyon via Tuscon then off to PV for a few days. let me know if you are interested in connecting.

Hey

I will be down in California around that time, but on my harley with a friend. What kind of date do you expect you will be around arizona? Are you heading onwards from there?

Craig

i hope to be in scottsdale on the 11th from there down through douglas and on to the copper canyon over the next few days

Hi All,

I'll be leaving Spokane Washington in early October headed for Ushuaia. I don't have an exact route other the basic Route to Ushuaia. Other than that, I've documented some of what I've done to on my website at South America Planning

Lately, I've been thinking of attending the BMW Rally in Mexico but have not registered yet so I've not committed to this. At some point I'm stopping for a Spanish emsersion class too.

Glad to meet-up with anyone heading down south.

-Jeff