18 July 2010
16 May 2010
New York
Friday 14th May 2010
Edison to New York (via OCC)
195 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 14,891
The last day on the bike today. We headed up past New York to visit Orange County Choppers. The ride up there started off dry but after about an hour it started to rain heavily. After our visit to OCC it was dry again and the ride back down to Newark was easy. We only got a little lost and with the help of a friendly cop we soon found our way to the shippers. The bikes will remain there until the rest of the group arrives.
So it’s off to the bright lights of New York for the weekend!
Edison to New York (via OCC)
195 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 14,891
The last day on the bike today. We headed up past New York to visit Orange County Choppers. The ride up there started off dry but after about an hour it started to rain heavily. After our visit to OCC it was dry again and the ride back down to Newark was easy. We only got a little lost and with the help of a friendly cop we soon found our way to the shippers. The bikes will remain there until the rest of the group arrives.
So it’s off to the bright lights of New York for the weekend!
14 May 2010
Mexico and USA
Thursday 13th May 2010
Rocky Mount to Edison (near New York)
441 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 14,696
Another early start today as we want to get the miles done for an easy day tomorrow. The day started a little wet but the forecast said it would clear later. It’s a lot cooler today, about 15 degrees and only a small amount of moisture in the air. After our first fuel and coffee stop the next destination was Washington DC for a cuppa with Mr President. Unfortunately we couldn’t get very close to his house so no cuppa! We saw a few sights then headed off in the direction of New York. We drove on the New Jersey Turnpike to avoid Philadelphia and we made good progress. The day ended at 6.30pm near Newark (the final destination for the bikes).
Tomorrow we’re going to visit Orange County Choppers which is just north of NY.
Wednesday 12th May 2010
Auburn to Rocky Mount
566 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 14,255
We had an early start this morning, after our breakfast at The Waffle House we were on the road for 7am. Breakfast consisted of eggs, toast and grit, yes grit is actually food. Apparently it’s a southern thing, it looked like watery semolina and tasted of cardboard.
The interstate roads here are excellent, good quality, well sign posted and no traffic jams yet. But they are incredibly boring! Lunch was at a “Wendy’s”, similar to Wimpy. I have felt tired all day, at times struggling to keep my eyes open.
We stopped at about 5.30pm, accommodation is easy to find as it is sign posted at the exits on the interstates. A Days Inn tonight.
Tuesday 11th May 2010
New Orleans to Auburn
350 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 13,689
A late start today because we were waiting for the bikes to be serviced (and we went out on the town last night). Our destination was Atlanta about 450 miles away. Because of the late start and feeling rather tired, not hung over just tired, we only managed 350 miles which got us to a place called Auburn. Martins’ bike has developed a problem with his headlight, the fuse has blown and we’ve not had any time to research why, so we couldn’t ride in the dark.
Monday 10th May 2010
Houston to New Orleans
362 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 13,339
We started from the right side of Houston as we passed through it yesterday. Easy riding again on these long, straight sign posted roads. Our first port of call in New Orleans was Chuck House Motor Sports to get our bikes serviced. We found the place quite easily after only a few wrong turns. We had a good chat with Chuck and agreed that just an oil and filter change would get us to New York. I also had my front tyre changed. We left the bikes with him for us to pick up the next day.
We stopped at a Holiday Inn Express right in the centre of New Orleans. After a short shopping trip for some new clothes we hit the town. One of the main tourist streets is Bourbon Street, full of shops, bars, restaurants and strip joints. After a meal we went to a few bars on Bourbon Street. The first was playing the most depressing jazz music I’ve ever heard so we soon left that one. The second was more lively with a band playing. The last one we went in had a mechanical bull (see below) which was fun. We were respectably back in the hotel just after midnight.
Sunday 9th May 2010
Brownsville to Houston
362 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 12,977
We didn’t start too early today due to the late night last night. Good progress was made on the road, motorways all the way. We ended up riding into the middle of Houston which was a bit of a concern. After asking a cop for directions we were soon on the right road. We stopped in a Comfort Inn on the outskirts of Houston.
Saturday 8th May 2010
Veracruz to Brownsville (USA)
640 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 12,615
We left early just after 6am. The roads are a pain where they go through built up areas because there are speed humps which you really do have to slow down for. We really wanted to get into the USA today so we pushed our selves hard to get to the border. In the afternoon the roads improved so we didn’t have to keep slowing down.
