Denver to Latin America for 3 months

My wife and I will leave San Francisco in the 2nd week of Oct. Hope to see you on the way.

Hoa

WR I departed northern Colorado 19 Aug. Straight down the center of Mex, through Juarez. I would suggest not missing Zacatecas or Guanajuato. The roads leading south into Oaxaca and further south into Chiapas affords some really awesome riding. Tuxtla Gutierrez to SC de Las Casas is also really fun riding; beautiful mountains. Not quite like the mountains we're used to, but beautiful green landscapes for sure. I am currently in Quezaltenango, Guatemala. Guatemala is another wonderful place to ride (4th time down here). I came through the border at La Mesilla and the mountains are, in a word f~ing incredible!!! Happy riding and be safe (I say that because of the beautiful scenery takes your eyes from the road sometimes)!

what car??

I read all of your other ride reports and can see that you have been working up to this 3 month adventure for a long time. I'm sure this trip will be one where you can put all those past experiences and learned skills to good use.
I will be following your report with great interest.

Ride Safe,

Taz9

Plans for leaving on Friday continue. Bike is packed and ready to go.

Here it is ready to go.





I am using the Pelican Storm case on the rear. The only things on the outside are a bike cover and my walking shoes for when I am off the bike.



On the front is a Wolfman tank bag (I forget the exact model) and my tank panniers from Aerostitch.

.

In the tank bag are a the more accesible items including an MP3 player, spanish dictionary (although my Spanish is really coming along), leatherman tool, etc.

The left pannier is mostly empty for use when I want to pick up something (lunch, drinks, a gift, etc.) while out riding. At the moment it has a book and toilet paper, and some empty plastic bags for trash that may accumulate.

In the right pannier are my riding gloves (when I am not riding), a packable backpack (in case I need to get groceries or for walking around town), sunscreen, and a spare oil filter.

I also have (but it is difficult to see) a dirt bagz headlight bag with just some basic tools and holding some chain lube. The front fender bag has tire repair items (such as irons, puncture kit, etc.) along with a spare 16t front sprocket to change in another few thousand miles and spare front brake pads as those might need to be changed on this trip as well.

I will also not (in case anyone notices) that I have the Keintech simple stand on the bike. The "bars" for this are held on next to my tank panniers with some old innertube rubber through them to hold them in place. I have put about 800 miles with them in this position and they stay just fine.

I decided to use that instead of adding a centerstand. That was based on weight and cost considerations. I do abuse the DR650 in the mountains of Colorado and would rather not have the added weight or lack of clearance of a centerstand. The simple stand does make lubing the chain a lot easier, though than nothing.

Have fun and be safe, I will be follow you along on your journey.

When you said you were travelling light, you really meant it! Looks like a great set up.
I will be following your report. Only 2 days and a wake up...

Ride Safe!!

Taz9

Good looking light and simple setup. Looks like you are ready to find some dirt!

Thanks. I am excited about the light load. It will make it that much better for me.

Well, tomorrow I leave. The next updates should be from the road.

Subscribed. Bon Voyage!!

Im in , good luck and live the dream for the rest of us.

Good luck, ride safe. Wish I was doing the same.

Taos, NM

My friend Chris is riding to the border

Enjoyed some good fall colors.

And here is origami yoda.



Not sure why the angry face showed up?

Here is origami Yoda again outside Taos. It was a fun ride on the back roads to Santa Fe

And for snicks and giggles (and it is a fun road) we went through Madrid for lunch.

How do you find the tank panniers? Do you find they interfere with your knees when seated?

He got Aerostich.........He stated on 2nd page

This is going into my bookmarks right away and I'll be checking back daily to see what progress develops. I hope the trip goes well with no problems to hold you back. Stay safe.

Gary "Oldone"

Grampa’s Lake Superior Ride
Grampa’s National Monument Ride

Made it to Carrizozo last night. Stayed at the Rainbow. Inn. Nice clean affordable place.

Not much to the town though.