The bike is prepped, I'm all packed, Panama here I come!

tardypizza · 10-28-2005, 05:35 PM

I can't believe departure day is almost here. Most of you won't remember, but a few months ago I was kicked out of my duplex because the owner decided to tear it down and rebuild (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...ghlight=duplex). Then my house was robbed while I was moving out (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...ghlight=robbed) and I lost everything I had of value except my computer. I decided then and there to get the hell out of this country for awhile.

Well, I bought an XR650R, spent the last few months prepping it for the trip and now I'm almost ready to leave on Sunday. I'm nervous, excited and anxious to finally get underway. My storage unit is paid until March, I have $3,500 in the bank, and as much time away from work as I want. I even have a backup job lined up at my buddy's motorcycle shop in case I get fired while I'm away. In short, there's nothing holding me back and I'm not turning around until I see the Panama Canal!

I'll leave early Sunday and try to make Big Bend in time to camp for the night. I might do a little exploring on their forrest roads on Monday to try and get a feel for the weighted bike offroad. Then it's off to the border in Presidio. Hopefully, the crossing goes hassle free and if so, it's a short jaunt to Ciudad Chihuahua and then into the Copper Canyon. I have no idea how long it will take to ride through the Canyons but I will be heading towards Las Mochis and the ferry to Baja. I have some friends who have access to a vacation home south of La Paz and I will be staying with them for about 10 days. There it will be a week and a half of paradise. Snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, a dunebuggy, good friends, delicious food, more Pacifico than I can imagine, and of course my XR unleashed in Baja. They leave on Nov 15th and then I'm heading 500 miles north to Ensenada for the start of the Baja 1000. After seeing "Dust to Glory" 3 times back to back, I can't believe the timing is perfect for me to see the actual race in person. If that doesn't sound like enough adventure, that's only the beginning. After Baja I turn south and I won't look back until I reach Panama.

I have no idea how long it will take. It's about 3,500 miles down there, not including the 1,000 miles I'm going out of my way to see the race. I figure I can live pretty well on $25/day and since my XR gets 50 mpg, I estimate I'll use about $750 of my budget for gas. Conservatively, I think I can stay away for at least 100 days. But who knows really?

I know nothing about webdesign so be gentle when you critique my efforts, but I put together a website to chronicle my adventure:

http://tardypizza.com

I will do my best to keep the weblog current by using the internet cafes down there. If you guys are interested, I'll bump this thread whenever I make an update to the weblog. Hell, even if you aren't interested, I'll bump this thread.

CN's: Got kicked out of house, got robbed, got disgusted with humankind, don't have to pay rent, bought a bike, going on an epic journey to the Panama Canal to find myself and learn to love the human race again.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Mrhappy · 10-28-2005, 05:37 PM

Stay safe out there.

runnah · 10-28-2005, 05:39 PM

Ever take it off any sweet jumps?

Dolphin Overton · 10-28-2005, 05:39 PM

that is completely awesome. i want to go with you.

tardypizza · 10-28-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runnah

Ever take it off any sweet jumps?

Not yet....mhuhahahahaha. I'll let you know if that changes when I get to Baja.

Kiwi · 10-28-2005, 05:40 PM

(OT style question) What type of gun are you taking with you?

and, good luck.

sonicsuby · 10-28-2005, 05:41 PM

That sounds awesome. Good luck, man

Gundoo · 10-28-2005, 05:42 PM

you need a more exciting pose. good luck!

jefmcc · 10-28-2005, 05:43 PM

Holy ****, I need to do something like this!

Jard · 10-28-2005, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gundoo

you need a more exciting pose. good luck!

Dude, where's your JDM pose?

scaryfastskier · 10-28-2005, 05:44 PM

i'm jealous, have fun and stay safe

grant

Matt A · 10-28-2005, 05:44 PM

got a change of panties?

you're gonna stink.

Bonzo · 10-28-2005, 05:44 PM

Envious as a

Someday, someday I hope to do exactly what you are setting out to do.

GOOD LUCK mang!! Keep us posted and have fun!!

beachbum · 10-28-2005, 05:46 PM

Holy ****, this sounds like an awesome trip! Have fun!

tardypizza · 10-28-2005, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gundoo

you need a more exciting pose. good luck!

I know, my ugly mug is not photogenic at all. Until I figure out a way to take my own picture while I'm wheelying in 3rd gear it's going to be set the timer, run run run, and try extremely hard to look cool. From now on I think I'll leave my helmet on, lest my ugly face breaks my brand spankin new Rebel XT!

WarHawk187 · 10-28-2005, 05:47 PM

Although all the **** that happened to you totally sucks, at least this trip will make it worth it. You will see so many sights and have so many good experiences. Have a safe trip and hope all goes well for you.

