chasingsummercomments
Chasing Summer Comments
The comments on this Ride Report were initially published in the Adventure Rider web site. Check it out here
08-29-2007, 09:26 PM
#43
Where's the envy smiley. I'm riding with you two from the comfort of my home. Looking forward to the remainder of your trip, and thank you for posting as you go.
#45
Excellent report JL. Looking forward to the rest!
#49
Sensational report!
Jean-Luc and Teryk,
Thank you both for taking all of us on this ride. This really is a fabulous report and thanks for sending the updates periodically. This report is truly the essence of why AdvRider is so cool.
08-29-2007, 11:00 PM
08-30-2007, 01:08 PM
Location: Concord, CA
Location: New Hampshah
I'm speechless......... Those are breathtaking pictures! Keep it up guys.
#70
Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)
Again, a bad situation turned out to become a wonderful one.
You guys are awesome. Great job making it all work.
Location: NorCal
09-07-2007, 04:58 AM
Look's like you guys had an epic ride!! AAA+++ on the report. Awesome pics. Nicely done men
amazing way to spend my morning with some coffee reading your report. I really enjoy your writing and pictures JL - you too Boyscout Gold Panning Championship! who knew? I think the dragonfly pic is my favorite. ride!
Location: Leesburg, VA
Great job !
#125
Livin my dream!
Being the armchair adventurer that I am at this point in my life (two beautiful little ones under four), I look forward to every report. You boys are living my dream!! I am taking a twenty day trip to AK and YT in June of 08 and you are giving me a taste of what to look forward too. The scenery is amazing! Ride safe!!! Cannot wait for the rest.
#131
HEy JL, what camera do you use ?
Pics are awesome.
#132
Stunning Pictures!!!
#144
Thanks to you guys for the great pix and narratives. Am looking forward to continuing following you all on the trip I can't make (at least for now).
#150
...another great trip and thread guys, thanks for taking us along!
Best of luck...
I've been following along with your trip and it has been excellent so far! Way to go guys--looks like you are having a ball
#153
Beautiful stuff, guys!!
It's amazing that I've been up there twice now (and Tiny 3 times) and you're seeing stuff and places that are completely new to me.
#154
So many beautiful pics. Well done!
#160
Amazing thread guys. Very impressed with the photos and the dialogue.
Enjoy the rest of your "trip of a lifetime" and thanks for taking us along.
09-28-2007, 08:29 PM
#163
Hey Guys
Really enjoying the thread! Great photo's and super dialogue. Cannot wait to log in everyday and anxiously wait for another post. This is like friggin Christmas morning. I am enjoying this thread more than "Long way round"!!
Take care, and ride safe!
Tarmac.
#173
Icefield Parkway
Jean-Luc,
I'll join in with all the others in saying, Thanks for the Report. Posting all these photos is real work, we appreciate the effort.
#180
Location: Calgary, Alberta
10-03-2007, 07:44 AM
Location: San Diego, Cali
10-05-2007, 04:36 PM
Location: Phoenix, AZ
10-06-2007, 12:43 AM
Awesome pictures, guys! Have a great adventure!
#190
Just when you think it can't get any better..............it does.
JL and Teryk, please keep up the great reports they are some of the best I've seen. Thanks for sharing this epic adventure with us.
#191
Quote: (Originally Posted by JimC)
Just when you think it can't get any better..............it does.
Hear, hear!!! The photo stream is non-stop spectacular. Really puts the words in context. I can wait for the south of the border series
Location: San Francisco
J-L's committing to long project I'm afraid.
10-16-2007, 11:27 AM
#195
Wow!
Location: Calgary, Alberta
10-16-2007, 10:09 PM
Look forward to every post!
#198
awesome report.
#200
(speaking of the Oregon mud adventure)
My hat is off to you guys again. I'm all to familiar with that type of mud. It completely disabled my KLR several times. I will not try it any more. OTOH, it dries to a nice level surface which feels almost paved, but wet it's deadly.
I've seen it disable serious 4 x 4 trucks.
#202
Nice job capturing what that Oregon mud is like. I wasn't able to take any pictures of the mud when I was out there..I was in a struggle for my life and momentum was my only friend.
Enjoying your ride!!
Just stumbled across this tonight! Read the whole thing (well, maybe skipped some peanut gallery comments )
Excellent Adventure guys! Have a great ride south!
Location: Left Coast
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Can't wait for our paths to cross, J-L.
#248
Location: NorCal
10-30-2007, 06:14 AM
Gnarly Adventurer
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Kentucky
10-30-2007, 10:47 AM
Epic is right...what a hell of a ride report. Thanks so much for taking the time to include us.
