Troy thanks for your posts and your blog. It is one of most informative I have read, and believe me I read them all. I am following you with great interest, because next year I plan to ride to Ushuaia by 12/21/2012. You know, the end of the world at the end of the world sorta thing.
So, if you are sitting around the palapa with nothing to do , what are the things you did preparing for your trip that you are now finding most beneficial. You know; route planning, choosing places to visit, lining up insurance, what to take and how to pack; that sort of thing. Or has your trip been more of a point the bike south and see what happens?
Also, are you capturing GPS tracks? I have found some, but there doesn't seem to be a lot out there.
Keep up the great work on the blog. When we meet the first round is on me.
Hey Joe, Thanks for following. I probably didn't spend enough time on prep. Here are some of my lessons learned. The Adventure Motorcycling Book is a must read. Create a list with all your desired gear, pack it, take a one week trip camping and hosteling, then discard anything that you don't use. I need to update my gear list on my website and note the items that I've discarded. There are a few items I may add like a hanging water filter.
I picked the countries, but I didn't pick a route. I just make it up as I go. I talk with locals, travelers and read the Lonely Planet Guides then make a decision. It seems like in general I'm following the Pan American Highway, because that is where the border crossing points seem to be. It also takes you along many of the noted attractions. But I diverge quite often with alternate routes and side trips. I have a garmin 60csx gps, but I've not loaded local maps to it. I just haven't figured it out yet. I use it to keep me in the general right direction when heading between towns. But more often than not, I'm pulling over and asking the locals for directions.
I've been buying bike insurance in each country. I'm not sure if there is a general policy that can cover all the countries. I bought global health insurance from World Nomads.
I'm planning to create a how to section on my website. I just wanted to gain a little more time and perspective traveling so that it is off good value. I hope that this helps. I should be back in Texas before the start of your trip. I'd be happy to sit down over a drink.
The best thing is to get your bike and gear sorted. The trip planning can all be improvised.