Heading South Until The Road Ends

DBD34 · #1 09-11-2009, 09:48 AM

I thought I'd let you know, I'm on my Versys and headed to Ushuala. I'm in San Pedro Pochutla, going to wait until Monday to cross into Guatemala. I'll post a lot of photos and my location along the way, more importantly, I'll update you guys on how my Versys handles the ride. As of today, my Versys has 24,454 miles, this ride 4003 miles, the Tourances have 7873 miles on them.

Today is 9/11, never forget

Gary

rhrose · #2 09-11-2009, 10:23 AM

Looking forward to your ride reports and pics. Hope you include a lot of info on how the V performs. Good Luck

hawkbox · #3 09-11-2009, 11:21 AM

Oh right!!! I almost forgot to return those library books!!

Have a good ride, take pictures.

**Bear on a bicycle** · #4 09-11-2009, 11:53 AM

DBD34 · #5 09-16-2009, 09:55 AM

I'm in Guatemala,here is an update on the Versys. Total miles, 25,399, this ride, 4829 miles. The Tourances have 8649 miles on them, the 130/80 front is awesome, very little wear, it is possible that I'll get 15000 miles out of it. The rear 150/70 is starting to go, I may get 10,000 out of it. I installed a Renthal R3 chain before I left, no adjustments yet.
I've had a couple of minor repairs due to accidents ( got knocked down by a bus in Mexico City), nothing major. I'm going to ride Guatemala for a few days before heading south.

Gary

panamafrog · #6 09-16-2009, 10:54 AM

Gary

I'm enjoying your posts on your trip. You are heading toward my old home land, Panama, in your travels. Enjoy it.

I must have seen your Versys just prior to leaving at the IOV. When I asked Mike if it was his m/c, he said no it was yours and you were off and riding south. Have fun.

Frog/Seattle

mchieffallo · #7 09-16-2009, 11:04 AM

Can I live vicariously through you DBD34? I'm able to take some short 2-3 day trips (not on the Versys yet). But with two young daughters, and all of their activities, even a one week trip would be difficult at best. Your trip sounds like quite an adventure. I'm happy for you. Enjoy!!!

sstack · #8 09-16-2009, 11:07 AM

I'm jealous, Be safe and thanks for the posts.

Bicyclebob · #9 09-16-2009, 01:26 PM

Hey Gary,

How's the Stitch holding up? Did you put the radiator guard back on? You have my info if there is anything that you need.

Cheers,
Bob

DBD34 · #10 09-16-2009, 07:23 PM

Frog, yes I was at IOV, Mike is my long time riding buddy, I also met another Versys rider, Dan, there.
Bob, the radiator guard is back on, no problems after the fan was replaced.
My 'stiches have really saved my ass, this one has held up well, I'll email you if I run into a parts problem (thanks again). I'm going to stay in Xela for a least a couple of weeks, I plan to meet friends in both Bogota and Quito.

Gary

dcasey · #11 09-16-2009, 11:59 PM

Gary . . . we talked briefly at the IOV a couple of weeks ago. I'm Dan.
I recall you were planning to head south the next day and though I'm not
a least bit religious, I found myself saying a bit of a "prayer" that your
trip would go safely. Do keep us all posted.

Dan

southbark · #12 09-17-2009, 07:34 PM

Don't make any wrong turns in bogota or might end up on locked up abroad

Machog · #13 09-17-2009, 08:21 PM

Ride safe and have a great trip-looks like you are off to a great start.

Hope to ride with you again when you return-lots of pictures please.

Machog

PS, you doing a thread on ADV?

Pepe · #14 09-18-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBD34

I'm in Guatemala,here is an update on the Versys. Total miles, 25,399, this ride, 4829 miles. The Tourances have 8649 miles on them, the 130/80 front is awesome, very little wear, it is possible that I'll get 15000 miles out of it. The rear 150/70 is starting to go, I may get 10,000 out of it. I installed a Renthal R3 chain before I left, no adjustments yet.
I've had a couple of minor repairs due to accidents ( got knocked down by a bus in Mexico City), nothing major. I'm going to ride Guatemala for a few days before heading south.

Gary

Haha I'm not surprised. The standard of driving is awful. When I still lived there I didn't dare to ride around the city, too dangerous.

FJS · #15 09-18-2009, 10:14 AM

There is a large bike group in Xela, they are BMW though, ask around if you need any help or assistance; you would be surprised. Many more bikers out of the city, they usually come out on the weekends.

Good luck to ya on your trip

Salut

Xo0oM · #16 09-19-2009, 05:49 AM

Be safe and take LOTS of pics.

DBD34 · #17 09-20-2009, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machog

Ride safe and have a great trip-looks like you are off to a great start.

Hope to ride with you again when you return-lots of pictures please.

Machog

PS, you doing a thread on ADV?

John,
No thread but I do post on ADV (oldgringo). I'm here in Xela until 2 October, hooked up with friends for the ride to Panama. I've booked on a 50' French sailboat, the "Gambade" for the ride over to Colombia, the Versys will be strapped to the deck, should make for some interesting photos.

Gary

Gustavo · #18 09-20-2009, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepe

The standard of driving is awful. When I still lived there I didn't dare to ride around the city, too dangerous.

Oh, common... Yes, it's big, hectic, city traffic, but no different than most big cities (Shanghai is a little scary, most Chinese have little driving experience, most of them being relatively new drivers). You have to pay attention constantly, other than that, just look for gaps in traffic and off you go splitting lanes to make good time across the city like all the other bikes.

Gustavo

rhrose · #19 09-21-2009, 08:58 AM

Maybe your more religious than you think - if not why the prayer??

Machog · #20 09-21-2009, 01:34 PM

Gary, look forward to the photos. Make sure you hose the V down after you get off the boat to get that pesky salt water off it.

Machog