I don’t remember exactly how it began. It was the mid-seventies. If you lived through that time, you’ll know what I mean when I say things are a little foggy. Somehow the image of the Pan-American Highway appeared in our teenaged minds, glistening like Botticelli’s Venus. Granted it was a road rather than a voluptuous woman – a 30,000 km ribbon of asphalt and gravel running along the spine of the Americas, from Dead Horse, on the north slope of Alaska, to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina – but it was no less alluring.
Dave may remember it differently. He wasn’t as heavily into mind bending excess as I was. I first met David Bowden in Scouts, over 50 years ago. Through the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, we have remained close friends ever since. For all those years, the dream of riding our motorcycles through the Andes danced in our imaginations. But life kept getting in the way: work, marriage and kids for Dave; drinking and divorce for me. I managed to get my life back on track, but the dream seemed no closer. Oh well, there was lots of time, right? We’ll do it when we’re 40… We’ll do it when we’re 50…
Not that we weren’t riding. Over the years we had ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Alaska Highway, the Cabot Trail, the Labrador Highway, and thousands more kilometres crisscrossing North America. All the while, the dream of riding through the land of the Gauchos, dodging llamas and skirting narrow mountain roads shimmered on the horizon.
It dawned on us, a couple of years ago, that we were several orbits of the Sun past 60. With retirement approaching, there would never be a better time. We were both still in good health, but if we waited much longer… well, who knows? It was now or never. As it turned out, the simple decision to go was the most critical event. The rest was simply working out the details.
One key detail was how to include Dave’s wife Anne, and my wife Liz. In the interests of time, efficiency and marital harmony we decided to skip Central America and ship the bikes directly to Chile. There, Anne and Liz could rent a car and share the adventure with us. If Dave and I wanted to spend a day or two exploring some remote mountain back-road, the ladies could visit the local museums or relax by the hotel pool. We’d done this before with the ladies flying in to join us on part of the Alaska trip.
The purist might say it’s a cop-out shipping the bikes to South America. In a sense that’s right. On the other hand, I had already ridden most of the route between Alaska and Mexico, and Dave had covered most of that with me. It’s also actually impossible to ride directly from North America to South American. The Darien Gap, in southern Panama, is the missing link in the 30,000 km network of roads between Anchorage and Ushuaia. The road was never completed here, among other reasons, to stop the flow of drugs from South America coming north. I wonder how that worked out?
So, anyone attempting this journey must ship their motorcycle, jeep, skateboard or whatever at some point. In the end, Dave and I are not trying to prove, overcome or pit ourselves against anything. Our aim is not to run a marathon. We simply want the adventure of exploring a continent, which although the closest to us, is so little understood. And we want to do it on two wheels. If you ride a motorcycle, you’ll understand why. If you don’t, I’m not sure I could ever fully explain it.
As I write this, our departure is only weeks away. The bikes have been crated, packed in a container and loaded on a ship bound for Chile. It may have taken almost 50 years, but dreams can come true. The key is to never give up on them.
Have fun, enjoy, and stay upright. Looking forward to following your adventure. XO
ENJOY – safe journey you four!
Have a great time and stay safe 👍
Safe travels. The adventure of a lifetime.
Pauline Jones
Take care gringo’s.
Looking forward to travelling with you vicariously through your photos and blogs!
Have a wonderful time. My prayers are with you. Carolyn
Wildly exciting! Can’t wait to follow your trip as all of you experience South America!
Enjoy the journey John! Ride safe! Looking forward to the updates
50 years ago I was in Columbia, just a few weeks into a 13 month exploration of South America. I wish you all the best on your adventure. There is so much to experience! Keep your eyes and minds open and your passports money and essential belongings on your persons at all times. I look forward to reading your blog.
Enjoy, be safe, keep the rubber down. You are our intrepid explorer. Do your cousins proud.