#252
Location: St. Pete, Florida
10-31-2007, 07:54 AM
#267
Great Thread
#273
(About the Batopilas breakdown)
Glad you got things going again. The thread is fabulous! I could feel the tension building as you walk around taking one great photo after another. One more plate of rice and beans; maybe the phone will turn on! Hopefully, you find a more suitable cable very soon.
Location: San Francisco
Great report!!
#303
Love/Hate
Well I finally had a chance to read the whole thread.
I have to say that I have developed a real LOVE/HATE relationship with this journey.
I LOVE the pictures and the commentary and to see what a great time you are having (even through the mishaps and injuries; I hope that everything is well). I really, really, really HATE the fact that I'm not there!
#310
Great pics Jean Luc and what an awesome trip. Good luck , looking forward to the central and south American legs of the trip.
#319
awesome report!!!!
let me know when you are coming through Nicaragua! I'll love to meet up with you guys. Depending on when you are coming through I might have place for you to stay in my house.
Ride safe!
#331
Very cool ride report
From Alaska to Mexico.......Quite the contrast. One day I'll do that ride, just need the time away from trying to make money. Alaska is my dream ride, rain and all. Great write-up, thanks...
M.
#334
Just spent 2 days catching up with this thread, a great read keep up the good work.
#337
Location: Managua, Nicaragua
11-10-2007, 12:46 PM
Location: San Dimas California
11-10-2007, 07:35 PM
Location: Beaverton OR
11-11-2007, 11:55 AM
Location: Fort Collins, CO
11-11-2007, 07:17 PM
Location: Chicago
11-12-2007, 08:50 PM
Great read!!
Wow what a RR!!! another subscription on this one!! Took me long enough to catch up on this adventure...
#348
Excellent thread. I caught up over the last two nights and I am envious.
#349
What an odyssey! I spent the whole morning catching up. I'm hooked. Got some good advice from a sailor once. Go with what ya got. But go. Thanks guys, it's an inspiration to us all. Ride safe.
#358
I think you must have some very rich career waiting for you when you return. Anybody who can talk a Guatemalan official into breaking a rule AND ON SUNDAY TOO - should be able to sell anything to anybody at any time. I read that part and was laughing at the idea of you getting them to make an exception for you and then they did!
I am amazed at that as much as anything.
#365
Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)
Some of my friends might think of it as 'stubborn' but I like to call it 'persistent'
.
Location: pert near heaven...
JL excellent ride report. Having never been that far south, I was getting a little lost.
Christian great job with the maps. It definitely adds a visual aspect to the enormity of the Trek!
#371
Excellent report, pics, and writing -- I've been checking daily for the last week or so, and have been enjoying your adventure. Thanks for sharing!
Steve
#372
What a pleasure it is to read your story day by day ! nice pictures, and interesting comments. Great !
#374
Hey there JL! Just thought I'd say hello to let you know I'm still following your travels every day! Thank you so much for your dedication to detail and story telling!
Totally enjoyable, keep it up if you can!
#376
Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)
My front wheel couldn't hold the bike, my boots were totally useless too.
You are crazy!!!
Location: Boswell, IN
11-15-2007, 09:00 PM
Keep up the good work
#378
Christian thanks very much for the awesome maps, you Teryk and JL are creating one of the most entertaining and enjoyable Trip Reports we could hope to read.
Thanks to all of you
#383
You are now alone in meso America, without reliable roads, climbing hills made of wet clay and on reserve going to a place which may not be there.
J-L, you have more spine and sense of adventure seeking than I'll ever have. I am nervous just reading some of your account. I one time broke down (lost driveshaft) in the jungles of British Honduras. Spending more than a day under that Jeep trying to fix the shaft with natural materials found in the jungle was more than I wish to try again.
Ride on and ride with luck. Buenas Suerte!
#384
This story just keeps getting better.
Location: Stumptown
11-16-2007, 02:31 PM
#385
Awesome pics and report.. thanks for the continued updates..
#398
Someone had mentioned this thread in another thread posted on jomma..so i clicked to see what it was all about.....excellent report...keep it coming and its provided me with a nice spot of Sunday morning light reading from all the way here in the sunny French Pyrenean mountains!!!...well done...keep it coming...i`m just about to email the link to my Spanish friend who lives close by....
thanks...and keep the pix coming...they`re all very well taken....enjoy your time there and thanks again for letting us experience it from the other side of the pond
#399
Cheers my friend, we will talk again. I will NOT be posting a serial report as you have pretty well cornered the market on excellent reporting from the road. I am not worthy
#403
This thread is about some big brass balls, no make that steel, and a sense of adventure.
#414
damn you guys
Hi guys,
brand new member to advrider. Hope you guys realize this trip report has become a revelation in motorcycling for me.
