simon thomas 0 Posted December 21, 2006 hello all... jsut came across this site and thought I'd sign up and say hi. We're Simon & Lisa Thomas from the UK It's hard to believe that it's been almost 4-years for us on the road. Both the miles and time has flown. Scandinavia, Russia, 15 months in Africa, 18 months in South America a few weeks in Central America and now Mexico for Christmas. We're as excited about what lays ahead as we are exhausted. After a few exhaustive weeks riding through Central America we've just reached the Yacatun Peninsula in Mexico, where we'll meet Lisa's family for New year. After exploring Colombia and seeing what we could in Venezuela we hadn't realised how tense and on-gaurd we'd become until we reached Panama, where we could finally relax a little. Venezuela had been beautiful but a royal pain in the ass...here's a small exert from our dairy: 19-11-2006 (into Venezuela) What a ‘fanny’ of a day. Yet again, the best laid plans drown in a puddle of ---- and sweat. We’d planned to get an early start and had hoped to get to Maracaibo, a good way inside Venezuela, and so by 7:30am we’d loaded the bikes and were already saying adios to Riohacha. The decent tar was already helping our progress. We’d reckoned on about 45 minutes to the border, an hour for paperwork and money changing and then we’d crack on to Maracaibo. Guess what? It didn’t happen. Passports were stamped and carnets signed on the Colombian side. OK, Here we come, country 48! That was as far as we got. On the Venezuelan side we were already getting the ‘shifty eye’ from the officials who’d incorrectly assumed we were North Americans. The pissed-off passport guy grunted at me and with an arrogance born of officialdom waived me over to him, whilst he leant on the building wall. Mumbled Spanish was tossed at me, which translated to…you can’t come in the Aduana is closed on Sunday, go away and come back tomorrow. Asking for him to say this twice to ensure I’d heard correctly just pissed him off even more. 20 minutes later and I’d not found a solution. Oh ----, this is ridiculous, we’d not read this little bit of info anywhere, not even the Colombians had bothered to mention it as we were being stamped out! By now the over-whelming heat and humidity were already getting to us and our sweat ridden riding suits were getting heavier. So here we are…in a small dodgy hotel, right at the border. We had to get our passports stamped back into Colombia and we will try again tomorrow. Lisa is so pissed off. 20-11-2006 Venezuela Country 48. AaaaaaaaaGGGGhhhhhhhh!!!! We figured after yesterday’s hic-cup with the ‘you can’t come into Venezuela ‘cause we’re closed’ problem, today we’d get a head start, well, we are already at the border. We figured we would at least get some good mileage under our belts. So with the alarm going off at 5:30am we were up and ready to go by 6:00am. Hey what could possibly go wrong? “Tienes una llave para la porta” (roughly tranlsates to...do you have the key to the gate), we ask the older lady at reception. A long concerned pause wasn’t the answer we were looking for. “No way…you got to be fucking kiddin’ me”, is what I was thinking. I didn’t dare say it, I knew if I blurted anything else I’d be hard pushed to stop myself before anything short of a mini tantrum. The whole circumstance was ridiculous. Apparently since last night the original key (used to lock the gates last night) became…broken…. and no-one has a second copy. A couple of guys working here suggested we could get a new key made. No matter how hard I tried they couldn’t get it into their heads that we’d need the old key in order to get a copy made. You can’t just get a key made. After 10 minutes I gave up trying to explain. A long story sideways…at 8:00am the day was already uncomfortably hot and humid, worst of all we were still locked in. I was having a hard time controlling my frustration. C’mon it’s not fucking rocket science…’close and lock gate at night, make sure you have the key in the morning for unlocking’. Someone eventually found a heavy duty saw and 30 minutes later we’d managed to cut through the locking mechanism and at last open the gates. To our astonishment the female owner was demanding immediate payment. We were busy trying to get our kit and bikes through the mud track to the front of this small hotel. We’d planned to come back in and pay once we were set. She was having a stressy hernia. I was saying a little prayer, “ dear lord who art in heaven…please make her head explode”? The room had been 30,000 pesos colombianos and our food another 10,000 each. OK, so I know I only ride motorbikes but even I can figure that out to be 50,000. The cheeky tart was now billing us 63,000? Where the hell had that come from? To add insult to injury she was demanded another 7,000 for the repair to the gate. Lisa was loosing her rag. And in Spanish explaining forcefully that the gate issue hadn’t been our fault and it had already held us up by over two hours. The owner was digging her heels in and demanded we pay. “It is only 7,000 pesos this is nothing for you”, she snapped in rapid Spanish. That was it I’d had enough. I took out 52,000, which I had to hand and threw it on the table. You want it so bad you can soddin-well pick it up. The money wasn’t even the real issue, to be taken for a complete mug and being treated like an idiot had just got to me. Suited up we rode the 20 metres to the military checkpoint and the small dirty passport office. With our passports stamped we could finally get into Venezuela. We’d already had the OK from one of the military guards to ride on… there’d be no search. Helmets on, jacket and gloves set to go and Autocoms hooked up and working. We dropped into first gear and began to roll. The loud shriek whistle and the yelling to our left had got our attention. We stopped immediatley. 