it's just a ride..... Miami to Patagonia before the end of the world...

[Hessian42]

It's just a ride...





Ever since I first saw Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper riding their blinged out hogs across America going completely against the social grain of the time I’ve dreamed of giving it all up packing a bike and taking off with no plan to lands unknown. With the direction the world seems to be headed both in social and natural terms regardless of ancient prophecies I see right now as an opportunity that might not come again. I’ve worked and played hard for the last 15+ years and though fun at times life has also thrown me plenty of blows. There is nothing more Miami can offer me and I’ve longed to leave it along with most of our past for a while. Patagonia has been on my mind since I first heard of it and now with the Chilean government moving to build numerous hydro damns which will change the place forever if not now never. After watching the above dropped doc. “180 degrees south” and learning about North Face original founder’s natural preserve project I’ve been wanting to go down there and get my hands dirty for a worthy cause. I’m originally from Brazil though I’ve spent three quarters of my life in the U.S. so I’m not sure what awaits me in my country of origin other than change, though change is what I’m after. So returning home to Brazil and hopefully scoring a long term volunteer position in the soon to be Patagonia national park are the ultimate goals of the trip. Seeing the west and it’s many state and national parks along with the Americas and the personal changes, people I’ll meet and new insight that comes with such a journey are just a bonus.

I’ve closed off the Miami door for good so there is no going back, the only way to move in life is forward. I quit my dream job earlier this year and sold off and gave away everything I worked for other than half a pallet with a few personal belongings and the KLR and gear on it. Something I’ve dreamed of achieving for a long time! It’s easy to complicate your life yet so hard to simplify it. “ the things you own end up owning you”. I’m frankly not sure if the funds I’m leaving Miami with will get me to my final destination but I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to get to where I’m going. I’ll be guerrilla camping, couch surfing and using the tent space resources here as much as I possibly can and hopefully picking up odd jobs along the way. As Sterling so eloquently put it “Shall it be bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?”

The plan is pretty simple or at least as simple as they always appear to be on paper; Say my good byes to Ocala state park. Ride through a portion of the Blue Ridge and enjoy a bit of the Appalachians. Head west through Kentucky and bare through the Midwest. Seeing as many state and national parks in the western U.S as possible. Eventually making my way to the continents end while checking out as much of the rich natural and indigenous history of the Americas. The southern portion of the trip is completely up in the air as are routes, the Darien and so forth. I’ve never been much of a planner and enjoy the uncertainty of not knowing where I’ll sleep or what I’ll see on any given day. I travel with a compass, a map and a good naturally given sense of direction and adventure. I’m not on a race to cover given miles or conquer wild off-road routes with demanding obstacles or legendary water crossings. I have no set arrival date and will take as much time to complete this journey as it deems necessary. My only adversary shall be mother nature and her temperament. I won’t bore folks with meal pics as I’m mostly vegan. There will be very few bike pics other than the prep ones already posted and the occasional dirt nap. Finally I’m more comfortable behind the lens than in front of it so my mug won’t be around much.

The following states in the west will be my home for the next few months. Colorado, Utah, California, Arizona and New Mexico. South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon are on the list but due to my much delayed departure and weather conditions this late in the year I’ll play them by ear. My most western destination is the Red wood forests of northern Cali. My southern most destination is Rio Grande Do sul, Brazil and finally Patagonia Chile.

I’d like to thank my supportive family who without this trip would be impossible. Finally the kind folks in this site who opened my eyes to the reality of travel simply by sharing their own adventures.

[GSF1200S]

Im in

[GB]

Better hurry, the world ends in Dec.

[Eagletalon]

Have to follow as the first couple of pictures caught my attention and best of all you are from my home state!!

Later
John

[poolman]

Nice photography! I'm looking forward to following your ride.

Cheers,

[Hessian42]

The bike 99 KLR 650 6,500 miles



The list.

-Doo hickey
-Fork oil change
-Check valves
-adj. suspension w/ luggage
-Lube wheel bearings
-Lube stem bearings
-Lube swingarm bearings
-Bypass kickstand & clutch sensors
-Check spokes
-Check spark plug burn/ adj. carb if needed
-Radiator flush
-Install new brake pads/bleed brakes
-Oil/ mount UNI filter
-Mount 16T front sprocket/ adj. chain
-Oil/filter change
-Clean oil screen
-Footprint side stand
-Fab pannier rack
-Fab water/gas cradles
-Fab highway pegs
-Fab rear rack
-Wire 12v outlet
-Change to mini fuses
-Mod windscreen
-Install tool tube
-Install bar risers
-Install bars
-Install hand guards
-Install new grips
-Die-electric grease plugs


Done (5,400k miles)


-Flushed/bled front/ rear brakes
-Adjusted rear brake pedal
-Cleaned, adjusted and lubed chain
-Cleaned air filter, airbox, de-snorkled
-Lubed throttle cables
-Cleaned/rebuilt/adjusted/modified carb
-Yamaha raptor 660 petcock
-Topped off antifreeze
-Oil/filter change
-Adjusted/lubed clutch cable
-Adjusted shift lever
-NGK iridium plug
-Torqued/red loctite all critical bolts

Day 1












Initial impression is highly optimistic. Looks like no one has laid eyes under this ladies skirt since back in Japan. Both axles came off without the aid of a big hammer and even had a gentle dab of grease applied to em. The stem bearings and races look flawless and were well greased. Her wheel bearings look new and were packed full of factory grease, not to mention smoooth. As for the infamous doohickey it appears intact and in place. Day 2 around the corner.