We eventually got to the border at Matamoros at about 8.30pm. We went over the bridge and started the process of getting into the USA. Things didn’t quite go to plan. We hadn’t got the bikes stamped out of Mexico so we had to go back; luckily it was only the other side of the bridge. After being pissed about by the short fat jobs worth in the American customs we were in! We went into town and got the first hotel we could find.
Friday 7th May 2010
Salina Cruz to Veracruz
320 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,975
The first day of leaving the group. After getting in very late last night some people had already left in the morning before we got up so we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to many people. It was quite sad to leave the group after nearly 8 weeks. It was a good ride today although very hot again. We got into Veracruz and started the search for a motorbike shop for Martin to get new tyres. We found a few but none of them had the right size. Mission aborted, and the decision was made that his tyres would get him to New York.
Thursday 6th May 2010
Quezaltenango to Salina Cruz (Mexico)
370 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,655
Border crossing day. The Mexican border was a nightmare, we had to get all our documents copied and then wait hours for them to process the paperwork. We didn’t leave the border until gone 5pm. With nearly 300 miles to go it was going to be a late night. I still have a problem with my headlight and while fiddling with it I made it worse. At a petrol stop with a lot of sweating and swearing I managed to botch it so that I could see the road in the dark.
We reached the hotel at about midnight. This was the last day of riding with the group.
Wednesday 5th may 2010
Copan Ruinas to Quezaltenango (Guatemala)
275 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,285
At the time of writing this (1 week later) I have no recollection of what happened today.
After allot of careful consideration about the trip and the poor organisation of it, I have decided to separate from the group. Tomorrow Martin and I will be going on a different route to New York. Mr Sanders’ plan is to get to Alaska at any cost. The daily mileages will be very high and the routes likely to be extremely boring. Enough is enough! There are other reasons which I won’t go into here.
I’m looking forward to seeing my family who I’ve missed very much.
Rocky Mount to Edison (near New York)
441 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 14,696
Another early start today as we want to get the miles done for an easy day tomorrow. The day started a little wet but the forecast said it would clear later. It’s a lot cooler today, about 15 degrees and only a small amount of moisture in the air. After our first fuel and coffee stop the next destination was Washington DC for a cuppa with Mr President. Unfortunately we couldn’t get very close to his house so no cuppa! We saw a few sights then headed off in the direction of New York. We drove on the New Jersey Turnpike to avoid Philadelphia and we made good progress. The day ended at 6.30pm near Newark (the final destination for the bikes).
Wednesday 12th May 2010
Auburn to Rocky Mount
566 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 14,255
We had an early start this morning, after our breakfast at The Waffle House we were on the road for 7am. Breakfast consisted of eggs, toast and grit, yes grit is actually food. Apparently it’s a southern thing, it looked like watery semolina and tasted of cardboard.
The interstate roads here are excellent, good quality, well sign posted and no traffic jams yet. But they are incredibly boring! Lunch was at a “Wendy’s”, similar to Wimpy. I have felt tired all day, at times struggling to keep my eyes open.
We stopped at about 5.30pm, accommodation is easy to find as it is sign posted at the exits on the interstates. A Days Inn tonight.
Tuesday 11th May 2010
New Orleans to Auburn
350 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 13,689
A late start today because we were waiting for the bikes to be serviced (and we went out on the town last night). Our destination was Atlanta about 450 miles away. Because of the late start and feeling rather tired, not hung over just tired, we only managed 350 miles which got us to a place called Auburn. Martins’ bike has developed a problem with his headlight, the fuse has blown and we’ve not had any time to research why, so we couldn’t ride in the dark.
Monday 10th May 2010
Houston to New Orleans
362 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 13,339
We started from the right side of Houston as we passed through it yesterday. Easy riding again on these long, straight sign posted roads. Our first port of call in New Orleans was Chuck House Motor Sports to get our bikes serviced. We found the place quite easily after only a few wrong turns. We had a good chat with Chuck and agreed that just an oil and filter change would get us to New York. I also had my front tyre changed. We left the bikes with him for us to pick up the next day.
Sunday 9th May 2010
Brownsville to Houston
362 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 12,977
We didn’t start too early today due to the late night last night. Good progress was made on the road, motorways all the way. We ended up riding into the middle of Houston which was a bit of a concern. After asking a cop for directions we were soon on the right road. We stopped in a Comfort Inn on the outskirts of Houston.