Liz, I am so glad that we met. I am so happy for you, your hubby and your friends. I look forward to reading your blog and I hope that you have the time of your life. All the best. Pat
Enjoy!
Wow a trip that bests your famous Toronto to Kingston Moped 🛵adventure.
Wishing you four a wonderful time and a safe journey.
Will follow your blog
Wow, I’m surprised (and a little happy) you remember that moped trip. I guess that shows I’ve been a little motorcycle crazy for some time. Thanks for subscribing. Hope you’re well and enjoying your own retirement passions.
Thoroughly enjoyed the James Bay Motorcycle Trip video!!!
Good luck on your journey through South America!!! Can’t wait to see the photos/videos etc.
Hi John and Liz , have a great and safe trip, enjoy, we well follow your blog. Al
Well this is pretty exciting & thanks for including us in your story. There is nothing like making your own dreams come true especially on 2 wheels – we know the feeling! We can relive those days vicariously through your blog & try not to be too envious 😊.
Safe journey to all & we’re awaiting your 1st entries!
Linda & Al
I’m so excited for all of you! I loved my trip in Chile and Argentina in 2019. Beautiful mountains and glaciers! I saw some motorcyclists filling up in south Argentina. They had started in Ushuaia and were headed north. I was jealous! Motorcycle adventures are THE BEST way to travel!!
Wow John & Liz,
You continue to amaze us with your adventures. Thank you for sharing your “dream of a lifetime” trip with us. We will keep you in our prayers for sure. Looking forward to seeing South America through your eyes.
Much Love,
Ed and Maureen
As I was reviewing your photo of tools and spare parts I noticed that you might need more duct tape. Have a great and safe adventure and I look forward to reading the blog. I’ll follow on FB as well.
Wow so happy that your dream is coming true. Enjoy the trip all four of you
So happy for you guys! Enjoy the trip of a life time. Stay safe, healthy and God bless. I look forward to reading about your journey.
Liz! I am sure looking forward to reading about you and John and your friends’ big adventure, 2022! You guys Rock! Have Fun, Be Safe, See you as you are on the road! Thank you for sharing with us!
Dear John et al.,
Wishing you all the best and good fortune as you embark on your 50 yr dream. Keep the rubber side down! Looking forward to reading all your updates. Rock in!🤘🏻🏍️
Fingers crossed for a safe and fun adventure. Makes life in Lanark County seem a little tame but we’ll hold the fort here while you are away.
Living a dream most motorcyclists have glimpsed; a wonderful thing to do for sure!! Wishing you fair seas and following winds! David, don’t blast the snow drifts!!
Getting close and am getting excited for you.
Such a fabulous adventure!!
We look forward to following your journey 😎
Peter & Pam McCormack
Whitby Ontario 🇨🇦
Safe travels!! Enjoy the entire journey. Soak it in. We are all enjoying life vicariously through you!! Whoo whoo!! Rev those engines!!! 👏
I am Nancy Wilkes bro. Don’t try the Iawaska. Hook up with Brien Forester from Hidden Inca tours He is a Canadien totem pole carver from B.C. I follow him on his travels. The megalithic sites are awesome.
Big day today! Bon voyage John.
Thanks Mike. Made it to Lima Peru so far. It’s been an adventure. Our friends that we are traveling with got delayed in Toronto and missed their connection. They’ve been rerouted through Miami. Hopefully we’ll get back together tomorrow. Another lesson in letting go and one day at a time.
Fabulous trip David. Very exciting and enjoy!
The photo on this page is very impressive and looks like you are about to re-enact Evil Knievel’s Grand Canyon jump — happy landings!
Hi John and Liz, hope you are having a great trip and enjoying yourself and most of all be safe.
Al & Linda
Happy New Year to all of you. I hope your adventure is taking excellent shape. Stay well and have a fantastic journey.
Thanks Rob. We’re really enjoying the adventure (and not shovelling snow!). Hope things are well back CP. We look forward to seeing you again in the spring.