Day 2

Some progress is better than no progress at least so it goes. Another day of dis assembly and again i'm surprised at how easily everything is coming apart. Nothing has fought me and other than a dead blow i've used nothing but what's in my kit. Bearings are as shiny as they should be and nothing is corroded or worn. Picked up some "green grease" waterproof junk at the parts store and lubed every orifice within sight. My plug was on the lean side of brown so i threw another shim on the needle. Also went ahead and pulled the right cover off and wasn't surprised by all the silicone on the oil screen, seems the norm. Picked up some metal today so next time sparks will fly.

Day 3


















Another night and there are more parts on the bike than the floor. The infamous Doo has been taken care off. Mine was intact and so was the spring with plenty of tension left as well. I know i'll sleep better having the new one in along with the torsion spring. Real shitty design on kawis part! While on that side of the bike i figured i'd also beef the welds on the shift lever i hear so many raving about. Figured the hundred bucks on a fancy after market would be better spent on tires. Threw the swinger and front end on and made sure i green greased everything to hell. Would have changed the fork oil but noticed i bought the wrong weight so bars stayed off. Threw a 16 tooth sprocket on there and as much as i wanted a new chain just couldn't bring my self to throw out a EK with less than 2k on it. Same with the dunlops. She did need new brake pads all around very badly. Didn't get to fab today but tomorrow is another day.

Day 4

Sleeping in the shop, work, eat repeat. Procrastinator's revenge. A lot of work going on and still not done. Since the departure date has come and gone a few more days won't break the bank. Churchills and a final guiness await before i leave this hole behind for good.


Day 267...

With a final 27 hour straight push the steed is done, anchors are packed and at first light freedom is within grasp. North leads the way out, GA, TN, NC, VA here we come.

See ya'll on the road!

[HighFive]

All in....thIs is gonna be grand!

A real photographer to boot. You're pics are superb.

Do tell.....what's your photo gear, how are you hauling it on the bike, how are you editing in transit?

HF.

[RoninMoto]

Great pics man. Good luck.
I watched 180 Degrees South this spring when I was 3 months into my RTW and it made me tear up. Definitely inspiring. Take your time. Enjoy it...

Cheers!

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by HighFive

All in....thIs is gonna be grand!

A real photographer to boot. You're pics are superb.

Do tell.....what's your photo gear, how are you hauling it on the bike, how are you editing in transit?

HF.

I'm not sure that's really a good idea- this is a public forum and who knows if some asshat might decide he wants some of that gear. Say nothing OP.. just imo.

[Hessian42]

Sunday morning October 14th; Leaving Miami 3 hours late under black skies on 2 hours of sleep and a sore back following a 27 hour final push to ready the steed. A proper Miami exit as I forcibly turn back east away from the darkness that is US.27. The dreaded I-95 it is and in less than 4 hours 40 takes me west one last time to the crooked lake where this all began. Peace at last.
















Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.





























Rapa Nui!































One bite makes you small....



























Ocala was magic and a much needed relief to the grind I subjected my self to the last fews weeks both mentally and physically. When time had come north through oconee preserve eventually to 441 rewarded us with good weather and plenty off places to sleep. Gave an old friend a call in georgia and was rewarded with the kind southern hospitality which doesn’t exist at my former home. Took care of the steed and her needs. Spent some days hiking the surrounding area, lil fishing, lil wrenching and lots of good eating. Times like this make the trip what it is, will definitely be missing mornings by the lake. Rutledge is a magic little dot on the map! Said my goodbyes and headed north 441 again towards Tallulah gorge falls. Hope the Appalachians are as beautiful as i imagined them to be…….

[HighFive]

Time is meaningless now, forget schedules. Just keep capturing the light and sharing the moments.

I hear the old AF is some of the best glass ever made. You do it proud. Anxious for more...

HF

Ps. I've been chicken to carry my D7000 in my tank bag. Guess I should get over it, and keep it more accessible.

[ini88]

Subscribing to this one! Amazing photos. Ride hard.

[Hessian42]

Current location Rutledge Ga. Small issue with the 100lb load and rear suspension. Not bottomed but not far, and she doesn't like the stand. Anything above 75mph and the wobbles, thankfully only back/country roads were taken say for a stretch of I-20 (441 is magic!) Overnighted a 8kg shock spring, cleaned the chain, checked the plug, topped off tires and such. Thankful to have a fully equipped shop to do the swap and amazing hosts. A+ for genuine southern hospitality, I'll surely miss this place and especially people! Not to mention the support team back in miami. Went over all my gear today and dropped 10lbs of crap, though i'd still like to drop another 10. Bike is running cherry, rear tire is wearing like the radio, K270 on the way! First weekend of hunting season, yet to get shot even with my hikes around the park. Orange Orange Orange. Hanging around till Monday then getting as lost as i can on my way to Cherokee national park through the blue ridge. kentucky leads the way west....

[Hessian42]

Some day all the damned rivers of the world will flow free again...


























What a week! 441 North led the way into the mountains. Stayed in Tallulah gorge falls and what an amazing awe inspiring place! Rode into North Carolina and was hosted by an awesome ADVer near Franklin. Thanks again! With the advice of the after mentioned member and perfect weather the smokies and some twisty roads were in order. The smokies were insane! Finally got some wear on the sides of my tires! Even in the mist of the smell of overworked brake pads and burnt clutches and jam packet mini van traffic this place was just magnificent and nothing could touch it! Imagining what this place must have looked like few hundred years back with native americans living and hunting through these mountains and valleys is beyond words. The perfect week with an absolutely perfect last day checking out Clingman's dome, camping at Elkmount and sleeping under the stars in my hammock! As all good things come to an end I exited the smokies into Tennessee heading NW into Kentucky. West is calling...

[foster]

Thanks for the moon photo and glad you had a good trip through the park. Wish I could have joined you but duty called.

Good luck with the tire and the rest of your trip, we'll be following along here.