New Helmet For The R1200GS In Chile

Nolan N-103 N-Com
Nolan Modular Helmet

Internal Sun Visor like the helmet of a Fighter Pilot. Very cool feature!

Wired for sound with custom built in speakers

Just plug the iPod into the built in

inputs, and your good to go! After riding thru five days of constant 50-60 mile per hour winds in Argentina, this past January and February, wind that was constantly trying to remove my helmet with my head still in it, I decided I needed a better fitting helmet. Since I have been so satisfied with the two Nolan N-103 N-Com helmets that I bought here in the States for my K1200LT, I decided to order a Nolan for the R1200GS in Chile. Nolan has made some nice improvements since I bought the first two helmets a few years ago. Two of the best improvements are, the built in sun visor that can be operated by a slide lever on the side of the helmet. The other is the integration of the plugs for the sound system. The female plugs are now built into the side of the helmet, and not a wire hanging down, as they were before. The helmet fits snugly and is very comfortable. Another feature found only on the Nolan helmet, is the seat belt type chin strap. It operates much like a seat belt buckle found in a car or airplane. It's visible in the bottom picture above. Very easy to get on and off! For more info on Nolan helmets, go to: http://www.nolanhelmets.com/

Llaima Volcano Erupts Again In Chile

Volcano Llaima April 2009
Llaima Volcano Feb. 2009
SANTIAGO, April 4 (Reuters) - Chile's Llaima volcano, one of South America's most active, spewed a more-than-1,000 metre (1,094 yard) flow of lava on Saturday in a fresh eruption, the country's National Emergency Office (ONEMI) said.Llaima, which lies in Chile's picturesque lake region about 435 miles (700 km) south of the capital Santiago, erupted on Jan. 1, 2008 and has spewed pyroclastic rock and ash sporadically since."There are permanent explosions that reach 600 metres above the crater. Falling ash is visible and ... a flow of lava of more than 1,000 metres has been observed," ONEMI said on its website.It said experts were evaluating the possible evacuation of 17 people in the area surrounding the volcano.Chile's chain of some 2,000 volcanoes is the world's second-largest after Indonesia. Around 50 to 60 are recorded to have erupted, while 500 are deemed potentially active.The 10,253-foot (3,127-metre) Llaima was the second to erupt in the past year.The Chaiten volcano, 760 miles (1,222 km) south of Santiago in the Patagonia region, erupted last May for the first time in thousands of years, spewing ash, gas and molten rock and prompting the evacuation of thousands of people.Ash from Chaiten soared 20 miles into the atmosphere, swelled rivers and caused floods that damaged dozens of houses and destroyed much of the nearby town of the same name.Chaiten erupted again in February, prompting a fresh evacuation of residents who had rejected a government plan to abandon the town and rebuild it a few miles away. (Writing by Simon Gardner; Editing by Paul Simao)

On The Trail Of Butch And Sundance

The Wild Bunch Hideout in Argentina
The Wild Bunch
Since spring is just around the corner, I'm starting to think about future bike rides. One of the future rides I'm considering (for next year) is a ride to follow Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to their hideout in Argentina. I hinted at this possibility when I planned this past years ride in Chile and Argentina, but while in Argentina, I questioned people in the town of San Carlos De Bariloche about the ledgend of the two gringo outlaws and, although they had heard of the ledgend, nobody could give me any specific information. Well, now I have some. I have found a location for the "Wild Bunch's Ranch" in Argentina. Actually, three very rustic buildings in the Patagonia of Argentina just as they where in 1905. It's on the eastern edge of the Andes Mountains near a large lake south of the famous Route 40 near the town of Cholita, Argentina. This will be the theme for next years adventure in South America. Now starts the investigation.

Back Home After A Fantastic Adventure To South America!

