How It All Began
Several winters ago, while driving to Vermont with my friend Ryan, our conversation strayed from the usual political debate, and we began brainstorming "crazy" travel ideas. It wasn't long before we stumbled across the idea of riding a motorcycle from Connecticut to the bottom of South America. Ironically, neither of us owned a motorcycle or had a motorcycle license. Yet, as far fetched as the idea seemed at the time, it immediately captured my imagination and sparked a lasting obsession. Now, more than two years later, as I prepare my motorcycle, my gear, and myself for the journey ahead, I realize that what started as a random conversation to pass the time during a car ride, has now materialized into what will hopefully be the adventure of a lifetime.
The Plan
Although I do not have a detailed itinerary for the trip, I plan to visit every country in Central America and then descend the western half of South America. I don't have a "destination" in the traditional sense of the word, but the objective is to reach Ushuaia, Argentina, by March 2009. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, and March is when the weather becomes less than accommodating for a guy on a motorcycle. Depending on a variety of factors such as money, health, and the condition of my bike, my arrival there may simply mark a midway point in the journey, or I may decide to ship the bike and myself home from Argentina. (it costs less if you ship yourself in the crate with your bike)
I know that the journey will be more enjoyable and rewarding if I have a decent command of the language. Unfortunately, my high school Spanish classes left me with nothing more than a mispronounced "Hola". So instead of speaking English slower and louder, I plan on attending a language school in Mexico or Guatemala for about two months, or until I have a language proficiency that I am happy with. (Contrary to popular belief, speaking English slower and louder does not make English comprehensible to people who do not speak English)
As for the rest of the journey; I plan on spending a lot of time off of the bike, hiking, chilling on the beach, wandering through towns, and exploring many of the archaeological sites along the way. Where the journey will ultimately take me is as uncertain to me as it is to you. I do know that I am in absolutely no rush to complete the journey, so a town with a comfy bed/semi-smooth spot on the ground, friendly people, and good food, will likely result in a week or more stay.
