Radioman Rides the World.......

[petefromberkeley]

Originally Posted by Radioman

Yup was a 9 hour ride, but weather was great and I had a great day! Yes I will ride Canon de Colca after I spend some time in Cusco

It looked like you could find someplace to stay in Chalhuanca or Abancay

Your pics make it loo like it's paved the whole way. It didn't used to be.

p.s. Those llama like animals in the picture are vicunas. They were hunted almost to extiction to make sweaters for gringos in the '50s. Right in that area they figured out how to raise them and get the wool without killing them. It's more complicated that you would imagine.

[Natnewt]

Oh won't I be grilling you for info when I'm ready to embark on my journey :) Thanks for the write up I've been enjoying it since you started. Such a great positive outlook on life and such little rain on your trip what a lucky guy ;)

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by petefromberkeley

Your pics make it loo like it's paved the whole way. It didn't used to be.
.

Mostly. But some stretches of gravel along the river riding... But it was all good! I thought it was a great ride!

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by Natnewt

Oh won't I be grilling you for info when I'm ready to embark on my journey :)

feel free! I will help if I can!

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by petefromberkeley

p.s. Those llama like animals in the picture are vicunas. They were hunted almost to extiction to make sweaters for gringos in the '50s. Right in that area they figured out how to raise them and get the wool without killing them. It's more complicated that you would imagine.

And I just thought this was it...... But you are right. We live and Learn here in ADV rider!! Thanks Pete

[Parcero]

Have you tried mate de coca yet?

[Radioman]

Part of traveling is taking time to enjoy the surroundings, the people and the places. Cusco is an inter nation Destination in South America because to the proximity to Machu Picchu. It has a cool colonial feel in the heart of the city. It is also full of tourists from all over coming to trek, sightsee etc. Just the facts.

The Plaza de Armas is a great spot to hang out day and night.



Great architecture ......











And it has gathering places like the Norton Rats Pub with a long history of motorcycle travelers coming through.





I hung out their last night and met "V" from NJ and some of his local friends, and a few other travelers as well.


The colorful dress of the local Peruvian women with their bags tied over their backs....



more traditionally dress people around the park, but some is just based on tourism....



These nice ladies let me take their photo..... But of course they wanted some Soles for the privilege.... I hardly ever do this, but wanted a shot close up of the Llama's with their Earings to show someone owns them.





Lots of cobblestone streets



and sections that they are rebuilding by hand.



I like the stone facades and wooden windows.



Big fountain in the middle of the square.



Spent the day enjoying some sights and arranging more spanish school. I start tomorrow for 8 days of spanish classes.... Know that it will tax my brain, but be helpful in getting to know more, and be able to communicate!

[LadyDraco]

I love the Llama with the tassel earring !!!
Plus I have a special place in my heart for Llamas and Camels ...
Thanks Mark.. Keep the wonderful photos coming ...

[stonecold]

Well Radioman, I have been following since the beginning. You have pushed me over the edge. My sportbike is for sale, and I will be leaving my job. You may get asked a few questions but I hope I can create a report one half as entertaining as yours.

First question. How are you picking hostels/hotels? Is it just with that great thing called google, seat of your pants, lonely planet, adv etc?


Cheers

Shane

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by stonecold

First question. How are you picking hostels/hotels? Is it just with that great thing called google, seat of your pants, lonely planet, adv etc?

Shane, Thanks for following along ;)

Hostels/hotels...... I use many different ways, if I can get them recommendations always are top of my list. Looking for sure bike parking is a must. I use ADV, Lonely Planet guides, google, and whatever I can find. In Mexico we used the guides to get us to an area of town then just looked around and decided.

If I have a long day or getting into a huge city I prefer to have something figured out for a day or two so that I can get settled then explore and change as needed. Part of the big reason I share the resources /prices links is to help others.

Best of Luck on whatever you decide to do!!

[Lee C]

Originally Posted by Radioman

Shane, Thanks for following along ;)

Hostels/hotels...... I use many different ways, if I can get them recommendations always are top of my list. Looking for sure bike parking is a must. I use ADV, Lonely Planet guides, google, and whatever I can find. In Mexico we used the guides to get us to an area of town then just looked around and decided.

If I have a long day or getting into a huge city I prefer to have something figured out for a day or two so that I can get settled then explore and change as needed. Part of the big reason I share the resources /prices links is to help others.

Best of Luck on whatever you decide to do!!

Great ride report

http://www.hostelworld.com/
Just in case you don't already have it Ride safe and enjoy

[(sp?)]

Originally Posted by Radioman

Rolled into Cusco just after 6PM and it was dark. The GPS actually took me within a block of the hostal that I had booked. They were expecting me, had garage space !! Was a great day, now looking forward to some down time in Cusco and exploring the sights, learning some more spanish and seeing Machu Picchu. It is a real tourist destination..... but it will be fun for a couple weeks !

great report Mark. I'm insanely jealous.

keep an eye out for the white Nacho vanagon. their report today says they're in Ollantaytambo near Machu Picchu as well. their Facebook seems to have the most current info. (http://www.drivenachodrive.com)

[LethPhaos]

I was wondering, as I didn't seem to read this info in the RR, how much were the language schools in mexico and guatemala?

[stonecold]

Originally Posted by Lee C

Great ride report

http://www.hostelworld.com/
Just in case you don't already have it Ride safe and enjoy

Thanks I was not aware of that website.

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by LethPhaos

I was wondering, as I didn't seem to read this info in the RR, how much were the language schools in mexico and guatemala?

Had to look back .... Sorry I thought I posted it. Several factors about individual or small classroom. I did some of both.

I paid $40 per day for home stay with two meals and 6 hours of spanish lessons per day in Oaxaca so about $3.50 hour for spanish classes with mix of single and classroom with two others

Guatemala was one on one spanish and I paid $112 for 8 days 4 hours a day About $3.50 per hour

Cusco I paid 433 soles for 7 days of 4 hours a day. It is $ 6.00 per hour. But with just one other person. My Oaxaca school was the best as far as learning the Grammar and base spanish. Guatemala was more conversational.