Back in the U.S.A. at JFK International Airport

Sun. March 1, 2009

After almost twenty four hours of travel, I am back at home here in the U.S.A.. Saturday evening, when I went to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, I had no idea I would be adding another country to the list of countries visited on this trip. I was under the impression that the return flight to the United States would be a direct flight to New York’s JFK International Airport, as it had been on the way down, but three and a half hours after leaving Santiago, I found myself in Lima, Peru. The last time I was in Lima, Peru was in 1968, during a trip to Chile in my father’s private plane. A trip that took us from Rochester, N.Y. to Santiago, Chile and back, in August of that year. Although the stay in Lima was brief, about an hour, it was interesting to be in the land of the Inca once again. At 7:30am this morning I landed at JFK International in New York City, went thru the usual formalities of Immigration and Customs (thank goodness it was nothing like Customs in Argentina!!) and then over to Terminal 3 to await my connecting flight to Buffalo. Now, to plan for next year!

I want to thank all of you that followed my trip, and hope you enjoyed the Blog.

Chile / Argentina To Host 2010 Dakar Once Again

Once again, Chile and Argentina will host the 2010 Dakar Rally, after the success of the most recent edition of the event. Chilean government spokesman Francisco Vidal announced on Tuesday. For the whole story go here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iTXo3nYPmU6e7WU1nMsJhT4io3-g

Just A Little Reminder

ALL my posts during my trip to Chile this year, will be at my "Short Way Down" Web Site!! See you there. Also, if you want to contact me by eMail, please send all eMail to thebmwrider@live.com Hasta luego!

Strong Earthquakes Shake Central Chile

A Small Part Of Santiago, Chile Yesterday, Dec. 18,2008, the central part of Chile, including the capital city of Santiago, as well as the countries main port city of Valparaiso was shaken by an earthquake magnitude 6.3 on the Richter scale. The initial earthquake was followed by a second quake of 5.8 Richter degrees, according to the USGS. After shocks continued today with smaller quakes being felt in Santiago this morning. Head of the Chilean Emergency Office (ONEMI) Carmen Fernandez said that "there are no reports of damages due to the quake. It's part of a normal seismic activity."

Dakar Race Official Kick Off in Chile

Etienne Lavigne officially launched the Dakar Rally in Chile yesterday in the marvelous set of the French Ambassy in Santiago. More than 200 people (media, competitors, partners, officials) came up to listen to the presentation of the director of the Dakar and of Francisco Vidal, Ministre general secretary of the government of Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile.
Vidal renewed all of his support to the rally talking about the great “showcase” that the Dakar will represent for Chile.

Dakar Homepage

You Tube Video

An extreme adventure between two oceans, the Dakar 2009 is off to discover a new continent, South America, that offers unlimited possibilities to amateurs of wide open spaces. The round trip to Buenos Aires, via Valparaiso, Chile is a challenge in which the most enduring competitors will find their way and have the opportunity to distinguish themselves. With close to 6,000 kilometres of challenges and difficulties scattered over the whole course, the battle for the title will remain wide open until the finish. From: dirtnewz.com

The Death Of A Town

CHAITEN BEFORE
CHAITEN AFTER

Back in July, I wrote about the town of Chaiten, in southern Chile, that was covered by volcanic ash from the eruption of a nearby volcano in early May of 2008. I just discovered these pictures that show the total and utter devastation of the town of Chaiten. The majority of the damage was caused by the volcanic ash filling the river and causing it to leave its banks. As you can see in the pictures, the river flooded the entire town with what must be a volcanic mud. If you notice, in some places you can only see the roof tops sticking out of the mud. I'm hoping to visit Chaiten in January if the Authorities allow me into the area, so I can see for myself what is left of the town.

To see my pictures taken in Chaiten, go to the Picture Galery and look for the Chaiten alblum.

November... Still Riding Weather....thank you Global Warming!

A Rochester Tradition

Here it is... November 14th, and I am still able to take the bike for a spin. On Thursday, Nov. 6th. Don Miller and I took a nice ride to Charlotte, on Lake Ontario, stopping on the way at Schallers Drive In for some Ground Rounds and Fries. The weather this past week has been unseasonably warm, to say the least. After some great burgers, it was on to the Port Of Rochester, former home of the Farce Ferry, and then back home via the Lake Ontario State Parkway.