4 pissed off green clad gun waiving military guards were letting their feelings known. I’d already resigned myself to them. There was absolutely no point whatsoever in even beginning to explain we were leaving because we’d been cleared by other guards. I knew what was coming next…they wanted ‘EVERYTHING’ off the bikes and were going to search every orifice. An hour later and we were still trying to put stuff back together. With the bikes loaded we cursed under our sweat ridden lips and rode on. It was a short 7 km ride to the Aduana, where we just needed our Carnets stamped. (Venezuela does accept the carnet and we still have one to use). We were developing a theme for the day…’nothing is going to be easy’. The young girl in the aduana office seemed totally bemused by the carnet. She’d already pushed 4 typed white documents in my direction. This wasn’t going to be quick. 3 hours later and Lisa and I had taken turns in trying to sort out whatever it was that needed sorting. I’d made 6 separate trips to the small cabin two blocks down in order to get photocopies of various pieces of paper. Each time I’d return to find out they needed something else copied. Yep, each time I wondered….”why can’t you just tell me what you want copied so I can make one trip and get the job done”. Nope, things just don’t work that way here. We finally had everything in order; Venezuela was at last letting us in. Nope! The guards who’d been watching us sweat our asses off wanted some fun of their own. Oh goody…it’s search time again. Everything was coming off the bikes again. I wanted to ask…WHY? Rumbling through my head was, “we’ve just been searched 7 km up the road. What do you think? A private stealth chopper landed near by handed us a few kilos of quality H and we’ve cunningly incorporated the drugs into our cunningly inconspicuous disguise as over-land bike riding sodding astronauts. Oh no, wait you’re looking for the 80 fee paying illegal immigrants we’ve stuffed into our roll-bags.? 40 minutes after they’d started they’d become bored. We were waived on…at last. The Venezuelan country side was opening up. Long fields partially flooded swept off to our left and nutters in ancient over-sized old American gas guzzlers slowly eased their way past us, most too close for comfort. We were heading for Maracaribo which sits at the base of the Golfo de Venezuela.we weren’t going to get much further. Apart from the time issue the heat was really getting to us; our suits were soaked in perspiration. Maracaribo was only 42 miles off…it took us a while as we had three more police stops and two more searches. This is the first time in South America we’ve experienced this, sure we’ve been stopped frequently but after the pretence of paperwork is discarded, you soon realise that the cops or officials are just keen to talk and check out the bikes. Venezuela is going to be different. That said it’s worth mentioning that almost everyone (car drivers) was asked to show the content of their trunks and were subjected to some kind of rudimentary search. We’ll see what happens tomorrow? If you'd like to read more then just click here: http://www.2ridetheworld.com and then browse to the diary section. Here's just a few of photos from South and Central America hope you enjoyed the photos, you can see more at http://www.2ridetheworld.com Cheers and hi again Simon Thomas www.2ridetheworld.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandiegoland 0 Posted December 21, 2006 I've seen some of your photos featured at ADVrider.com Some very nice riding... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simon thomas 0 Posted December 21, 2006 Hi 'sandiegoland' yeah we've had a few up there, it's a great site, but wow is it huge! Right now I'm signing up to a few forums, over the last few years because of where we've been travelling we've had little chance to talk or discuss anything much with other riders...and we've missed it. Being at a friends in Mexico I've suddenly got access to high speed and regualr internet and am making the most of it. thanks for the reply Cheers Simon Thomas www.2ridetheworld.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2Wheels 0 Posted December 21, 2006 Thanks for the link and the interesting story. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
unclecameron 0 Posted December 22, 2006 Let us know if you come up San Diego way, we've got an extra room and a BMW or 2 sitting around as well Plus we're about 8km from the BMW dealer, in case something German decides to cut loose on one of those "Excellent" Mexican dirt trail/roads. You can PM me if you're interested. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simon thomas 0 Posted December 22, 2006 unclecameron Hi, thanks for the kind offer. We are coming your way, but we're not sure when. When we're nearer we'll give you a buzz. Thanks again. Ride safe, take care Simon Thoomas www.2ridetheworld.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carguy 1 Posted December 22, 2006 unclecameron Hi, thanks for the kind offer. We are coming your way, but we're not sure when. When we're nearer we'll give you a buzz. Thanks again. Ride safe, take care Simon Thoomas www.2ridetheworld.com Simon, If you do come through our town, many riders would love to hear your stories including me. You would be welcome in my home as well. carguy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyro 1 Posted December 22, 2006 Wow, incredible photos! Amazing story! I'm totally jealous, I admit it (about the photos, not the story . . ) Awesome stuff ! If you do come through S.D., LET'S RIDE ! ! ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 512 Posted December 22, 2006 Simon, ditto on a place to stay if you come through. Like Carguy said, we'd love to meet you both in person, and hear some of your stories. We would be happy to arrange a get-together when you come through San Diego. Let us know ahead of time. Also, it's great to hear from a World Traveller, visiting our site !! Send me a PM (personal message) and I'll give you my contact info. Also, what size t-shirts you both wear ? Consider yourselves honorary San Diego Adventure Riders. