After only 2 rain-soaked nights in Cali, my next destination would be Pasto, Colombia. Again I had an amazing riding day with lots of switchbacks (hairpin turns) and elevated riding.
I also met a great guy from Cali, Luis who was traveling around Colombia on his moto. We chatted for about 20 minutes before a bridge. He is a bit of a base guitar rock guru in Colombia.
Again the street food was limiting, with lots of friend stuff, pining for some tacos still, but the soups in Colombia are awesome.
My bike front tire was losing air at about 1 PSI an hour now – annoying. I feel I am going to need to get this fixed for good soon. I should have got a new front rim as well if I cannot get this sorted!
On the road to Pasto, Colombia, I would travel over 240 Miles (387 kilometers) and pass through towns such as Jamundí, Santander de Quilichao, Mondomo, Piendamó, Popayán, El Bordo, Cumbitara, Chachagüí and onto my final destination in Pasto, Colombia.
Once in greater Pasto, I stayed at The Loft Hotel, an ok hotel about right in the main center with lots of shops and street food available nearby.
Pasto, Colombia
Pasto is a city in western Colombia known for its Blacks and Whites Carnival. The Carnival Museum houses giant figures used in the celebratory parades. The colonial, Moorish-influenced Temple of St. John the Baptist sits beside central Nariño Square. The Banco de la República Gold Museum displays precious pre-Columbian artifacts. Southwest of Pasto is Las Lajas Sanctuary, a Gothic church built into a gorge. (from Wikipedia)
Clothing
When selecting your motorcycle clothing (and regular) for your trip, you want to be very conservative. You need to only carry what you need, not what you want.
My riding gear, was by Klim, my thermals were by REI and Helly Hanson. It is important you know your thermals well. Once you get south of Santiago Chile, you are going to need thermals that keep you warm and dry. Helly Hanson worked a lot better than the REI brand.
The Boots were Daytona’s, not really heavy duty riding boots, but after wearing them in, super comfortable and keeps you dry.
Riding Gear
- Gloves: Klim Dakar Gloves (Warm) Held Air N Dry Gloves (Cold)
- Pants & Jacket: Klim Overland Pants and Jacket
- Thermals: Base Layer: Helly Hanson Dry Stripe Pants and Top (Cold Weather). REI
- Base Pants and Top (warm weather)
- Boots: Daytona Road Star GTX Boots (+Nelson-Rigg Waterproof Boot Covers)
- Helmet: Schuberth E1 Hunter Helmet
- Socks: Klim Long Blacks
Everyday Wear
- Surf Shorts x 2
- Light Tt Shirts x 4
- Dress Shorts x 2
- Dress Shirts x 2
- Short Socks x 2
Footwear
- 2 x Samba Sol Flip Flops
- 1 x Dunlop Volley Casual Shoes
- 1 x Rubber Surf Shoes
Loft Hotel, Pasto
The manager of this The Loft Hotel, Pasto was great as were the staff. There is secure parking underneath. The rooms were dark and stuffy. It is right in the heart of Pasto, with plenty of great street food and restaurants nearby. The restaurant is very basic, best to avoid. The bed was very comfortable. The bathrooms were big and roomy but dated. Let down by the Wi-Fi, which is really slow.