Saturday 8th May 2010
Veracruz to Brownsville (USA)
640 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 12,615
We left early just after 6am. The roads are a pain where they go through built up areas because there are speed humps which you really do have to slow down for. We really wanted to get into the USA today so we pushed our selves hard to get to the border. In the afternoon the roads improved so we didn’t have to keep slowing down.
We eventually got to the border at Matamoros at about 8.30pm. We went over the bridge and started the process of getting into the USA. Things didn’t quite go to plan. We hadn’t got the bikes stamped out of Mexico so we had to go back; luckily it was only the other side of the bridge. After being pissed about by the short fat jobs worth in the American customs we were in! We went into town and got the first hotel we could find.
Friday 7th May 2010
Salina Cruz to Veracruz
320 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,975
The first day of leaving the group. After getting in very late last night some people had already left in the morning before we got up so we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to many people. It was quite sad to leave the group after nearly 8 weeks. It was a good ride today although very hot again. We got into Veracruz and started the search for a motorbike shop for Martin to get new tyres. We found a few but none of them had the right size. Mission aborted, and the decision was made that his tyres would get him to New York.
Thursday 6th May 2010
Quezaltenango to Salina Cruz (Mexico)
370 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,655
Border crossing day. The Mexican border was a nightmare, we had to get all our documents copied and then wait hours for them to process the paperwork. We didn’t leave the border until gone 5pm. With nearly 300 miles to go it was going to be a late night. I still have a problem with my headlight and while fiddling with it I made it worse. At a petrol stop with a lot of sweating and swearing I managed to botch it so that I could see the road in the dark.
We reached the hotel at about midnight. This was the last day of riding with the group.
Wednesday 5th may 2010
Copan Ruinas to Quezaltenango (Guatemala)
275 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,285
At the time of writing this (1 week later) I have no recollection of what happened today.
After allot of careful consideration about the trip and the poor organisation of it, I have decided to separate from the group. Tomorrow Martin and I will be going on a different route to New York. Mr Sanders’ plan is to get to Alaska at any cost. The daily mileages will be very high and the routes likely to be extremely boring. Enough is enough! There are other reasons which I won’t go into here.
I’m looking forward to seeing my family who I’ve missed very much.
05 May 2010
Honduras
Tuesday 4th May 2010
Choluteca to Copan Ruinas
344 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,010
Another hot and humid day, the temperature peaked at 39.5 degrees! The roads were quite good but there are allot of small towns to go through which slows thing up. After refuelling we were just about to set off when Nigel noticed his rear tyre was flat. This delayed us for about an hour or so. We got a little lost in one of the towns but were soon on the right road. It was quite slow progress today, allot of winding roads and villages to go through.
Jason had a problem with his bike; whilst using his side stand to break the bead on Nigel’s tyre it bent slightly making his bike unstable on the side stand. At the next fuel stop his stand snapped and the bike fell over! That was not the only thing to snap; Martin was not impressed because Nigel and I had stopped without signalling to Martin or Jason. We were all tired and hot with still 60 miles to go to the hotel. We eventually arrived at 6pm. Copan Ruinas is a lovely little town with cobbled streets and a town square. Off to the border with Guatemala tomorrow for more fun and games.
Choluteca to Copan Ruinas
344 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 11,010
Another hot and humid day, the temperature peaked at 39.5 degrees! The roads were quite good but there are allot of small towns to go through which slows thing up. After refuelling we were just about to set off when Nigel noticed his rear tyre was flat. This delayed us for about an hour or so. We got a little lost in one of the towns but were soon on the right road. It was quite slow progress today, allot of winding roads and villages to go through.
Jason had a problem with his bike; whilst using his side stand to break the bead on Nigel’s tyre it bent slightly making his bike unstable on the side stand. At the next fuel stop his stand snapped and the bike fell over! That was not the only thing to snap; Martin was not impressed because Nigel and I had stopped without signalling to Martin or Jason. We were all tired and hot with still 60 miles to go to the hotel. We eventually arrived at 6pm. Copan Ruinas is a lovely little town with cobbled streets and a town square. Off to the border with Guatemala tomorrow for more fun and games.
