The La Balsa border crossing is infamous for its relaxed imigracion office, meaning, the one official assigned to the post likes to take extended lunches and can be difficult to locate. The day I arrive is no different. I ascertain from the locals the imigracion officer left and no one really knows when he’ll return. […]
Vilcabamba is my last stop before heading into Peru and the ride there was sublime. After the cold and rain in Cuenca I welcomed the blue skies and mild weather as I carved up the near perfect ashpalt through southern Ecuador. On Vinnie´s (crashmaster) recommendation I stay at Hostal Izhcayluma postured on a bluff overlooking […]
With the bike repaired and me mostly healed up I get on the road and head for Banos. Advrider inmate Candohome (Aaron) recommends a route that cues up volcan Tungarugua and I lace up the twisties that snake around the base of the volcan and into Banos. The weather is idyllic making for the perfect […]
For someone who has spent most of their life in the northern hemisphere crossing the equator is a milestone of sorts so I plan to pay a visit to Quitsato in Cayambe. I arrived in Quito the previous day via Cayambe but the traffic was heavy and sun setting so I decide to make a […]
I depart Medellin on a quiet Sunday somewhat melancholy and my sights set on the southern border. The bike responds effortlessly to my commands as if to thank me for the maintenance I performed on her in Medellin. After thousands of pavement miles on knobbies and a soft rear suspension I welcome the predictability of […]
As some of you know, I flew back to the states to pack up our house in Phoenix as we’re trying to get it sold. I met Mark Kaseman on the return flight to Medellin and our conversation drifted to the philanthropic work he does in Medellin. He spends his days volunteering with a school […]
I’ve spent enough time in Medellin that I suppose I should produce a chronicle of pictures and stories about my time here. The city’s history, its position as a Latin American cultural Mecca, and its proximity to some of the most scenic riding in Colombia make for an excellent chapter to just about any moto […]
We arrive in Cartagena the day Colombia elects Juan Manuel Santos in the 2010 election. The event translates into a closed DIAN (customs) office and means offloading the bikes will wait. To pass the time I head to Casa Mara with a few of my Stahlratte shipmates to wage war on some cuba libres, a […]