On Friday, it was still warm enought to take the bike to Applebee's to meet up with the guys that Sharon work with, for a few cold ones. Now... if I can just hold out until January, when I leave for South America, and a couple more months of riding... under the warm South American Sun! (Schaler's pictures by Peter B)

A Rochester Nightmare

In The Beginning...

During the summer of 2007, I visited the Glen Curtiss Museum in Hamondsport, New York, where they had a rare and very interesting display of antique motorcycles from the beginning of the last century.

Glen Curtiss is probably best known for his work in aviation, and I'd be willing to bet that not many people are aware of Glen's passion for the combination of motorcycles and speed. The pictures above give a glimpse into Curtiss' gift for designing and building motorcycles and engines.

I've put together an Album of a few of the motorcycles that were on display last year, and you can see them all right here: http://picasaweb.google.com/TheBMWrider/CURTISSMUSEUM?authkey=4uJ5vpkB8Lo# Click on the "Slide Show" tab just above and left of the pictures.

Enjoy!

.....Worth A Thousand Words

As I mentioned before, I just bought a new Nikon D300 digital camera to take on next years motorcycle trip to southern South America. This camera is like the Rolls Royce of cameras. Now that I've had a little time to play with it, I thought I'd let you see what it can do. You need a PHD to learn all its capabilities. This camera is a true professional digital SLR. That's my cats eye in the top picture and my house at the bottom. This camera has so many features and menus that I'm sure I will never use them all, but the camera can also be used in the "Auto" mode and it does a spectacular job of taking great pictures. This is truly a "Smart Camera". A new feature that has not been seen on this type of camera before is something they call "Live View". Up 'til now it has only been used on consumer cameras. This is where you look thru the screen on the rear of the camera to frame your live shot. This camera has a very large three inch, high definition screen on the back, with no less than 920 thousand pixels, and since the camera has 12.3 Mega Pixels, the large screen makes it easy to see if your picture is in perfect focus. I can't wait to take pictures with this camera in southern Chile and Argentina's Tierra Del Fuego next year.

Off To New Hampshire

Morning Fog
Vermont Covered Bridge

1930's Ford Model "A"s

At the moment I am in New London, New Hampshire, on my way to listen to a talk given by Glen Heggstad, AKA "The Stiking Viking". http://www.strikingviking.net/ Glen will be at MAX BMW in North Hampton, New Hampshire on Saturday Sept. 20, 2008 to talk about his adventures and misadventures while riding solo around the world.

In late 2001, Glen started out on a solo motorcycle trip from his home in California with the intention of reaching the southern tip of South America. After reaching Panama, Glen had his bike flown from Panama to Bogota, Colombia. (there is no road between Panama and Colombia) Four days later, Glen started out on a ride from Bogota to the city of Medellin. Six hours into the trip, he says, guerrillas wearing ski masks and carrying AK-47 rifles blocked his path, seized his motorcycle and motioned for him to accompany them into the mountains.

Heggstad says he tried to resist, shouting at the rebels in his limited Spanish, but complied after one guerrilla pulled out a pistol and fired a warning round.
The rebels led the American and several other hostages snared at the roadblock into the mountains of western Antioquia state.
While being led down a steep path from the road, Heggstad remembers seeing cars' lights fading in the distance and wondering whether he would ever come out. "It was a terrible feeling," he says.
Heggstad says that during his captivity, he befriended some rebels -- mostly teenage boys and girls -- debated politics with them, taught them judo flips and Thai boxing moves, and even hugged some goodbye when he was finally turned over to the Red Cross on Saturday.
But he also described terrifying experiences. One surly rebel would periodically lead him into the woods and click the safety off his gun, Heggstad said, leading him to fear he was going to be killed.
Heggstad estimates he hiked at least 100 miles through steep and slippery terrain. Constant rain left him cold and soggy at night. He slept in the open or in crude huts.
Why Heggstad was freed is unclear. He says no ransom was paid. The rebels, who are seeking international support for peace talks with the government, may have released him as a political gesture to strengthen their case.
After Heggstad was freed, FBI agents flew to Medellin and returned him to Bogota, where he was issued a new U.S. passport.

If I had to guess, Glen has quite a few stories to tell.