04 May 2010
Central America
Monday 3rd May 2010
Granada to Choluteca (Honduras)
181 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 10,666
This morning did not start well; I woke up too early and then needed the loo every 20 minutes. It was very humid and about 28 degrees at 8am. After six trips to the toilet I took an Imodium and hoped for the best. Martin and I left the hotel at 8.45am. I was supposed to wait for sanders to turn up with the tyres because he is having trouble getting through customs with them without paying import tax. It specifies in the contract that the spare tyres will be carried in the support vehicle, so it’s his problem. I carried my spare rear tyre from Buenas Aires to Lima, I’ve done my bit.
The first part of the journey went well until I was stopped by the law; luckily all they wanted to see was my passport and licence. I think I got away lightly especially when Nigel got stung for $150 the other day. Riding around the capital city of Managua was quite straight forward; however, we appeared to take a different route to most other people. The route we took started ok but the road quality deteriorated after a few miles. There were allot of potholes which were difficult to negotiate at more than 30mph. Parts of the road were missing all together. The road improved after about twenty miles. We made good progress to the border and stopped for lunch just before it.
The border was unusually quiet and with the help of a fixer we were on our way in about an hour. The hotel was only about 50km’s away and the ride was easy. The temperature was 38 degrees so the air conditioned room and swimming pool at the hotel were a bonus.
Sunday 2nd May 2010
San Isidro to Granada (Nicaragua)
308 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 10,485
The weather first thing looked grey; I wasn’t sure if it would rain or not so I decided to put my waterproof linings in jest in case. We set off at 7.30am and by then the weather looked brighter. The road went up into the mountains and the temperature dropped from the mid twenties to 12 degrees. After descending the mountain and getting a little lost in San Jose I was absolutely boiling. We stopped for fuel and a snack and to remove my waterproofs.
The roads in Costa Rica are generally good quality but the speed limits are incredibly slow and the police are everywhere with speed guns. This makes for a very slow and boring ride.
We eventually reached the border at 3pm. By this time it was 36 degrees and very humid. The getting out of Costa Rica took a while due to due to the queues and the walk to the separate offices. Another fumigation process and then we started the process of getting into Nicaragua. Again we were helped by a fixer. It takes a long time because of the bike. There are charges for insurance, a tourist tax and other charges just because they can. With the paperwork complete and the fixer paid we were free to go. By this time it was getting dark and we still had 60 miles to go. I only had about 25 miles left in the tank so a petrol station was needed. We were riding through countryside with no sign of fuel. With 4 miles left in the tank we came to a town with fuel. Then disaster struck, I was adjusting my headlight angle and the adjuster fell out and now my light is pointing at the stars. The last 40 miles were very difficult with little visibility, some wet roads and the threat of a downpour. Luckily we arrived at the hotel minutes before the rain started. It’s been a very long and tiring day!
Saturday 1st May 2010
Santiago to San Isidro de el General
275 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 10,177
Another border crossing today, Panama into Costa Rica. We left the hotel at 7am, a little later than planned. The ride to the border crossing was straight forward. The first part of the process was to get the bike fumigated (chemical spray) and to get the certificate to prove it. Leaving Panama was simple enough. The entry process into Costa Rica was aided by a fixer who led us through the red tape. Forms to be filled in, photocopies taken and a long wait in a queue for it all to be processed. The fixer was paid $5 dollars for his services and we were on our way.
A few miles down the road we stopped for lunch at what looked similar to a KFC. After lunch we proceeded on the 140 mile journey to the Hotel Diamante Real at San Isidro. The ride started off dry but after a few miles the rain started. Without any waterproofs on I hoped it would only be showers. It was not to be, after a few minutes it pissed it down! I had to stop at a small bus shelter to put on my waterproof over suit, a £20 special from Lidl. Lesson learnt – it leaks. We drove through patches of very heavy rain with my visor and specs steaming up making it difficult to see. Peering over the top of my glasses made it a little better.
Nigel, Martin and I found the hotel quite easily, a nice place with good rooms. After sorting out our wet gear we went out for refreshments. I went for a beer in a local bar with Barry, Patrick and Ilene. The search for food was a little more difficult. There didn’t seem to be many places open. We found a local place and were joined by Steve and Nadine. The restaurant didn’t have a menu as the chef/owner changes it so often he doesn’t bother printing one. Once we had been told what was on offer we made our order, I decided on the Conger Eel! Very nice it was too.