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted December 23, 2006 mmmmmmmmmmmmmm... adventure excellent scenery... we'll plan the next BBQ around your trip to SD. I'll bring the beer. Then we can take a ride together; I know this trail that starts up on Sunrise Highway... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdklr650 0 Posted December 23, 2006 What a ride!!!!, That is one life long dream adventure much respect to you and your wife. And hopefully when you guys make it up tp San Diego we can all get together to ride!!!!Ride safe and good luck!!!! ( how many miles have you tracked so far?? ) Thanks for the great write-up, Jay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simon thomas 0 Posted December 23, 2006 hi to all, many thanks for the warm reception and the incredibly kind offer of letting two dirty English bikers into your homes . When we're closer we'll let you know, we're hoping it won't be too long. SDKLR650, so far we've covered around 100,000 miles. Thanks again. Simon T www.2ridetheworld.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandiegoland 0 Posted December 23, 2006 ...many thanks for the warm reception and the incredibly kind offer of letting two dirty English bikers into your homes . Hey I didn't notice an British accent in his writing... did you guys? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simon thomas 0 Posted May 10, 2007 ...many thanks for the warm reception and the incredibly kind offer of letting two dirty English bikers into your homes . Hey I didn't notice an British accent in his writing... did you guys? Afternoon, it seems to have taken us bloody ages to get here but at last Lisa and I have made it to San Diego. We'd planned to spend a little longer in the Mojave Desert and then Joshua Tree but the heat got to us a bit, we're getting soft in our old age, and so we've pitched out tent for a night at 'campland by the bay'. This has to be the most expensive site we've ever used. We've PM a few of you who had kindly offered us a place to stay. We're popping into BMW motorcycle of San Diego tomorrow morning to say hi and to find out if there interested in holding one of our presentaions...who knows? Our 'new' cell phone is playing up but if anyone is interested in getting hold of us you can drop us an email at simon@2ridetheworld.com Hope to see some of you soon Simon & Lisa www.2ridetheworld.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandiegoland 0 Posted May 11, 2007 We're popping into BMW motorcycle of San Diego tomorrow morning to say hi and to find out if there interested in holding one of our presentaions...who knows? Our 'new' cell phone is playing up but if anyone is interested in getting hold of us you can drop us an email at simon@2ridetheworld.com Hope to see some of you soon Simon & Lisa Keep us posted. I'm already out for the evening... Let us know what your weekend plans turn out to be. We have a few rides going, but folks will surely drop by somewhere to meet you if they can. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simon thomas 0 Posted May 11, 2007 Hi sandiegoland, This weekend we're commited to getting some work done and seeing old friends but we hope to be in San Diego for a wek or so. Maybe we can get together duringthe week or next weekend. We're goingto be talking with BMW (San Diego) today to see if their interested in hosting our presentaion. That may take a little organizing so we'll see...? Look forward to meeting you all Cheers Simon & Lisa www.2ridetheworld.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandiegoland 0 Posted May 11, 2007 Hi sandiegoland, This weekend we're commited to getting some work done and seeing old friends but we hope to be in San Diego for a wek or so. Maybe we can get together duringthe week or next weekend. We're goingto be talking with BMW (San Diego) today to see if their interested in hosting our presentaion. That may take a little organizing so we'll see...? www.2ridetheworld.com I'm going to miss you guys, I'm out of town first thing Monday morning. I hope you can keep everyone posted and get a chance to meet with some of our riders. I was just reading over your website. Some really valuable first hand advice on there for even casual rough-road tourers. I enjoyed reading all the details about the Carnet (after they glossed over it in LWR), but one really great tip I picked up was the trick about pre-looming (routing and tie-wrapping in place) you spare cables... that's brilliant!! I'm sure some experienced folks know that trick but I never thought of applying that to the motorcycle... why carry them stored away when they can be ready to swith over! Anyway I would encourage everyone to check out the website and take the time to meet up with Simon and Lisa f you can. They've really got the knowledge and the spirit to inspire adventure!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 512 Posted May 12, 2007 Simon and Lisa, I PM'd you but haven't heard back from you. You can stay at my place for a few days if you'd like. Call me on my cell phone....@619 -818- 8746* Hope to see you this weekend or next week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
husky4me 0 Posted May 12, 2007 Welcome to San Diego!! If you plan to have some sort of presentation, I sure would enjoy meeting you both... :clapping: You have some interesting stories in your site.. It is very inspirational how you stick it up and recover from that terrible motorcycle accident... As a child and youth therapist, I always enjoy finding out about special people who are persistent in their dreams, with a positive attitude.. :clapping: I use this type of stories as inspiration for the troubled youth I try to assist.. Good luck with your travels!! :clapping: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
