Dunno Ted, pretty cheap to cross the channel to the continent ... what? £50 or so? All those ports are within about a days ride (or so) from Le Harve. Rotterdam and Dutch ports have always been busy coming/going to S. America. I think I've heard of a Ro Ro that bases there? Not sure, maybe worth a look.

Landing in Brazil is a bit out of the way, Suriname would be OK if you wanted to see Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru. if you ride the big roads FAST you could be in Southern Argentina in 10 days or so.

But I totally get your situation and you ARE "up against it" regards your Time and Money constraints. Any way to steal a few extra weeks? Money? Sell off another bike?

Riding down from USA is a No Go IMO. You'd have to rush and that ain't no fun. A lot of your budget would have to go to buying a bike in USA.

You could buy a travelers bike down there somewhere ... then maybe leave it there for next time? Maybe better than being rushed, having to sell it off for nil?

Or ... ship your own bike over ...leave it for another trip with more time in a year or three? I've heard Uruguay is OK for storing bikes long term? Anyone have current info on leaving a bike and not screwing yourself by overstaying your TVIP?

Also heard what Mark was talking about regards Suriname. Must be a few alternate cheaper ways ... somewhere. :confused1:

Yes, but also because of HOW EXPENSIVE any German, Austrian or Japanese bike is there to buy, new or used. Outrageous. Even the Chinese bikes are overpriced. Double of they cost in USA. (import duties)

Sad thing is (but good for you) ... many travelers get badly stuck and HAVE to sell cheap as many are up against a deadline for a flight out. They end up practically giving the bike away just to get out from under it.
But DO be careful about the paperwork and TVIP business. Bit tricky.

Best of luck mate! Hope things work out!