I just put my street bike up for sale... I am now in the market for a bike that is capable of taking me places like this...
So again, I say damn you!
11-20-2007, 05:18 PM
#415
"Damn you" don't even come close...
Waaaay hooked here, can't hardly contain myself between updates...
I have to agree with rsimpson above, Damn you, JL! I think the Triumph Sprint's gotta go!
You're my new hero!
Location: Central Kentucky
Be safe!
#418
Ah, yes, very peaceful now at the ocean with the friendly Nicas, but I can't forget that to arrive there, he had to take his 950 up a wet clay road where I'd not take my DRZ 400.
I have owned a 950 and I am saying to you who haven't ridden one, that for all it's off road suspension and other favorable features, riding such a bike in rough conditions is a very athletic thing to do. J-L is making light of some very difficult accomplishments.
#419
Great Meeting You!!!
Location: Managua, Nicaragua
J-L It was awesome to finally meet you and to see you in two different cities!!
To bad i had to return to Managua yesterday because it would have been a lot fun to share a few beers and hear more stories
Your pictures and stories take my mind off of work! Thank you!!
#427
Thanks J-L. I'm having a tough time containing my envy. Glad it's Thanksgiving in the US!
#428
Never be sorry for the long post!! ..I think its what we all want!!!....Great pictures/ narrative for sure..keep em coming...moto going OK??
#429
Jean Luc, just checked back in with this thread. Totally unreal. You da man. Your pictures are incredible and really illustrate the areas that you are venturing to. When are you re hooking up with Boyscout. I'm sure it has got to be much more comforting having a travel partner, but also the solo part has to be pretty exciting also if not a little tenuous. Be safe and good travels to you.
Oh, and happy Turkey Day.
#434
Just caught up from the beginning ...
A fantastic trip for sure. Clearly one to subscribe to.
Thanks for all the wonderful photos of the towns. As an architect, I find these most intriguing!
Thank you for the time and effort taken to put together such a wonderful report!!!
Location: Gilroy,ca
11-22-2007, 09:24 PM
Location: Texas
11-22-2007, 10:02 PM
#435
Jean-Luc,
I am in the process of preparing to complete your exact route in Mexico and Central America and beyond in 6 weeks or so on a KTM 640 Adv.
Thank you so much for your detailed report. It has given me a priceless account of what I will encounter soon.
Safe travels!
#436
Great pictures! I just finished reading this and catching up. I hope to be able to make such a trip someday.
#442
Wow, Just spent the last couple of days catching up on this report. what a great trip report. The pictures and write ups make a great commercial for visiting the areas. The local Chamber of Commerce/Tourist Bureau ought to be putting you guys up for free!
Maybe some day....
#447
Wow, fantastic updates Jean-Luc and Teryk!
From our desks we can only dream,
-Sasha
#455
Hello Jean Luc & Teryk,
it's amazing how far you have come on this journey and the adventures you have experienced thus far.
I haven't been to Nicaragua since I was 9 years old but seeing the pictures makes me want to visit C.A. again someday soon.
Enjoy your journey and I look forward to hearing your experiences when you get back.
Take care!
#459
Location: Santa Rosa, Ca.
Location: Altadena, CA
12-02-2007, 03:09 PM
Location: between the left pond and the right pond
12-02-2007, 05:42 PM
Hey JL! just thought I'd let you know I'm still loving this thread!
#463
Damn, took a while to catch up.
Great report you have going! I always appreciate the trials and tribulations, but hope you don't have any more to deal with.
Ride on...
#465
Wow! just caught up with your thread since a while back... getting better and better with each degree south...
#468
A lot of people worry about the big risks on a long trip, but the little ones add up too. Goofy little mechanical problems that cost several days to fix. The not-really-bad crash that tweaks your body and bike. Or the terrible feeling that you're 5000 miles from home and you can't find your passport. That's an Oh Shit of epic proportions, even when you find it later. Not losing stuff is 10x harder on the road than it is at home.
Keep up the good work guys, I'll be leaving Guadalajara shortly and following in your tracks.
#473
Thank you for sharing. Great pics and reporting. Ended up spending at least couple of hours reading this report from the beginning.
#479
Tremendous and epic story -
My Spanish speaking wife tells me to tell you that you are crazy and that there are people who would do you harm at every turn down there... I'm delighted that you are proving her wrong!
Location: Gone fishin
12-02-2007, 09:39 PM
Location: Burbank CA
12-04-2007, 02:12 PM
Location: Frozen Prairies USA
12-04-2007, 03:05 PM
Again JL thanks for updating us, great adventure! Keep up the good work!
#481
Not much to add..
