Riding a Trike through Central America

[Catours]

I know it sounds crazy, but if you've ever met Dave from CATours then you know this is right up his alley. So what if it's not the "right" bike for the trip, he's up for a good time and enjoying a very unique experience. Here at CATours were backing him up the whole way and look forward to the updates from the road. I will do my best to post updates/pictures here as well as the ride blog (http://triketocolombia.tumblr.com/).



The basics:

Bike: 2002 Honda Goldwing Trike
Departure: Thursday, June 28th
Goal: Get down to Panama to check out this so-called ferry or lack thereof. Who knows, maybe Dave will be the first to cross with a Trike!

Let us know if you have any suggestions for specific places to visit or if you have any questions.

[damasovi]

that is soo cool!!! don't do to much mud because it will be somewhat impossible to get out by yourself! other wise I see no problem as long as you stick to the road in the rain, and maybe a little gravel in the dry.

I want to see pictures!

And enjoy Damasovi

[Catours]

Originally Posted by damasovi

that is soo cool!!! don't do to much mud because it will be somewhat impossible to get out by yourself! other wise I see no problem as long as you stick to the road in the rain, and maybe a little gravel in the dry.

I want to see pictures!

And enjoy Damasovi

Thank you Beastly Adventurer.
There will be more pic updates as I ride towards Panama, I am still the only stupid optimist that hopes a Ferry will be waiting for me: norton.
I like your thinking and quote about the Scooter;s...
The idea is to start; maybe a Scooter tour through Central America, and HOPEFULLY a Ferry crossing to Colombia.
To be cont:
We think its something different that could appeal to certain people.

OP;s Guatemala

Dave Drudge

[Catours]

from Dave's blog (http://triketocolombia.tumblr.com/)

Why a Trike, Why a Trike? Why? Why? Why? Why not?

So what is the attraction for this different vehicle?

It should not really be compared with any other form of transport: Because it is not like any other form of transport.

Travelling for most people is about freedom and the open roads. This is where we can say welcome to the Trike. The Quadraphonic stereo is a nice place to start, If you don’t appreciate music you probably should stop reading, and think about death. Riding with open speakers shouting out your favorite tunes can’t be appreciated unless you’ve really been there, Welcome to the Trike.

Style and elegance is a personal thing. Just like Punk or Jazz. The Trike is about a presentation with a different look, this also comes with a different sound, and we are not talking about its 1800cc fuel injected 6 cylinders that does also have a nice tone. You have few excuses to get left behind on a Trike.

The Trike is not designed or meant for off road endurance, if this is what you want or think is important you should re-consider your options. The Trike is not about crazy riding! The Trike is aimed at the mature rider that just appreciates a little comfort with a difference.

You will not lose the adventure, you will still enjoy the open freedom with all the weather elements, the wind, the rain, the crazy roads, and its wonderfull people, especially in Central America. Like it or not you will get noticed: If you are not heard you will be seen: Welcome to the Trike.

Dave Drudge

[Catours]

from Dave's blog:

So the trip has began. My first stop was Las Lisas. Las Lisas for me is a slow uncommercial beach resort with good waves. My second stop was Lago Coatepequez, in El Salvador. This is certainly a worth while stop, especially if you like a swim. If you swim to the Island it is about 5-6 kms, if you do it make sure you use Sun cream, otherwise you will be sorry.

I passed into and out of El Salvador without any problems, but I do know it was close! Going in I had 4 Days before my 90 day expiry, they asked if I was in transit, this basically means going through to at least Costa Rica. When I left El Salvador I got taken into the office, I only had two days left? So, So.. I havent expired, they counted my 90 days twice, day by day, and after 88 they knew I still had two days.

Conclusion: I think they were only looking at the potential for a fine, I am almost certain that is where it would of went if I had gone over my 90 days: I also felt it would of been a lot more than a $1 or $2. The Customs in El Salvador have been striking a lot recently, they want more money, and they will try to aquire it from whatever source they can.

But arrived all good in Honduras, apart from a Tuc-Tuc driving up the back of me, he hit me quite hard, fortunately he only bent his vehicle, I was lucky, if it had been worse, what could I have done.. Really Not much..

Five minutes before Choluteca there was a serious storm, I was fortunate that I pulled into a Garage 10 secs before the Heavens opened, it rained and blew super hard for about 15 mins, all the electric went out and all the signs blew over, for a moment I was a little concerned there was a roof above me, but all past and I continued.

So at present I am in Choluteca, tomorrow I need to buy a map to see where I am going next, I don’t need to spend anymore time here.

[Catours]

and a few pictures from the first week:


"Fill me up and check my tires please."


Trucks sometimes fall over.


"When I grow up I want cruise control."


A bad ass storm in Honduras


The police love stopping me.

[BeachGuy]

How do you get any traveling done with that Trike? Everybody must be stopping you to have a look at something different.

I just wish that I was on the road behind you traveling, not one police stop or border crossing would pay any attention to me. They would be hounding you like a rabbit dog and I’d just pass through sight unseen.

More photos for the inmates are needed.

