Ecuador

The border crossing less travelled

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. […]

A tranquillo exit from Ecuador

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 […]

Back on the road south

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 […]

Banos

Volcan Tungurahua near Banos, Ecuador

Grounded in Quito

I stay at Casa Helbling in Quito where Claus and Jesse take real good care of me after the accident. Claus meets me at the ER to make sure I didn’t have any problems and even drives me back out to Cayambe to retrieve my bike. He and Jesse have a nice operaton at Casa […]

Equinoccial Weirdness

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 […]

Ecuador

Crossing into another hemisphere!

Colombia de despedida

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 […]