Fantastic trip you have going. I don't have much to add in terms of the thread, but wanted to weigh in with my kudos. I really enjoy the photos and the capsule reports, particularly the observations about various cultural differences (like views on trash, street flirting, etc.). Great stuff. Looking forward to following your journeys all the way down to Patagonia.
#485
Wasting Time on the Web?
Jean-Luc,
With all the travelling and exploring new sights, how do you find the time to spend hours chasing down threads on ADVrider? You must have a new set of priorities in how you use the web these days. Those of us here at home spend hours, days or months planning adventures. You seem to have successfully inverted the math.
Regards
#488
You guys rock! I have to admit I am very envious of you... but I guess I might get my chance one day!
#491
Jean Luc,
I spent the whole evening reviewing your website after you sent me the link... what an amazing ride!
I am here waiting for you all in Quito, please let me know how I can be of assistance for you guys when you arrive.
#496
JL - I just started reading this thread from the beginning a couple days ago and got hooked! From the date of your first post and the length of the thread I thought the epic was already completed as I was reading it - how wrong I was! You're still on the journey...best wishes and enjoy South America. Thanks for writing and riding.
Location: San Diego, Cali
12-06-2007, 03:31 AM
12-10-2007, 09:32 PM
You are true adventurers JL & Teryk! My hats off to you. Damn I wish I were doing this with you JL, I know we'd have a great time and would always have someone watching each other's backs.
I'm sure I don't need to tell you but, Stay alert, keep focused, pick clean lines, and keep those eyes in the back of your head peeled. Thugs will either jump out in front of you or sneak up and surprise you, so don't leave yourself vulnerable, always have a quick exit strategy and be very careful about stopping to help people as that is very often a setup to get robbed. That 950 and your excellent riding skills can put distance between you and trouble very quickly!
May you have nothing but wonderful days ahead!
Best of luck to you Jean-Luc!
Location: Altadena, CA
12-12-2007, 01:15 PM
#508
Great report JL! From office cubeland it looks like a lot of fun. ~Mike
#520
What a fantastic report.
JL - Thanks for the amazing commentary, and I wish you all the best for the rest of it. I'll be reading your exploits with the numerous others on here.
Ride safe!
#522
J-L ... been enjoying your journey and taking notes for quite some time now. I've got a fair number of 950 bits-n-pieces in the garage if your horse pulls up lame. lou
#526
I finally caught up
I NEED sleep .... I found this report on Fri night (Sun Night now) and got addicted almost right away to the excellent ride reports and the ultra cool photography. JL you said many times over that you give your credit to the light being right in your photos, but I think it is your amazing and creative eye that can turn an ordinary situation into a postcard.
JL, stay safe and I look forward to following your every adventure through this ride report.
#533
yep
Just another lurker enjoying you thread.
#539
Bravo JL
12-14-2007, 05:24 AM
Location: Charleston, SC and Saluda NC
12-18-2007, 07:05 PM
Location: Frozen Prairies USA
12-19-2007, 10:46 AM
Keep us 'posted', I'm greatly enjoy your prose and pictures
#547
More great posts...pics are amazing!
Cool Brudda!!
I just found this thread last night and I think it took me 7 hours to catch up. I think this is really amazing! And I have a lot of respect for you J-L and your fellow riders. Some if the scenery pictures are so amazing that it almost brings a tear to my eyes
Thanks for posting all this. . I hope I can do this trip someday soon!
#551
Finally caught up again- fantastic!
J-L, you are doing something very cool, many of us wish we could be there with you, me first among them!
#553
Thanks J.L. for the ride along. Columbia looks way cool. Enjoy! You are living out many of our dreams and we enjoy being along for the ride.
#554
J-L ... The last couple of days have been breathtaking!!!
#555
This is a great trip report, JL and everyone else who has contributed. Thanks for taking me along on your adventure. Safe riding to you all.
#556
Jean-Luc, your excellent ride report has been cheering my gloomy non-riding days here in Minnesota, and, as a relatively new rider, inspires great ambitions!
Good luck and safe journeys - I look forward to reading and seeing more!
#560
12-19-2007, 07:44 PM
Great report. I have just started to read it but I recognize it as quality stuff. Good pictures and great writing.
#562
simply beautiful
I just stumbled across you travel log. Beautiful photos and a great adventure. I'm looking forward to your next post.
#567
Merry Christmas!
I know I speak for a lot of us, I just want to wish Jean-Luc, Teryk and R-dubb a Merry Christmas. It is tough being away from home and family for the holidays. We love your adventure. Stay safe, enjoy your journey and keep us posted when you have the time.
Happy Holidays!