Buenas viajes

[Catours]

Originally Posted by BeachGuy

How do you get any traveling done with that Trike? Everybody must be stopping you to have a look at something different.

I just wish that I was on the road behind you traveling, not one police stop or border crossing would pay any attention to me. They would be hounding you like a rabbit dog and I’d just pass through sight unseen.

More photos for the inmates are needed.

Buenas viajes

Yes' I do get STOPPED:

Hi Beach Guy, yes I do get stopped quite often, I never really count but I would guess at least once or twice a day.
The cops here are just like all boys, they want to check out the new Toy; Why not were all the same, and after all they are the Police, so they can! Boys'' were all the same. . We all talk shit and dream.
In most cases the questions are like how much it cost and how fast does it go..
When I leave with few exceptions I give them a 0-100kms in 3.9 secs. Respect: they love!
I must be honest I smile, and also feel good:

Dave Drudge.
OP;s Guatemala

[Catours]

the latest update from Dave's blog:

Well the saying goes something like doesn’t time fly when your having fun! Should I agree with having fun or time flying by?

Well its been eight days since I left Guatemala, there was no pace decided before hand, so being where I am in Costa Rica is probably a good location to be.

Without it being too superstitious should I say the Trike is going well, from a mechanical point of view I probably have few concerns, after all it is a Honda.

I think the concern for most motorcyclist is the unexpected accident, or the un-repairable problem. With these two exceptions everything else is workable and enjoyable, and of course never forget your freedom of Adventure; For this reason we travel.

Since leaving Choluteca, I have had two reasonable day rides, the first was to Esteli in Nicaragua, home of fine Cigars. And like most of Nicaragua, Rum. Flor de Cana. By many peoples opinion probably the best rum in the World.

Well after a day or two in Esteli it was time to move on to Costa-Rica.

Its a long simple ride, with one or two turns when you arrive in Managua, roads are generally good. Pot holes are no friend of mine. Unlike a typical motorcycle I have a different posture and moving around has different restrictions to me. Its a bit like comparing Yoga to climbing a tree, they are not the same! But both will allow a different type of stretch.

But as already mentioned when it comes down to the music I know you just dont get better, both my windows are wide open and both my arms are out. Oh and dont forget the cruise control is on. The enjoyment of personal music doesn’t get any better. You can even learn to love music that you would not normally listen to:

You can mix Patsy Cline with the Sex Pistols followed by a little Vivaldi, there is no limit to the pleasure of profound sound that comes with the trike, and just like everyone that appreciates their mp3 player, you will smile.

Yes Life is good: Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll: Give me the Trike?

Dave Drudge
OP’s Guatemala

[Catours]

full moon in Esteli, Nicaragua


just one more?


lost? follow the bus


any bike will get dirty down here




$17 Costa Rica Insurance

[Lone Rider]

Doing a trip - cool.

I don't understand the affinity here - being special/different so as to capture appreciation and attention - for the ride/method chosen.

Bikes, side cars, trikes, Westies, Mogs, whatever....

Help me understand, please.

[Catours]

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

Doing a trip - cool.

I don't understand the affinity here - being special/different so as to capture appreciation and attention - for the ride/method chosen.

Bikes, side cars, trikes, Westies, Mogs, whatever....

Help me understand, please.

I think the best I can say that is if you've ever had the chance to meet Dave or get to meet him in the future, this will make a little more sense. Dave enjoys life and not having to conform to everyone/thing else out there, hence the orange-flamed trike in Central America. To each his own.

Just the messenger here.

[Lone Rider]

Originally Posted by Catours

I think the best I can say that is if you've ever had the chance to meet Dave or get to meet him in the future, this will make a little more sense. Dave enjoys life and not having to conform to everyone/thing else out there, hence the orange-flamed trike in Central America. To each his own.

Just the messenger here.

I think it's very cool.
He should do/start a real ride report.

Different is interesting.
Maybe guide him into a ride report kinda thing?

[Catours]

latest from Dave's blog:

Well unfortunately the Colombia part of this tour is looking less likely as days pass. I set off a little over six weeks the ferry was planed to start the crossing between Panama and Colombia.

With hope this would give everyone a couple of months to smooth out the last minute hiccups. This amount of time sounded good, but in current reality. No.

Well the very first thing you need is a ferry and this has yet to arrive so this instantly makes it a no go! We could blame the Greeks, as this is still where the ferry is based.. Supposedly.

Apart from this, everything is still very uncertain, from customs and security to where the ferry will dock. After this it also gets a little political. The ability to put the trike or a bike on other boats is a little tougher than usual, as last week a boat captained by Fritz sank 35kms off shore from Cartagena. No human loss, but a few people without bags and bikes will certainly be pre-planning their travels, nothing too humorous about that. I expect to be in Colon hoping for a miracle early next week. I actually believe in miracles, so anything is possible..

[Catours]

don't get me stuck


no speeding or talking on phones in Costa Rica


always try to plan your route well


Biker's Lodge, Costa Rica?


why not bring the Trike inside the hotel?