Colombia
Colombia is a country at the northern tip of South America. It’s landscape is marked by rainforests, Andes mountains and numerous coffee plantations. In the high-altitude capital, Bogotá, the Zona Rosa district is known for its restaurants and shops. Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, has a walled colonial Old Town, a 16th-century castle and nearby coral reefs.
One night in Pasto got me ready for my border crossing heading to Quito, Ecuador. I left for Quito before first light, and I would reach the border crossing by around 8 am, for hopefully a fast border crossing. I only had 216 miles(348 kilometres) to travel, as I always do shorter trips for border crossing days, so I thought I would arrive in Quito by just after midday.
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.
After 3 nights relaxing and sightseeing in 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. I was now right in the thick of it and I was loving it.
After a few weeks in Cartagena, it was time to set to off to Medellin, Colombia! I spent the extra time in Cartagena getting my bike ready and spending time with friends. I loved my time in Cartegena, but it was time to get me and my motorbike on the road again, and Medellin would be the perfect second stop.
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. 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.