| Location: | Pasto |
| Mileage: | 12,500 |
Picture - Views from the roads in Colombia
Kevin and I last rode here in 2003. It was on the Trans Am World Record. We still have contacts with the local riders that helped us back then and all are eager to welcome the GlobeBusters team to Colombia. It is a huge event for BMW in Bogota too. Although some independent motorcycle travellers have been coming back to Colombia for a while, we are the first big group that they have had the opportunity to welcome and we attend a huge presentation, talk about the travels and GlobeBusters, and speak with the press.
It is the same in Medellin. Another enormous welcome from local riders, who come out in the evening to hear us speak, watch our films and are hugely happy that at last groups of riders are coming back to Colombia. They are so keen that we have a fantastic time in Colombia.
How can I describe Colombia? A country which retains a bad reputation, despite how security has improved over recent year. Two Colombians, Mauricio at Ruta 40 and his good friend, Carlos, accompany us on our ride through Colombia. They want to show us some of the smaller roads and some of the great places to take a break. Having such local insight is a massive bonus, as most stick to the main Pan American. There is no doubt that you do see a heavier military presence than in other countries, but this is good. It means that they are maintaining security.
The countryside and roads are some of the best we have ridden on. There are full days when the road are constant bends, tight, swooping through lush jungle landscapes, then as we push south through pine trees and then in the end, barren, brown desert. Everyone in our group is ecstatic at riding here. The landscapes, the people do not disappoint. The infrastructure is good, hotels are excellent, food is delicious.
We could not have had a better time here. We have been one the first of overseas motorcycle adventure companies to come back to Colombia and no doubt others will follow. . . .