Jim in Sacramento
#575
Intriguing shot.You have a good eye.
All good stuff.
Thank you very much for the great reports your making while on this killer trip.
#576
Yes! Thank you Jean-Luc, for devoting the time to your RR whilst in the middle of an amazing trip.
From what I have read lately, you are experiencing Colombia as she begins a friendlier, safer period in her history. Still plenty to watch out for, as anywhere, but I salute you for choosing to ride there.
Happy Christmas!
#578
Thanks for the continued amazing photographs and RR. I await the next installment with great anticipation.
Soto
#579
Great RR
Like many that have posted it has taken a few days, off and on to read through from the beginning. I was interested in the Alaska foray as I work up there quite a bit and it's nice to see vistors to the towns we provide telecom service, like Hyder, Haines, Skagway, Tok and others. The photo's were great.
I also travel to Guatemala for work so it is great to read about some of these places from a travelers point of view (like Huehuetango).
Good luck, safe travels and thanks for the posts!
12-24-2007, 06:26 PM
Location: Sacramento, CA
12-25-2007, 07:20 PM
Location: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
12-26-2007, 06:47 AM
Location: Mississauga Ontario
The pics are awesome!
Hope you had a great Christmas Jean-Luc, thanks very much for sharing your great adventure with us all, you're definitely an inspiration. Keep it coming
stay safe and enjoy.
Location: SoCal
Great, there went My morning
Keep it coming!
#583
It's cold, rainy, and I need more posts!
First, thanks for a wonderful report and fotos!
Started reading your trip reports two weeks ago, and dad-gum-it, I'm all caught up. New rule: when you make a trip report like this with beautiful shots and write-ups, then you are required to keep posting daily until I say otherwise!
12-28-2007, 09:38 PM
Ok, or when your trip ends!
Seriously, thanks for making the efforts to post as much as you do! It's really enjoyable and next year at this time my hope is that I'll be on the other end of this. Keep up the great work, suerte with the gps, any other molestias, and may your trip be upright always.
#585
I've been enjoying you RR just as much as everyone else here. Thanks for the efforts to keep us informed and enlightened.
I've truly been enjoying your report and the pictures of landscapes and towns are awesome. Continue your safe and wonderful journey.
#586
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Simply outstanding Jean-Luc.
#591
Wow....just started to read this thread this morning and I have to say this is a wonderful thread and you must be having the time of your life.
#595
Absolutely fantastic, J-L.
Wish I could be there with you.
#598
J-L:
Greetings from the home. Have been lost in the ozone for a while. I just found this thread and have spent several hours catching up with your adventures. Absolutely amazing.
You are an inspiration to me. I wish I could be down there by your side. Your adventurous spirit and good nature shine through your posts like powerful beams of light through the dark. I feel very lucky to be able to watch your journey. Thanks for all of the wonderful pictures and thoughtful insights.
Someday, I really hope I can follow in your footsteps. Wish it could be right now.
I'll be following your posts daily from now on. Via con dios, amigo.
#608
wow! Thank you for the RR, and the awesome pics...
No way will I ever be able to do it, but it's great following your trip!
Most enjoyable!
Thanks you again, and Happy New Year!
#615
Location: San Francisco, CA
Awesome. Traveling mercies in 08! With gratitude!
#620
Wonderful pictures and descriptions. Happy New Year, Jean-Luc! Voyages surs!
#621
Quote by Jean-Luc:
I don’t often use words like ‘stunning’ or ‘breathtaking’ but this time they are the only ones that can describe that road. It’s like if Colombia is offering me one of my best Xmas presents
Location: pert near heaven...
.
01-03-2008, 06:07 AM
Another follower
Hi JL,
You're doing a great job bringing us all along on the trip. I read Investment Biker a few years ago and I rarely go long without dreaming myself around the globe on his route. You are the only person I know first-hand to actually pull this off, and I'm really glad to see you take full advantage of your work situation. Bravo!
#625
As usual incredible pictures and narration JL
Thanks for taking us along!
#626
I am utterly astounded at the beauty of the place. The photos are fantastic, but I'm sure they are only a fraction as beautiful as the place itself. I had no idea such a place existed on the planet. My very limited experience in mountains had the southwest Rockies and the Alps as the most wonderful places on earth but these photos pull my conceptions into doubt.
#634
Amigo,
Still loving the thread - thank you thank you!
Be safe.
Location: SF, CA
Location: Louisiana
Beautiful JL...just beautiful.
#642
Haven't commented in a while, but I sure am enjoying this report. Great job Jean-Luc...
Absolutely amazing countryside & you are doing a fantastic job with your camera. I especially like the lone horse on the side of a hill. Great moment.