The Tree · 10-28-2005, 05:50 PM

I seriously am happy for you, I wish I could take the time off, and do somehting life changing like this.

Enjoy your trip, I will be frequenting yrou blog and site, so when you see Omahasomething post on there you will know I am keeping tabs on ya

poison · 10-28-2005, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarHawk187

Although all the **** that happened to you totally sucks, at least this trip will make it worth it. You will see so many sights and have so many good experiences. Have a safe trip and hope all goes well for you.

Good thing you bought that camera, the cops down there love em!

Seriously, good luck, and be safe. I'm really jealous. I hope to do something similar, by bicycle though. Take lots of pics and post up!

rexfan555 · 10-28-2005, 06:05 PM

Good luck! Definately keep us updated. I would love to go on a trip like that. Maybe when I finally graduate...

Hazdaz · 10-28-2005, 06:05 PM

Dude that is awesome.

Good luck and keep posting.

Bman · 10-28-2005, 06:09 PM

Is it safe to ride around on a motorcycle down there? What about border crossings, hpw easy is it to get across Latin America?

The Tree · 10-28-2005, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bman

Is it safe to ride around on a motorcycle down there? What about border crossings, hpw easy is it to get across Latin America?

you would be VERY suprised how easy it is to get around latin america.

especially with a little money.

eurojax · 10-28-2005, 06:12 PM

Good luck, brotha. I will be waiting for updates.

jsmaze · 10-28-2005, 06:15 PM

Wow, have fun! I think you're about to live the dream of several million of us.

m750 · 10-28-2005, 06:17 PM

Enjoy your trip, be safe, and if you can, take tons of pics, and write a journal. Who knows you might be the next Che.
AO

10-28-2005, 05:35 PM	#1
tardypizza Scooby Newbie Member#: 20122 Join Date: Jun 2002 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: mayheeco! Vehicle: RSV4 , KTM9fiddy RSVR, '69 Vespa	The bike is prepped, I'm all packed, Panama here I come! I can't believe departure day is almost here. Most of you won't remember, but a few months ago I was kicked out of my duplex because the owner decided to tear it down and rebuild (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...ghlight=duplex). Then my house was robbed while I was moving out (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...ghlight=robbed) and I lost everything I had of value except my computer. I decided then and there to get the hell out of this country for awhile. Well, I bought an XR650R, spent the last few months prepping it for the trip and now I'm almost ready to leave on Sunday. I'm nervous, excited and anxious to finally get underway. My storage unit is paid until March, I have $3,500 in the bank, and as much time away from work as I want. I even have a backup job lined up at my buddy's motorcycle shop in case I get fired while I'm away. In short, there's nothing holding me back and I'm not turning around until I see the Panama Canal! I'll leave early Sunday and try to make Big Bend in time to camp for the night. I might do a little exploring on their forrest roads on Monday to try and get a feel for the weighted bike offroad. Then it's off to the border in Presidio. Hopefully, the crossing goes hassle free and if so, it's a short jaunt to Ciudad Chihuahua and then into the Copper Canyon. I have no idea how long it will take to ride through the Canyons but I will be heading towards Las Mochis and the ferry to Baja. I have some friends who have access to a vacation home south of La Paz and I will be staying with them for about 10 days. There it will be a week and a half of paradise. Snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, a dunebuggy, good friends, delicious food, more Pacifico than I can imagine, and of course my XR unleashed in Baja. They leave on Nov 15th and then I'm heading 500 miles north to Ensenada for the start of the Baja 1000. After seeing "Dust to Glory" 3 times back to back, I can't believe the timing is perfect for me to see the actual race in person. If that doesn't sound like enough adventure, that's only the beginning. After Baja I turn south and I won't look back until I reach Panama. I have no idea how long it will take. It's about 3,500 miles down there, not including the 1,000 miles I'm going out of my way to see the race. I figure I can live pretty well on $25/day and since my XR gets 50 mpg, I estimate I'll use about $750 of my budget for gas. Conservatively, I think I can stay away for at least 100 days. But who knows really? I know nothing about webdesign so be gentle when you critique my efforts, but I put together a website to chronicle my adventure: http://tardypizza.com I will do my best to keep the weblog current by using the internet cafes down there. If you guys are interested, I'll bump this thread whenever I make an update to the weblog. Hell, even if you aren't interested, I'll bump this thread. CN's: Got kicked out of house, got robbed, got disgusted with humankind, don't have to pay rent, bought a bike, going on an epic journey to the Panama Canal to find myself and learn to love the human race again. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-28-2005, 05:37 PM	#2
Mrhappy Scooby Specialist Member#: 31973 Join Date: Jan 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Maryland Vehicle: 2015 WRB WRX 2003 WRB WRX - bad engine	Stay safe out there.

