Bike is coming together.

After much consideration and investigation the luggage system has been finalized, the Jesse Odyssey Bags seem to be the best solution, solid but expensive. Been very specific regarding tools, want to be as light as possible on that front and the kit that BMW have stashed under the seat seems suitable for just about every job you'd want to attempt on the road side. Will spend the rest of the Summer working hard to try and put the necessary funds in the bank to finance the trip. It's only the start of the season and we have most of the hardware we need so that is progress at least. Guidebooks and maps are arriving almost on a daily basis although we realize we can't carry much of the material. Lots of summarizing to be done. Will bring out a pocket size guide to the world in time for xmas.

Starting to do the basics to the bike to ready it for the trip and to familiarize ourselves with the bike. Inside the engine looks in very good condition, thanks to Pete for looking after it well, typical BMW engineering, solid throughout although the weight issue will make it difficult to teach Beth to ride. Will have to find something a little smaller to do a few lessons on.

Motorcycle has been bought, a 96 R1100 gs BMW, runs like a dream, although a little on the heavy side should be just what we need for riding two up over that distance. Tried to get directions from mapquest but may have crashed their system so may have to resort the old fashioned method of following the geese at the end of the summer. Plan a few modifications to the bike before we set off, bigger luggage system for a few spares among other things, trying to figure out getting pictures online to make this site a little more interesting. Currently working hard in Colorado to pay for the trip, changed companies in the last few days as the pay here is some of the lowest we have seen in many years. Looking much better now with Timberline Tours. Good crew, good outfitter and good pay. Good rivers too!!!

in the beginning

Plans are under way for the the motorcycle journey from Colorado to Chile, watch this space.