Fly Swatter, Stud Service, Tiger Tamer, Uprising Queller, Revolution Kickstarter, Assassination Plotter, Bar Emptier & Whiskey Evaporation Service.
Quito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa Loop
Quito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa LoopQuito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa LoopQuito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa Loop

Ride Day 42: Quito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa Loop

From my base in Quito Ecuador, I decided to take the Quilotoa Loop. which is a remote circuit that crosses through mountain villages such as Quilotoa, Latacunga, Saquisilí, Chugchilán, Sigchos, Zumbahua, Toacazo, Guangaje, Isinliví and Tigua. I took off early morning and made my way up to the mountain. The first part of the trip was mainly along the highway, then as you enter the loop you circle up high into the mountains and the roads are well paved and fun.

Medellin to Cali, Colombia
Cali, ColombiaCali, ColombiaMedellin to Cali, Colombia

Ride Day 39: Medellin, Colombia to Cali, Colombia

After 3 nights relaxing and sightseeing in Medellin (see my previous post on my trip to Medellin), I was back on the road – destination Cali. On my way to Cali, I would pass over some spectacular mountains and down through valleys dotted with pretty villages. I was really getting a feel for the Andes and the gorgeous backdrop it provides for the ultimate mountain riding experience.

The Stahlratte from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia
Getting our Bikes off the StahlratteGetting our Bikes off the StahlratteThe Stahlratte from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia

Ride Day 37: The Stahlratte from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia

After we had boarded the Stahlratte, we were told to get to our bunks and sort out our luggage and then reconvene in 15 minutes on the upper deck for a full briefing before we headed out to sea. You can read about getting to the Stahlratte here. All the cases went into storage areas, and I had a lower bunk and kept my backpack, helmet, clothes bad (including wash bag) and tank bag with my bed. All of our bikes are already under covers when we board.

The Stahlratte from Carti
Panama City to the Stahlratte and Puerto Carti - Niga KantulePanama City to the Stahlratte and Puerto Carti - Niga KantuleThe Stahlratte from Carti

Ride Day 36: Panama City to the Stahlratte and Puerto Carti

After staying three nights in Panama City and having time to explore this very modern city and the slums nearby, it was finally time to get to Puerto Carti and the Stahlratte to get across the Darien Gap. We headed out of Panama City to Puerto Carti at about 6.30am and was again greeted with the Panama City persistent rain. It took about 45 minutes to get out of the traffic and into the Guna Kala region, which was good, traffic was annoying!

David, Panama to Panama City, Panama

Ride Day 35: David, Panama to Panama City, Panama

After staying one road soaked night in David, Panama, it was time to get to Panama City, which would be my final major city in Central America. My front tire on my KTM 1290 Super Adventure was now leaking at about 15 PSI per hour, not good and I was also running low on coolant. The roads were pretty much straight highways and the weather was beautiful one moment and pouring with rain the next. I was beginning to think that is all that happens in Panama, is rain!