Santa Barbara to Buenos Aires, and then some...

La Moto in the cargo hold of a Buquebus.   Buenos Aires to Colonia - The bike's temporary import papers were expiring so it needed to leave the country.  I caught the early high-speed ferry to Colonia, Uruguay for our semi-annual migration.  I had intended to ride up the river up to Fray Bentos, Uruguay and then cross over into Gualeguaychu, Argentina and then head back into the city.  Why? -  ¿por qué no? Click the post to see all images. The proposed route...  Never make concrete plans down here. The weather turned windy, wet and cold and I didn't really have anything to prove by getting soaked so I had lunch and did a u-turn in Nueva Palmira, Uruguay; probably a good move as I cut about 5 hours off the trip.  I tested my high-speed riding skills trying to fly back to Colonia where I got caught a ferry back to Buenos Aires in time to hit the (very nasty) evening commute traffic.  These things really scoot! The bike h...

Colfax, CA.  Added a bash plate and a battery tender today.  The bike is about ready for a real trip; rode Lake Tahoe and Reno last week and a few fire roads locally, but unless there's a border involved, it's a null point.

When I travel I frequently check out international rider sites.  While reading The Hubb I ran across a future for-sale ad posted by an Aussie adventure rider.  He had purchased a '09 V-Strom new in Michigan, ridden all 48 lower states, then driven up to Alaska where he began driving the Pan American highway.  He had just finished the ride to Fin del Mundo (Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) and was heading north to Buenos Aires. The bike was well appointed, had quite a few (49,000) "highway miles" but was priced right; I couldn't resist and we agreed on terms via email before he reached the city.  The miles don't scare be as these things are more reliable than the energizer bunny and the big BMW adventure bikes - they've been around long enough that some are starting to turn 100,000 miles without issues. I just had knee surgery so I won't be able to ride much this trip.

I just picked up my 4th v-strom; a black '08 DL650 with less than 10,000 miles on the clock. The BMW was sexy and sleek and a total pain to ride - too tall and it has no provision for a proper windshield which was unbearable for any duration at speed. Strom4 came with, and I've already bolted on, some Hepco Becker crash bars and engine bash guard. I've already ordered a Madstad windshield, luggage, and barbacks... A few more goodies and I just might have to head south (or north, or east) - The open road is calling...

Mr. Moto found a new rider today and is heading north to Mexico via... everywhere.  Roman loaded up and is heading out soon; it should be a great adventure. Bon Voyage!

Took the early buquebus accross the river to Colonia, Uruaguay and then headed up river via Dolores and Mercedes before a final crossing into Argentina at Gualeguaychu.  My goal was to confuse the Aduana into letting me into the country again with the moto; it worked.  I've another 8 month extension but alas the moto is sold so the entire trip was just to facilitate the sale in BsAs vs Uraguay.    Met amigos for lunch in Gualeguaychu and then rode the few hours back into the Buenos Aires. 

A sad day. It's been a great bike, and I really would love to keep it, but the Argentine government won't renew my temporary import documents again (bastards) after 20+ border entries.  They've got this law... I posted ads on international rider sites and a russian adventure rider bought it.  Arranging that transaction was interesting.   I'll be in Argentina in early December to hand over the keys and collect a few rubles/pesos/bongos and then she's back to the open road, destination Mexico. I wish him only the best luck and many happy adventures! Le deseo sólo la mejor suerte y muchas aventuras felices! Я желаю ему только лучший удачи и много счастливы приключений!