SubscribeThe narrow winding road from Cimitarra joined another secondary road and I sat at the intersection trying to decide which way to go. Another motorcycle heavy with luggage approached from the north and the rider motioned for me to follow him south. This chance meeting would lead to some great riding and a great new friendship.
Archive for November, 2011
Nov
10
Medellin, CO (- kms)
Taking shortcuts on this journey has not done much for me. I have missed a few nice towns I should have visited instead yielding to the rushed pace on “real life”. Shortcuts with the bike are ill advised as well and I thought I had been diligent about my maintenance. I was about to find out I didn’t know my bike as well as I thought I should.
Nov
10
Medellin, CO (- kms)
I had thought I would pick up the bike early, take it for a test ride and be on the road south by noon. The bike had a hidden issue that was not spotted right away by the BMW tech. The roller coaster ride that was Medellin was to take another dip before climbing high.
Nov
2
Cartago, CO (268 kms)
Jorge had been in the dentist chair all morning and having trouble talking. Marcela was supposed to be at work in 30 mins and had a long day in front of her. They had shared there time and home with me for three days and now they insisted on guiding me out of the city safely. This is Columbia!
Nov
2
Medellin, CO (276 kms)
I was eating breakfast and thinking about yesterday’s ride and what was to come. I was pushing through Columbia quickly and it looked like I would spend the holiday weekend on the road.
Nov
1
Medellin, CO (- kms)
The bike was stowed safely under the cover in the hotel car park. It was a holiday weekend in Columbia and I wasn’t interested in battling heavy traffic. Medellin wasn’t the small town I had hoped for but it offered some creature comforts during a weekend away from the bike when others would tell the story.
Nov
6
Salamina, CO (207 kms)
Armed with some good advice given by other riders and refreshed by a couple days in Medellin I set off with an old plan. The thick straight lines on the map were to be avoided when possible and the thin curvy lines the focus. It was only lunch time and I was already reaping the rewards.
Nov
7
Alvarado, CO (317 kms)
What do curve balls, padded bras and road maps all have in common? They all have you thinking big things are coming and moments later leave you saying, “what the f#*k.” The map was showing a road but as the rock strewn, rain washed trail narrowed I came to the realization I had been deceived.
Nov
3
Popayan, CO (489 kms)
People where I am from use the term “milk run” to describe the long way to your destination. Usually the route is dotted with farms and small villages and is slower then the big highways. As I passed a donkey carrying the morning dairy production I knew the this milk run was a bit too small to get me where I needed to go.
Nov
4
Popayan, CO (- kms)
Tires have been and continue to be the challenge. The ‘Ol Girl’s shoes are fine right now but I was looking down the road to Southern Chile and realizing she would need them before the final push. I dedicated the whole afternoon to chasing down new skins but with each call I got the same old song.