10-28-2005, 05:39 PM	#3
runnah Scooby Specialist Member#: 77447 Join Date: Dec 2004 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine! Vehicle: 2000 RS Salty	Ever take it off any sweet jumps?

10-28-2005, 05:39 PM	#4
Dolphin Overton Scooby Specialist Member#: 1925 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: denver Vehicle: 01 A4 89 944s2 13 Speed 3R 99 Sprint	that is completely awesome. i want to go with you.

10-28-2005, 05:40 PM	#6
Kiwi Scooby Newbie Member#: 67942 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: International Location: I come from the Land DownUnder Vehicle: The Other Land Down Under	(OT style question) What type of gun are you taking with you? and, good luck.

10-28-2005, 05:41 PM	#7
sonicsuby Scooby Specialist Member#: 34162 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Vehicle: 2005 WRX wgn, 01 RS White, White	That sounds awesome. Good luck, man

10-28-2005, 05:42 PM	#8
Gundoo Scooby Specialist Member#: 34112 Join Date: Mar 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Austin! Vehicle: i only like ot as a friend	you need a more exciting pose. good luck!

10-28-2005, 05:43 PM	#9
jefmcc Scooby Newbie Member#: 42303 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: New Haven, Connecticut Vehicle: 2004 WRX Rally Blue	Holy ****, I need to do something like this!

10-28-2005, 05:44 PM	#11
scaryfastskier Scooby Specialist Member#: 7893 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: International Location: Saint Louis Vehicle: 2010 F150 & Iron883 Husky TE449 + TXC250	i'm jealous, have fun and stay safe grant

10-28-2005, 05:44 PM	#12
Matt A This space for rent Administrator Member#: 15382 Join Date: Feb 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: MA Vehicle: . 2005 OBXT LTD	got a change of panties? you're gonna stink.

10-28-2005, 05:44 PM	#13
Bonzo Scooby Specialist Member#: 2307 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: West of Rd Am Vehicle: 2018 KTM500EXC Orange	Envious as a Someday, someday I hope to do exactly what you are setting out to do. GOOD LUCK mang!! Keep us posted and have fun!!

10-28-2005, 05:46 PM	#14
beachbum Scooby Specialist Member#: 457 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: ---- Smells like weed and rampage	Holy ****, this sounds like an awesome trip! Have fun!

10-28-2005, 05:47 PM	#16
WarHawk187 Scooby Newbie Member#: 58518 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 04 WRX Silver	Although all the **** that happened to you totally sucks, at least this trip will make it worth it. You will see so many sights and have so many good experiences. Have a safe trip and hope all goes well for you.

10-28-2005, 05:50 PM	#17
The Tree Scooby Newbie Member#: 59141 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: International Location: Home Vehicle: ManU Redsox Notre dame	I seriously am happy for you, I wish I could take the time off, and do somehting life changing like this. Enjoy your trip, I will be frequenting yrou blog and site, so when you see Omahasomething post on there you will know I am keeping tabs on ya

10-28-2005, 06:05 PM	#19
rexfan555 Scooby Newbie Member#: 17058 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Boulder Vehicle: 02 WRX Blaze Yellow	Good luck! Definately keep us updated. I would love to go on a trip like that. Maybe when I finally graduate...

10-28-2005, 06:05 PM	#20
Hazdaz Scooby Guru Member#: 14611 Join Date: Jan 2002	Dude that is awesome. Good luck and keep posting.

10-28-2005, 06:09 PM	#21
Bman Scooby Specialist Member#: 64351 Join Date: Jun 2004 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Portland ME Vehicle: 2005 Legacy GT	Is it safe to ride around on a motorcycle down there? What about border crossings, hpw easy is it to get across Latin America?

10-28-2005, 06:12 PM	#23
eurojax Review Crew Member#: 34269 Join Date: Mar 2003 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Louisville, CO Vehicle: Only marginally funny.	Good luck, brotha. I will be waiting for updates.

10-28-2005, 06:15 PM	#24
jsmaze Scooby Newbie Member#: 23354 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Bay Area CA Vehicle: 1998 Toyota Sienna "Olaf"	Wow, have fun! I think you're about to live the dream of several million of us.

10-28-2005, 06:17 PM	#25
m750 Scooby Guru Member#: 2278 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Pepperell MA Vehicle: 8Sti \| 07 allez White \| Comp	Enjoy your trip, be safe, and if you can, take tons of pics, and write a journal. Who knows you might be the next Che. AO