Just wanted to let everyone know that I have produced a 2 disc DVD of a solo ride along the Pan-American Highway all the way to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. I don't want to make this an advertisement but I thought there might be a few of you who would be interested in making or viewing the trip and might like an overview.
I had no trouble with law inforcement officers and the locals were great. The sidecar just seems to break the ice no matter where you go.
Central America required the most money to get through because of each countries border crossing. You have to pay for a temporary import permit that normally runs about $100.00. On top of that insurance is suppose to be required but I was never asked to produce the document south of Mexico.
I considered trying to run the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia but...there have only been a few to do it successfully and with the sidecar it seemed just to much of a problem. So I flew the Burro from Panama City to Cali, Colombia. It cost me about $800.00 for the freight and $200 for an airplane ticket.
Colombia is great. There don't seem to be any more problems there, though the east side near the caribbean is still considered suspect. The people in Colombia are really down on the drug trade.
I was amazed to find that the driest desert in the world runs from Peru almost all the way to Santiago, Chile. It took me about 10 days to get through it.
I had to carry an extra 5 gallons of gas in Chile besides the 2 gallon jerry can strapped to Burro's sidcar.
The trip was a lot to ask of a 750cc engine considering I crossed 11,000 feet passes and weighed 1200 pounds with all of the extra parts and gear.
Overall the Burro ran great with no problems until the end. I'm hoping to complete an around the world solo trip with her.
There are pics etc at my website http://burrohas3wheels.com
Gary
Gary, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my DVD. Thanks for the background and good luck on your next adventure.
Just ordered my copy. This is a trip I plan to take someday.
Wouldn't This make a great door prize for the USCA national. And think if the advertising it would be for Gary if he were to donate a copy..
Joyce: What and where are the dates of the gathering? I have been asked to do some DVD signings and hopefully they will not confict. Currently I am scheduled to be at "Johnny's Rock N Ride" during Daytona Bike Week, "The Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally" and am working out a few other scheduled dates.
I have to tell you this is not what I thought my life would be like. Marilyn just told me to take the Burro for a ride and so...I did. I always do what she says!
I hope people enjoy the DVD.
Gary
lots of info about the national lower down in the forum. Weekend of June 23rd in Boone NC
Gary has a new DVD available, something to add to your Christmas list.
"I have finished the first of what will be 3 episodes. The new episodes (5, 6, 7) will be sold separately. I hope to have the remaining episodes finished before the end of the year.
Episode 5 is now available and is titled “Alaska Prudhoe Bay Highway”, it covers the ride from the western areas of Oregon, Washington & British Columbia, Yukon Territory then on to Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse, Alaska.
If you’re interested you can view the movie trailer at my website, http://burrohas3wheels.com
I hope all is going well for you,
Happy Trails,
Gary Smith "
Gary, that sound like a teriffic trip! Last year I rode across South America (Brazil to Machuu Pichuu) and it was cool reading your references to the Peru (jeez, it is much drier than dry), the great people, and the border crossings..... Brought back some wonderful memories.I hope to ride to Tierra Del Fuego in 09.Thanks for the post
We met at the Tigard BMW grand opening and again at Chief Joseph; enjoyed your first DVD - especially the soundtrack(!) you know, you should listen to Marilyn - she's right!
Thanks Gary!
Tony & Andrea
Lacey, WA
'83 BMW R100RT w/Ural sidecar
UNIT leading link