Granada to Choluteca (Honduras)
181 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 10,666
This morning did not start well; I woke up too early and then needed the loo every 20 minutes. It was very humid and about 28 degrees at 8am. After six trips to the toilet I took an Imodium and hoped for the best. Martin and I left the hotel at 8.45am. I was supposed to wait for sanders to turn up with the tyres because he is having trouble getting through customs with them without paying import tax. It specifies in the contract that the spare tyres will be carried in the support vehicle, so it’s his problem. I carried my spare rear tyre from Buenas Aires to Lima, I’ve done my bit.
The first part of the journey went well until I was stopped by the law; luckily all they wanted to see was my passport and licence. I think I got away lightly especially when Nigel got stung for $150 the other day. Riding around the capital city of Managua was quite straight forward; however, we appeared to take a different route to most other people. The route we took started ok but the road quality deteriorated after a few miles. There were allot of potholes which were difficult to negotiate at more than 30mph. Parts of the road were missing all together. The road improved after about twenty miles. We made good progress to the border and stopped for lunch just before it.
The border was unusually quiet and with the help of a fixer we were on our way in about an hour. The hotel was only about 50km’s away and the ride was easy. The temperature was 38 degrees so the air conditioned room and swimming pool at the hotel were a bonus.
Sunday 2nd May 2010
San Isidro to Granada (Nicaragua)
308 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 10,485
The weather first thing looked grey; I wasn’t sure if it would rain or not so I decided to put my waterproof linings in jest in case. We set off at 7.30am and by then the weather looked brighter. The road went up into the mountains and the temperature dropped from the mid twenties to 12 degrees. After descending the mountain and getting a little lost in San Jose I was absolutely boiling. We stopped for fuel and a snack and to remove my waterproofs.
The roads in Costa Rica are generally good quality but the speed limits are incredibly slow and the police are everywhere with speed guns. This makes for a very slow and boring ride.
We eventually reached the border at 3pm. By this time it was 36 degrees and very humid. The getting out of Costa Rica took a while due to due to the queues and the walk to the separate offices. Another fumigation process and then we started the process of getting into Nicaragua. Again we were helped by a fixer. It takes a long time because of the bike. There are charges for insurance, a tourist tax and other charges just because they can. With the paperwork complete and the fixer paid we were free to go. By this time it was getting dark and we still had 60 miles to go. I only had about 25 miles left in the tank so a petrol station was needed. We were riding through countryside with no sign of fuel. With 4 miles left in the tank we came to a town with fuel. Then disaster struck, I was adjusting my headlight angle and the adjuster fell out and now my light is pointing at the stars. The last 40 miles were very difficult with little visibility, some wet roads and the threat of a downpour. Luckily we arrived at the hotel minutes before the rain started. It’s been a very long and tiring day!
Saturday 1st May 2010
Santiago to San Isidro de el General
275 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 10,177
Another border crossing today, Panama into Costa Rica. We left the hotel at 7am, a little later than planned. The ride to the border crossing was straight forward. The first part of the process was to get the bike fumigated (chemical spray) and to get the certificate to prove it. Leaving Panama was simple enough. The entry process into Costa Rica was aided by a fixer who led us through the red tape. Forms to be filled in, photocopies taken and a long wait in a queue for it all to be processed. The fixer was paid $5 dollars for his services and we were on our way.
A few miles down the road we stopped for lunch at what looked similar to a KFC. After lunch we proceeded on the 140 mile journey to the Hotel Diamante Real at San Isidro. The ride started off dry but after a few miles the rain started. Without any waterproofs on I hoped it would only be showers. It was not to be, after a few minutes it pissed it down! I had to stop at a small bus shelter to put on my waterproof over suit, a £20 special from Lidl. Lesson learnt – it leaks. We drove through patches of very heavy rain with my visor and specs steaming up making it difficult to see. Peering over the top of my glasses made it a little better.
Nigel, Martin and I found the hotel quite easily, a nice place with good rooms. After sorting out our wet gear we went out for refreshments. I went for a beer in a local bar with Barry, Patrick and Ilene. The search for food was a little more difficult. There didn’t seem to be many places open. We found a local place and were joined by Steve and Nadine. The restaurant didn’t have a menu as the chef/owner changes it so often he doesn’t bother printing one. Once we had been told what was on offer we made our order, I decided on the Conger Eel! Very nice it was too.
