The trip in a nutshell

The central rationale for this blog: an epic trip from Canada to Antarctica, through every mainland country in North, Central and South America over motorcycle. From polar bears to penguins on a pair of pegs, if you will.

Woeful alliteration aside, I expect to begin in New York City on the 28th of March 2012, before heading North to the border and the french-speaking province of Quebec. After working for a few months in Quebec (and brushing up on my french), I plan to try the Trans-Labrador Highway, before returning to the US for a barrel-run style ride across the country to meet up with friends and explore small town America. And Las Vegas. Definitely Vegas.

After crossing the border to Mexico, Chichen Itza and Cancun loom large as destinations of note amongst others. From the Yucatán peninsula, Belize and it's blue oceans beckon. Sticking close to the Pan American Highway through Central America, the bike (and my backside) will enjoy a break as both cruise on a yacht from Panama to Colombia (the Darién gap being impassable to people like myself not keen on suicide).

From Categena, Colombia it gets tricky. Travel in this country is, by most accounts, hassle free. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade beg to differ however, imploring travelers not to visit several key areas. Short of flying throughout the country, it appears most travelers must pass through areas DFAT consider on par with Chad, Iraq and Afghanistan.Yikes.

Crossing from Venezuela through Guyana, Suriname and French Guinea will involve a few day trips into Brazil and most likely a fair bit of off road riding. From French Guinea to Peru & Ecuador means crossing the Amazon at Manaus, and a considerable detour. Following the Gringo Trail to Bolivia, I should be heading due east towards Rio via Iguazu Falls and Paraguay. From Buenos Aires via Uruguay, it's south all the way to Ushuaia, the main port for trips to Antarctica. After what should be in itself a trip of a lifetime, I return through Chile to Santiago, returning home to Perth, Australia before Christmas. Hopefully.