Getting an Itch to Go South of the Border
I met Alisa Clickenger last year covering the Dirty Dozen, Adventure for the Cures ride. Alisa is now embarked on a solo ride to the southern tip of South America. Following her trip is giving me an itch.
First off, I’ve always been more interested in seeing South America and Central America than a lot of other places in the world. But now I’m seeing her pictures and one thing is coming very clear: Riding in a third world country has got to be a lot like riding used to be in the U.S. about 50 or 60 or 70 years ago.
Sure they have some major highways, and some major cities, but much of these countries is still what we would call “unspoiled” by development. Tiny, twisty roads that we exult over when we discover them here are the order of the day down there. Take a look at this photo, one that Alisa put up on her blog. Does that look like sweet riding? It does to me.
Now, I have to say, Alisa’s stories of the hassles of getting through customs have reinforced my reluctance to do the kind of trip she’s doing. But I’d love to fly into some place, such as Panama, in the photo, and rent a bike. And of course, tours are offered just about anywhere these days, in case you really don’t want to worry about the hassles.
I’ve never really given this sort of thing much thought before, but the more I see Alisa’s pictures the more I do start dreaming. Now if I just had a bit more disposable cash . . .
Biker Quote for Today
The mother road remains, it provides no more. It can only take us away.
Tags: MotoAdventureGal, Panama
February 7th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Ken,
It’s a shame that so many people think the border crossings are such a hassle they won’t do this trip. With the right attitude, it’s all just part of a day’s journey and part of the wonder it is to travel around in the Latin countries.
If you want to fly into a place an take a tour, I suggest one of the CA-4 (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua). With CA-4 plates you won’t have to go through Customs, just migracion (immigration). 4 countries with the least hassle.
if this does not make sense you can email me at alisa@motoadventuregal.com