Off the grid for a while: 16 Countries-31 States-9 Canadian provinces-30,000 miles +
 

So here’s the basic plan…and we all know that’s up for change<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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Starting in Ushuaia <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region> and heading north.<o:p></o:p>
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I got an offer of a job in Louisiana and I accepted on one condition…I could go for a ‘little motorcycle ride’ before I started, “sure” was the response, so without really taking advantage I got a bike shipped to Ushuaia and will head north from there. New employer (a good friend) tells me the job is waiting for me when I get back, in this economy this I find this amazing so without taking real advantage cutting out the southward journey seemed the way to go.<o:p></o:p>
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The above is the good part…the bad part is I was living in Washington State when this whole plan and job offer was hatched, so I had to move prior to the ride, so I just did a 3000 mile rode trip to Louisiana from WA. To add to all of this the bike was in the UK because I’m doing the SA part of the trip with a group from the UK and they are shipping their bikes from the UK so to get a good deal I had to buy a bike there…now that makes it real difficult to prep a bike for a trip without a bike!!!<o:p></o:p>
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So, once I arrive in Ushuaia I have 3 days of prep on the bike to get it ready to roll and then its northwards.<o:p></o:p>
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I get on a plane in a few days in <st1:City><st1:place>New Orleans</st1:place></st1:City> with lots of excess baggage and hopefully there’s a smiling face at the check-in counter who is open to a little sweet talking. Only 3lbs is clothes and essentials (the rest I’ll buy as I need it), then there’s another 75lbs of tools, parts, equipment and riding gear!!!<o:p></o:p>
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You can’t go into a 7/11 with a helmet on, wonder if I can board a plane wearing one, sure as hell not putting that in checked luggage; most other things could be construed as a weapon so it all has to be checked baggage


The main plan is to follow the continental divide or close to it until I can’t go any further north, then its east until I can’t go any further east and then the same story heading south…the <st1:stockticker>GPS</st1:stockticker> shows 30,000 miles for the trip as you see it on the map, I’m betting a $1 it’s more, a lot more…<o:p></o:p>

the bike
 

This is what I’m riding…Yamaha XT660Z, I know it’s the last time it will look this good. I’ll add photos and document the mods I do before I ride
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excess baggage!!!!
 

Trip
 

Wow looks like an amazing trip. When you come through Nova Scotia let us know I will look you up! Have a good ride and take care.

Andrew

i will for sure, it should be around july, thanks for the offer

Looks like a blast!! I'm Jealous, I know the map doesn't look that way but if you should happen into the Sacramento area I'll buy a good Rib Eye & always have good single malt around, PM is all it takes, also have access to about anything you could possibly need as far as shop equipment or tools go, Best of luck on your adventure!! When is departure date?

wow
 

Nice. looking forward to reading the follow ups

ship it....
 

So, I'm super jealous and I'll add my $.02 since I've done all of .... well, nothing like this. But why don't you ship your "excess" gear rather than trying to take it on a plane? Put it on FedEx and off it goes.....

Anyway, have a great time and I've got the HWY 80 side of the Sac area covered if you hit this far west. come by and see us. plenty of room to camp / swim / etc.

good luck in your travels you are in for a lot of them! subscribed

i have been known to take a detour before for a good steak, 800 miles one time to meet a friend in texas, and the steak was worth it...but at this point i will take a rain check, like i say routes can change, one thing i know for sure i have another ride planned for next year going by your front door so if not this one then that one for sure

leaving new orleans on sunday march 20

thanks again - paul - dmh65

i agree fedex sounds like a good idea, but...having shipped three packages and them loosing two of them i'd rather be having my gear close at hand than have to buy it for the fourth time and hopefully a little sweet talking at the airport goes a long way or its off to the ATM for me!!!

Good luck!

Riveted.

that bike looks awesome...

F'n wow! That looks like one awesome ride!

Didn't look like it on your map, but if you're in the central Ohio region and need anything, or wanna grab a bite to eat, give me a shout when the time comes.

:lurk