01-06-2008, 12:57 PM
thanks so much for taking the time while you are on the road. It is greatly appreciated
#643
Happy New Year!!
I just caught up with the thread and sent some more info J-L's way. Fantastic photos of Colombia, I shoulda, woulda, if I coulda. What a magical place on earth!
#650
Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)
Did I mention that I love this scenery?
Did I mention that your pictures are beautiful?
Great ride.
#654
Location: Leesburg, VA
This is absolutely fantastic. I love the mix you show of countrysides, towns, people, architecture, food, customs... One of the best reports I have ever seen. Thank you thank you thank you.
#661
Ahhh....so when is the book coming out?
Oh yeah, you're not done yet!
Thank you so much for the descriptions and the pictures.
Truly marvelous and much appreciated.
#667
Don't stop your trip--ever!
Ok, that's it. You've now made this trip report of such high quality that you are forbidden to end your trip lest we not have something to ooh! and aah! about every (other) day.
So once you think you're done, you must immediately turn around and ride the whole thing over again for my personal viewing pleasure!! (sorry, I'm greedy. It's cold, wet and the mountain passes are snowbound and I don't have much time to do long rides right now in rainy oregon
Location: Santa Cruz, Calif
And my wife thinks I'm mad just because I bought a Bike! You are an inspiration to many of us - thanks so much for sharing this adventure!
#673
J-L, what an incredible adventure. Your pictures and story telling make us feel like we are riding with you. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.
#678
What a fantastic RR!
The pictures are amazing, both the quality and the variety. Your story telling is so descriptive, it has been entertaining me for the last 4 days. Of course my 4 days has been your 4+ months. Thank you so much for taking the time to bring us along for your journey.
Keep up the great work... safe travels.
#682
J-L, you are living my dream! - Thanks for taking the time and effort to take us all along on this most wonderful journey of yours.
#694
Incredible!
Location: White Plains, NY
01-09-2008, 11:40 AM
Great trip report. Incredible photos of Ecuador.
#695
Awesome report!
Your journey, ride report, and pictures are amazing. I am very impressed with your dedication to keep the report updated! I am envious and inspired by your journey, and enjoy following along from inside the walls of the crappy cubicle where I waste away my days! Thanks You!
#696
I love this trip. You single handedly are making me hate winter here in TN right now. I'd say you may be better off with the knobbies on in the clay but it'd just be a waste of time changing them out. We've got a bunch of clay up here and my dirt bike won't even get traction on it.
Hope you enjoy Peru! Bueno suerte!
#697
I've been reading this post ever since I found out about it (you were in Alaska then). I've been enjoying every post. I have but one request. Stop taking such great photos, I don't think my desktop has ever changed so often!
I bet when you started out you didn't think you would have so many people following along from so far away; thanks for bringing us along,
#701
You should know
Quote: (Originally Posted by Shlongdistance)
Great trip report. Incredible photos of Ecuador.
Location: Johnson City, TN
01-10-2008, 09:41 AM
01-10-2008, 10:21 AM
Location: Kansas City
Shlong speaks from first hand experience having lived in Ecuador. I totally agree with him about the photos of Ecuador, but I would say that ALL of the photos are incredible. This has got to be one of the greatest
trip reports ever on ADVRider.
#703
Really an awesome report JL. Magnificent pictures. Great writing. Can't wait for each new installment.
#705
Like every one else, this has to be one of the best reports.
Safe Travels
Mark.
#706
Awesome RR. Pictures are simple beautiful! Thanks for taking the time to share while underway. I'm amazed at your ability to keep this report up and deal with everything else.
And thanks for the tip on LP in PDF. Was not aware they existed. Must solve a huge space weight problem of carrying hard copies of all of the countries you are visiting.
Ride safe and big thanks
#707
Beautiful Pic's!
01-10-2008, 08:13 PM
Location: Deception Pass, USA
01-12-2008, 06:45 PM
Location: Santa Cruz mountains, Ca, USA
01-12-2008, 07:17 PM
Location: Montgomery Village, MD
Thank you for putting this up.....
It really is a very nice diversion to our grey winter!
#716
manifique!
Absolutely stunning photos ! What type of camera equipment are you using / carring on this trip ?
GREAT TRIP REPORT !
01-12-2008, 07:30 PM
#717
Jean-Luc,
I've been following your trip since the very beginning. I feel like I am kind of a thief since I have been reading this report and enjoying the hell out of it, without taking a minute to thank you for all the time and effort you take to make this wonderful report. Your writing and photos are awe inspiring. The way you inject your personality and feelings into your observations make this report truely special.
Now, as if the overall quality of this report was not enough, you tell us about Kuelap. This is the first time I have ever heard of this major archaeological site. So, besides entertaining me you are educating me too.
