Well I have been researching bikes and the ride for several weeks.  There are two glaring problems.  One, I cannot ship a bike to Argentina.  It is extremely complicated.  I read some stories on Adventure Rider about people paying thousands to ship their bikes and they show up over a month late.  This is something I cannot let happen.  I am now thinking I will ride from Missouri south and see how far I can go.  It will cost me $2,000 to cross the Darrien Gap, if I make it to Panama.  I will then have to ship the bike back to the U.S. from Argentina if I make it that far.  Apparently it is easier to ship a U.S. titled bike from Argentina to the U.S. than the other way around.

The second problem is the bike.  I wanted to buy another Africa Twin, however I am starting to think a cheaper less flashy bike will be better.  I am considering buying another KLR.  I know they are slow and ugly, but they are reliable and inexpensive.  IF I can pick up a cheap KLR I should save about $6,000.  That is a lot of gas and hotel money! I bid on a KLR today on Ebay and we will see what happens.  It is a 2017 that is loaded with almost everything I would want.  My offer is good for 12 hours so we will see what happens.

I am also going to have to determine when to leave.  Going south instead of north changes my schedule somewhat.  I have way more planning to do than I like.  First things first, I need to get a bike and start buying my gear.  Luckily I have quite a bit of gear left from my Mexico ride a few years ago.

Is it wrong to plan a bike ride when you don't even own a bike? I am starting to make the preliminary plans to ride from Ushuaia, Argentina to Deadhorse, Alaska in 2020.

Had to take off the fairing just to instal a 12 volt accessory outlet!

0507/2017, still a little snow on the Fernan Saddle in Idaho!

2017 Africa Twin

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Slowly but surely getting the bike outfitted for a long ride.  Skid plate, lower engine guards, foot pegs, and brake reservoir cover from Black Dog Cycle Works,  Hepco and Becker tank guards, Givi Outback Trecker Panniers and USB outlet installed.  I have spent more time adding accessories than I have riding it.

Dreaming / Planning a Trip!

For at least the last ten years I have been dreaming of retiring and taking a motorcycle ride down to Central America, or even South America.  I am still NOT SURE if I am going to make this trip or not.  I have ridden from Spokane, Washington to Baja, Mexico by myself, and I have flown to Ecuador and taken a four day off road trip with an old Army buddy, but I have never taken a trip quite as extensive as this.

Last year I sold my Harley Ultra Classic and my Kawasaki KLR in anticipation of buying my "Retirement Bike".  After much research I have ordered a 2017 Africa Twin.  It should arrive here in April.  I have never ridden one and the dealer has agreed to give me my down payment back if I do not like it.

Right now I have a lot of things going through my mind.  Do I retire this summer or wait until December so I can cash in all of my unused leave?  When do I leave to avoid bad weather?  Should I head south immediately from Spokane or should I head to Alaska first and work my way south? Should I stop in Central America or should I try to make it to South America?  How much will it cost?  How long will it take?  Can I do this blog on the road?  Can I finally learn to use my gopro? Should I skip the Africa Twin and just buy a new KLR, that will save me $7,000.  I have never been so undecided about anything in my life!

I guess I will take it one day at a time and see what happens. I would welcome any and all suggestions or comments that anyone may have.






Buying gas out of someone's house in Sigchos, Ecuador.

The mountains in Ecuador were beautiful!

Safe at the hotel.

We got the bikes back to the hotel, however my bike was not supposed to be ridden today in Quito due to it's plate number.  Apparently every vehicle can only be driven in Quito six days a week.  This day is based on your plate number.

Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental

We picked up our bikes and our equipment today from Ecuador Freedom Bike Rentals.  The staff was very professional and the bikes appear to be in good shape.

Heading to Quito, Ecuador on 05/27/2016 to go for a four day motorcycle ride. Each of the four colors on the figure eight on the map represent a days ride.

Well my trip didn't go quite as planned. I went to bed thinking I was passing a kidney stone and woke up knowing I was passing a kidney stone. I took off on my bike towards the U.S. To make a long story short, I made it back to the U.S., my bike broke down and got "towed" to the shop, I went to the emergency room and passed a kidney stone! Never a dull moment!

Originally I was headed south along the Pacific Coast, but I talked to Melissa and she encouraged me to cut over to the Sea of Cortez side of the Baja Peninsula. She was right it was beautiful and the seafood was delicious.

Rode almost 300 miles today and the temp was around 105, the heat and poor roads made for a fun day!