South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure

Dad used to be a wild motorcycle rider, or maybe just a regular Colombian rider for that matter . But now, at 70 y.o. I can barely keep up with him hiking up the mountains or dodging pedestrians in the thick of downtown. He keeps amazing me with his disposition to help and make stuff happen.

This one is for you Dad

Now back to the RR

Hey John D,

So with the cheap crossing, and the repair costs would you spend an extra $200 to get your bike across in good shape?

Dad used to be a wild motorcycle rider, or maybe just a regular Colombian rider for that matter . But now, at 70 y.o. I can barely keep up with him hiking up the mountains or dodging pedestrians in the thick of downtown. He keeps amazing me with his disposition to help and make stuff happen.

This one is for you Dad

Now back to the RR

John's story truly helps me understand actual meaning of being a traveler not intent on arriving, seeking to find the real values in the travel itself. The Sherpa damage has turned into nothing else but an opportunity to meet the nicest people one could ever hope by taking the hardest path and accepting whatever comes that way.

Boy you aren't kidding. That man is amazing. Takes stairs two at a time in the Metro station and has amazing stamina. Gives me hope. We borrowed a car to go visit your Mom and drop off laundry, and your Pop can drive that thing.

He made it all look easy today. And he speaks a fair amount of English so I am improving my Spanish vocabulary as well.

Plus he was cracking me up as I was struggling to get the pinch bolts off. Telling me they are like a woman. If they aren't used regularly they are tough to crack. Or the two best things in Colombia are the women and mountain roads. Both have lots of curvas peligrosas.

Muchas gracias amigo,
Juan

Hi 805gregg,

No way. I wouldn't change a thing. This whole experience is right up my alley. I'm not saying I would recommend it for others. But I seem to like living on the edge. It keeps life interesting. Who knows where this ride report will go. I sure don't.

Nothing wrong with flying your bike over or taking the Stahlratte though. They are good options.

Saludos,
Juan Salsa

I think he needs a dictionary.

Hi FatBob,

I forgot about the zombie angle. You are so right!! The Sherpa Zombie lives.

Best,
Nebraska John

I love those riding activities, competitions, and shooting! We have great campouts around here but yet to see such an awesome variety of competitive activities. So cool you got to experience and share it.

Hi ONandOFF,

Zombiefests are a hoot whether you're in Oklahoma or raising a bike from the dead in Colombia.

Glad to have you along for the ride amigo.

Siempre,

Juan Zombie

Hi John,

Looks like since Tierra Del Fuego is so far away this season, you might as well just settle in Colombia for a while to properly ride it, and send us allot of pictures of most dangerous curves we can't wait to see

Best,
Vic

Hi Vic,

It is rainy season in Peru and Bolivian Andes. I think Colombia and Venezuela need some ride reporting since the weather is so nice up here.

South America is huge. I will only scratch the surface this year. But don't worry, I plan on parking the bike when I run out of money and fly back down next year after I earn more riding money. I'm just glad to have made it this far.

Saludos,
Juan Vagabond

Hi John,

I for one am very interested in your trip plans as I not only enjoy following your adventures allot, but also they fuel my dream about one day when I will be able to go as far.
I am sure there are many who want to keep you on he road, reporting, we're all living vicariously through your experiences.

In fact I am planning to sell my house here in the overrated NYC metro area and move somewhere else I could park my belongings and do as much moto travel to my heart content for as long as money last. I am thinking retirement is for sissies, if I can live now at 50 I'd rather work in computers when I am old and bored and am hoping once I start, to push that day as far away as possible. But I am taking little steps now.

All the best!
Vic

Here they are after stuffing the bike in the trunk. He roped it in and it didn't fall out in thick rush hour traffic. No need to worry if the front end sticking out to the left gets whacked. It's already toast:



I still can't get over this

Here they are after stuffing the bike in the trunk. He roped it in and it didn't fall out in thick rush hour traffic. No need to worry if the front end sticking out to the left gets whacked. It's already toast:



This is beautiful. Try doing that with a GS800! Go the Sherpa, many more miles to cover before this ride is over.

Thanks for taking us along. Colombia is a special place. I was there about 30 years ago and am looking forward to seeing it again through your eyes. It is a beautiful county desde la costa a las montanias hasta los llanos. Que le vaya bien.