So,
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!!
THANK YOU!!!
#718
Impressive + + + + +
Jean-Luc,
I too have been tagging along on your journey . . . . .
Wow! What an epic travel you are making. You're pulling off a feat that I suppose many of us dream of.
So thank you for the inspiration!
This last series of pictures in Peru is more than impresive - Amazing!
Thanks again.
#719
Location: West end I-90 PacificNorthWet
You are absolutely killing me with the latest round of fotos
Un be lie vable!!! This is one of my trip favorites so far.
#720
C'est vraiment incroyable c'est splendide!!
Félicitations pour ces belles images et non moins agréables commentaires
Désolé mon anglais est trop mauvais
C'est vraiment génial de te suivre au jour le jour ou presque
j'adore ! Merci de me faire rever...
Vincent
#721
Add me to the list of those grateful for your, make that "our" great adventure. Fantastic photos and lines. Keep up the great work!
Thanks again,
Bill
#722
Great Job JL, keep it coming. The only down side to this trip is in the future, The little soirées to the Sierras or Mendocino are going to seem so mundane. But thats okay. Lets all meet at the Road house when you get back and go over your Adventure.
#723
Awesome ride
Thanks for taking me along on this ride. I have been following from the beginning and am amazed by this journey. Unbelievable photography and great historical commentary. Maybe you could just keep going and not stop and show us the rest of the world while you are at it.
#724
Location: Paris
01-13-2008, 03:48 PM
01-14-2008, 06:51 AM
Location: Gilroy,ca
01-14-2008, 12:59 PM
Location: Greenville NH
01-14-2008, 04:04 PM
Your killing me man!
I hope you realize the damage you are doing to my mental well being.
How will I ever be content untill I have the chance to fulfill my dream, which happens to be exactly what you are living?
Just EPIC J.L., EPIC, Thanks so much for sharing.
Location: Altadena, CA
Location: South France
Thanks again for making us dreaming. Pace e salute (i neve). Scapa.
#729
Sorry to infiltrate this amazing thread with a query about camera stats..
J-L..what type of strap/mount do you use for your camera...is it attached to YOU or the bike? Your pics are so clear and beautiful and numerous .. it appears they are taken at a standstill...do you stop each time? I can't imagine you have the time for that! If not, what is the method you use "on the fly" I need to know! Thank you soooo much, your report is incredible and inspiring!
01-15-2008, 09:23 AM
01-15-2008, 09:43 AM
Now, back to "Chasing summer"!!!!
#732
Bonjour J-L. Best wishes from SF.
Loving every post. Trip of a lifetime. Glad you are taking the time to "smell the roses" and take lots of pics for all of us back home. It is really thrilling to be able to share your adventure, even if by proxy.
Don't know if you heard yet, but next year's Paris-Dakar is going to be held in South America. After your trip, you will probably know the lay of the land down there better than any of the competitors. You should enter!
#734
Location: San Francisco, CA
AWSOME REPORT!
I discovered it thanks to Salcar who pointed it out so that I could check your Mexico and Central America trip since I'm in the process of planning my own trip through the are (hopefully in July-Aug).... That was last friday, I got to Panama and simply could not stop reading. Excellent photography and writing skills.
I'm not sure if Venezuela is in your itinerary, but if you come this way please get in touch, I'll be glad to help you out by pointing the highlights, best routes, navigating Caracas and taking you to places you'd need to go such as dealers, moto shops and beer shops
01-16-2008, 06:08 AM
...
Keep riding!
#737
Do you use any filters for the camera?
Way to go JL!!!
Excellent report and fantastic pictures, you must spend a long time every day taking pictures and writing.
I also appreciate the slower pace that you are taking and the less travelled routes that you find. My brother and I drove to Uruguay from Canada in 1971 and I agree, not much to see on the Pan-Americana in Peru.
Your pictures are often much better than others I have seen, do you use filters in front of the lens?
Or are there any other secrets that you can share for getting those deep colors in your pictures?
Keep up the good work !!
Location: Oakville, Ontario
#739
Quote: (Originally Posted by OffRoadCruiser)
Way to go JL!!! (...)
Thanks for the nice comments Carl! Yes, I do spend a good hour and a half daily to: edit the pictures, select them, export to a smaller size to speed uploads, upload them to Smugmug and of course writing the text itself.
I don't use filters or anything else, so here are things that help me to produce good pictures:
- I take many pictures and select the bests.
- I do a small editing with Picasa in most of them, at least for cropping the sceneries (bright grey sky is the enemy)
- I'm constantly looking around for beauty and opportunities
- I'm very, very attentive to the light, clarity and general contrasts when I take a picture. Our eyes are so much better than any camera that what looks beautiful to you is often deceiving on pictures. After taking many of them you learn to (sometimes) recognize those circumstances.
