South Amercia: The Heart of the Beast

Greetings Gentle Readers,

I'm preparing for the next big trip in South America. There are a few places and countries that could not be fit into previous trips. Notably a long dirt road in Brazil in the western Amazon called BR-319. I've wanted to ride this one for many, many, years. BR-319 was on my radar in 2012 when I realized it would be into the rainy season and a 400 mile mud story would be the prize. There was one country I haven't visited, Paraguay, and haven't really been to Chile except to see Torres del Paine and Mount Fitzroy (both without motorcycle.)

Here is the rough route. Make some popcorn and enjoy the posts, The riding starts in Huanuco, Peru, July 26th, give or take a few days to finalize bike mods and paperwork prep.

This is the final route from 2012-2013 trip

Around the Block Moto Adventures has a Honda XRE 300 prepped and waiting for me in Huanuco, Peru.

Peru Breakout

A year and a half of COVID travel restrictions led to a serious case of cabin fever. It was time to get outta town for a while. So back to Peru, this time for a 3-day rally raid. Sadly the event was cancelled for the second time. Not to be dissuaded by a scrubbed event, I packed my bags. Rode solo, with two great riders and and the local rally club.
Close encounters with a herd of lammas.

Ripping Around Huachón District, Peru with Luke and Toby Shannon

Three Amegos in Peru

Philip, Ed and I reunited in Peru for a self-guided trip in the Andes of Peru.

We got drenched on the first day out I accidentally had the manual choke turned on, which took some time to figure out and clean the fouled spark plug. Then we raced to get to a town with lodging and go soak and chilled to the bone as the sun went down. Ultimately we stayed in Cerro de Pasco a toxic mining town I was trying my best to avoid.

 Watch this humous clip that recaps the trip.