01 May 2010
Santiago, Panama
Friday 30th April 2010
Panama to Santiago
161 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 9902
The day started very hot and humid, the temperature when we left at 9am was 29 degrees. We had a shower of rain before we left but luckily it stopped. We are in this part of the world just before the rainy season so hopefully we won’t get too wet. I decided not to wear the waterproofs as I would probably get wetter with sweat. Nigel, Martin, Brian, Suzanne and I left before the main group who were getting a taxi to lead them out of the city. Because we didn’t have much of a clue where we were going we soon got lost. After asking a few people we soon found our way to the main road out.
The road was dual carriageway most of the way so it was quite an easy ride apart from the heat which peaked at 36 degrees and combining this with the humidity made a bit uncomfortable. A little way from the town near where we were stopping Brian and I got stopped at a police road block. With only knowing a few words of Spanish and the officer not speaking any English the conversation was a bit of a struggle. We gathered that he wanted us to slow down although I hadn’t been over 120 km/h and stop weaving in and out of the traffic. After producing my documents and a sort of conversation he let us go.
After fuelling up a few miles later we were at Hotel Vistalago, a few minutes’ drive past Santiago (Panama). The hotel is modern and clean with a good shower and aircon in the room. As usual I’m sharing a room with Martin. The afternoon was spent relaxing in the pool and having a few beers. This is the life!
Panama to Santiago
161 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 9902
The day started very hot and humid, the temperature when we left at 9am was 29 degrees. We had a shower of rain before we left but luckily it stopped. We are in this part of the world just before the rainy season so hopefully we won’t get too wet. I decided not to wear the waterproofs as I would probably get wetter with sweat. Nigel, Martin, Brian, Suzanne and I left before the main group who were getting a taxi to lead them out of the city. Because we didn’t have much of a clue where we were going we soon got lost. After asking a few people we soon found our way to the main road out.
The road was dual carriageway most of the way so it was quite an easy ride apart from the heat which peaked at 36 degrees and combining this with the humidity made a bit uncomfortable. A little way from the town near where we were stopping Brian and I got stopped at a police road block. With only knowing a few words of Spanish and the officer not speaking any English the conversation was a bit of a struggle. We gathered that he wanted us to slow down although I hadn’t been over 120 km/h and stop weaving in and out of the traffic. After producing my documents and a sort of conversation he let us go.
After fuelling up a few miles later we were at Hotel Vistalago, a few minutes’ drive past Santiago (Panama). The hotel is modern and clean with a good shower and aircon in the room. As usual I’m sharing a room with Martin. The afternoon was spent relaxing in the pool and having a few beers. This is the life!
30 April 2010
Panama
Thursday 29th April 2010
Panama
21 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 9742
A trip to the airport this morning to collect the bikes, not that simple though. Because there are 18 bikes the process takes forever. The customs people seem to be unable to cope with a large group. Things weren’t helped by the heat and humidity here, so needless to say a few of our group were a little hot under the collar. We must have spent about 6hrs at the cargo terminal before the paperwork was complete and we were free to go. I can’t help thinking that a little bit of pre planning would have saved some time. But it’s no surprise as very little seems to have been organised on the trip so far.
After returning to the hotel and parking our bikes in the foyer we had just enough time to go to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal. What a fantastic site to see the massive ship make their way slowly through the locks.
Panama City like all cites has variety of different areas. We were told not to turn left out of the hotel as the area is too dangerous! We went out in the evening to one of the more posh areas for a meal at a Mexican restaurant.
Tomorrow we start to make our way through Panama on our way to Costa Rica.
Panama
21 Miles
Total PanAm Miles 9742
A trip to the airport this morning to collect the bikes, not that simple though. Because there are 18 bikes the process takes forever. The customs people seem to be unable to cope with a large group. Things weren’t helped by the heat and humidity here, so needless to say a few of our group were a little hot under the collar. We must have spent about 6hrs at the cargo terminal before the paperwork was complete and we were free to go. I can’t help thinking that a little bit of pre planning would have saved some time. But it’s no surprise as very little seems to have been organised on the trip so far.
After returning to the hotel and parking our bikes in the foyer we had just enough time to go to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal. What a fantastic site to see the massive ship make their way slowly through the locks.
Panama City like all cites has variety of different areas. We were told not to turn left out of the hotel as the area is too dangerous! We went out in the evening to one of the more posh areas for a meal at a Mexican restaurant.
Tomorrow we start to make our way through Panama on our way to Costa Rica.
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