#741
Location: San Francisco, USA
Amazing trip and pictures. For some reason this pic strikes a cord.
#747
Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)
I don't use filters or anything else, so here are things that help me to produce good pictures:
- I take many pictures and select the bests.
- I do a small editing with Picasa in most of them, at least for cropping the sceneries (bright grey sky is the enemy)
- I'm constantly looking around for beauty and opportunities
- I'm very, very attentive to the light, clarity and general contrasts when I take a picture. Our eyes are so much better than any camera that what looks beautiful to you is often deceiving on pictures. After taking many of them you learn to (sometimes) recognize those circumstances.
Not to mention he has a great and very quick eye. I've seen JL stop (very briefly) in spots for photos that I would not have, yet what he saw while on the move turned out to be awesome photo material.
Then there's the fact that he can do it usually in a matter of seconds - stop, get camera out, click, click, click, put it away and off he goes to the next spot.
#748
Awesome reporting JL! Keep up the great posting. I know it's a hassle sometimes but we can't get enough of your adventure from our desks at work :)
#758
Hi Jean-Luc!! We sure do love and miss ya. The report and pictures are
amazing, as always!!
Location: pert near heaven...
01-16-2008, 10:15 AM
Don't forget to come and see us when you have a
chance. It sure will be quiet, living out here without all of y'all to hang out
with
Location: Shawnee, Kansas
01-16-2008, 06:16 PM
We'll keep you in our prayers, as always. Keep in touch!
Much Love,
Mrs. Lone*Star (now officially in Kansas)
#765
Amazing scenery, Jean-Luc. Wow.
#767
J-L,
Just stunning, you leave us all speechless and awed by your adventure.
#768
Oh my.. Breath taking pictures. I can just imagine being there.
#770
Jean-Luc,
Okay, now i can find no more words to compliment this photo-essay . . . . .
I'll just say that you are in a new category on this website: International Geographic.
Someone else had mentioned that this website needs a category to reference or archive "best" ride reports, or something along those lines - yours belongs there!
From my heart, it's just great that you took the time to take the pictures and post them - Look at the beautiful planet we share. Thank you!
Seriously for me to compare reading your ride report to reading through a magazine . . . . . There is nothing to compare.
Thanks again.
#771
Jean Luc, thanks for sharing this great trip. You eye to capture the moment is absolutely amazing! Those pictures are great and the commentaries always powerful.
You are living the dream of a lot of us! Thanks for bringing us along.
#772
You should read through some of his (and R-dubb) old ride reports. The "Pacific Crest Quest" or PCQ thread is one of my favorites.
And thanks from me, too, J-L. It looks like you're having a great trip. It's certainly great to read. I'm looking forward to the day you break out that rear TKC80!
#773
Jean-Luc-
I'm inspired to visit South America right now, in a way I have never been before.
Beautiful, Awesome, Inspiring.
#775
no hay palabras
I almost want to stop reading / seeing the fotos, so that I'll leave something totally new for when I get there next year. Almost...
One can nearly feel your angst as you debate whether to keep going, knowing there's not much day left; cold, wet, slippery conditions ahead, and unsure about lodging availability. Glad you're safe this evening, sounds like you were tested today like you hadn't been for some time.
Nicely done. Bien hecho. Adelante, poco a poco...con paciencia...you don't want to finish this trip too soon. I suspect you're given lots of folk some ideas about what countries to visit in the future...
#777
Really amazing, thanks again.
#778
GREAT REPORT!!! I will be sad when your trip ends! You certainly have a talent for taking pictures and story telling!
Thanks for sharing!
#779
Location: West end I-90 PacificNorthWet
01-16-2008, 09:03 PM
01-16-2008, 11:00 PM
Location: Seattle
01-17-2008, 01:59 AM
1/2 Grade Hack
Location: Melbourne, Australia.
01-17-2008, 03:50 AM
Location: Kentucky
01-17-2008, 08:52 AM
Jean-Luc,
I've been following from the beginning, and it just keeps getting better. While I feel privileged to have read many truly great reports here, this one is just damn near in a class by itself.
Formidable....
#780
First response
I was searching M/C trips to Alaska, and stumbled across the advrider website, and J-L's trip. Your trip is linked from external sources, but I don't remember where exactly.
I enjoy your report, and your writing style (& riding) and photos.
My ride is sitting in a cold garage with a dead battery, as it is the dead of winter here in Spokane. You have helped with my decision to ride all Summer long to who knows where. Thank you.
Location: Spokane, WA