An Afternoon With "The Striking Viking"

Glen Heggstad "The Striking Viking"

Who Said "There's No Free Lunch"?

He Loves The Ladies

MAX BMW in New Hamshire

A Very Nice Turnout

Today turned out to be a very nice day to take a bike ride, and many did so, to MAX BMW in North Hampton, New Hamshire. MAX BMW invited all interested to come and listen to a very, very interesting talk and slide presentation by Glen Heggstad the self proclaimed "Striking Viking". MAX BMW also provided the free lunch. If you read the entry below, you'll learn that the event that put Glen on the map, so to speak, was his capture in 2001 by Colombian Rebels while Glen was on a solo trip thru South America. Well, that is only part of the story. Glen has been to just about every point on the planet on his motorcycle, and has had more experiences than anyone could expect to have in one lifetime. One thing that Glen said, in his talk,that stood out, was that everywhere he went he was greeted with open arms. OK, maybe not in Colombia! But everyone he met on his long journey was very interested in him and his trip, and would often invite him to have a meal or stay in their homes. Glen said something that I think is very true, "Allover the world, people are the same. They all want the same things, and it's not the people that can't get along, it's the governments" He was welcomed everywhere he went. Glen's presentation was eye opening look at the real world. If you are interested in finding out more about Glen's travels, you can go to his Web site: http://www.strikingviking.net/ where you can buy his latest book and DVD's.

Back From The Fingerlakes BMW Rally

Every year, on Labor Day weekend, the Fingerlakes BMW Riders Club, has it's annual rally, and this year was no exception. The weather started out a bit iffy on Friday, but improved as the weekend progressed. A bunch of us from the Western New York BMW Riders Club, went down and set up camp for the weekend in our usual location at Watkind Glen State Park, and proceeded to have a great time, as usual. There where all kinds of BMW's from all over.


On Saturday, a group of us headed to the Keuka Lake area to visit some of the local wineries and do a little wine tasting. The ride to Hamondsport was just beautiful, warm and sunny. We had a great time at the wineries, and most of us came back with a bottle of wine or two. More pictures here.

The S.P.O.T. Personal Emergency Locator

Test Track

S.P.O.T. Personal Locator

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I will be taking the S.P.O.T. Personal Emergency Locator with me to South America in January. I now have the unit, and have had a little time to try it out to see how it performs. I received the unit when I was in Oshkosh, Wisconsin at the EAA Airshow. On my return trip, I set the unit to the "Track" mode when I left Oshkosh, and headed to the Mississippi River. I left the unit running most of the time until I reached Cleveland, Ohio. As you can see from the composit picture above, the unit worked as advertised, saving my location every ten minutes, and if you look at the location of Oshkosh, you will note that the unit also sent an "I'm OK" message home, as well. (green OK logo)

The software to manage the messages is all Web Based, and it is not the most user friendly software around. There may be a learning curve here, if any of you want to use it to keep track of my progress on next years motorcycle trip to the southern end of South America. If you are interested in using it to follow me down, send me an email to rguzman@rochester.rr.com , in advance, and we will practice with the software together.

What A Beautiful Day For A Ride

Finally!!!! Mike gets his long awaited "Peach Shortcake"

The Whole Group: from left to right, Me and Sharon, Howard (AKA Harold) Joe, Rick, Paula, Mike, Penny and Don

Howie and Joe came over to the house early this afternoon and sat out on the deck until Mike and Paula and Rick arrived, we then rode over to Don and Penny's house in Medina. Leaving Don and Penny's, the whole group headed to a near by ice cream stand where Mike, after waiting seven years, finally got to taste the "Peach Short Cake" that he waited so long for. It seems Don had mentioned to mike how good the Peach Short Cake was at this place, but never invited Mike out to try it. Well, today it finally happened. Mike got his Peach Short Cake, and I must say, it was very good.

After the stop at the ice cream stand, we all mounted up and took a very nice ride down the back roads to Batavia to see the big muscle car show. Batavia closed down Main Street and lined it with some of the nicest cars around.

After a great afternoon at the car show, we all headed over to the Log Cabin Restaurant on Route 77 for a great meal. A fitting end to a great afternoon of riding.