Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Finally, after 3 1/2 days on the road from Ontario, arrived in Tuscon to meet the rest of the GlobeBusters gang as we are about to embark on the Central and South American legs of the Trans-Americas Expedition. The majority of the group arrived up in Anchorage back in July to ride north to Deadhorse then south to Tuscon, but since I have ridden to the Arctic Ocean in the past I am joining them for points south of the USA.
Being from Canada, I am not used to the temp reaching 47.5 C (117F) coming into Phoenix, and we aren't even out of the US!! What will it be like at the equator! Hmmm, will my 'Stich be a tad too warm? What about my Sidi boots and modular helmet?
We are booked into the Sheraton Hotel for a few days while the bikes get serviced at Iron Horse BMW. Pretty swank hotel for my standards, I always camped while on trips, but these Brits seem to like it a bit more comfy. This is probably a good idea for security reasons, as well as having a dry place to rest at night as we will be heading through Central America during the hurricane season, so it will be soggy. No sense tenting it on this trip.
I will now get to know the rest of the team as up to now I have only met most of them via Skype video conferences. The only person I have met thus far is Francois Roy from Quebec City who joined me on the GS Giant Gypsy Tour prior to Bloomsburg. He is doing the expedition at the start of his RTW trip which will take him upwards of two years.
A couple of spare tires, brake pads, a full hydration bladder, full service, malaria pills, diarrhea pills, yellow fever & Hep shots, trip interruption, liability and medical insurance, lots of Pesos as they are a cash economy, and I think I am ready to enter the unknown, but first liability coverage to get the bike into Mexico... $55 for 14 days coverage -- can't imagine actually making a claim down there!
We had briefings yesterday to bring us new joiners up to speed, then a group supper, today was a free day, so I went to see the Pima Air and Space Museum adjoining the US Military airplane graveyard. Incredible, over 6000 airplanes of every description since Vietnam, all mothballed but all ready to be air-worthy on 7 day notice! There must be a trillion $$ worth of planes on the 5000 acre base. The side stands are up at 6 am sharp on Friday for the crossing into Mexico. Tomorrow we should be in Creel, gateway to the Copper Canyon.
- comments
Amanda Good luck, Dad!