Peru. A small step
to a world of adventure.
Motorcycling is a way of life. I have met many people over my 6 years of riding and I love to
know what made them get into the sport and what inspires them to stay in. Some I have met it seems that it was a catalyst
to help them through a tough time.
Others it started a journey of self-discovery and adventure. The type of
motorcyclist you are and the reasons that one does it I found is very
personal…as different as there are people. I started my 2-wheeled adventures on
a Kawasaki Vulcan 500; I rode 25,000 miles on that bike, and learned so much
about who I am as a woman, and a human being.
My views on the world and the power that I can summon within my self to
conquer my fears. I then upgraded to a
Suzuki V-Strom 650. It was after that;
I learned I was interested in Adventure riding. I am new to this ADV motorcycling world…. and when I went to
Overland Expo in Mormon Lake Arizona, I met the most wonderful people and
realized I have found my Mothership! Like
minds and Great Adventures…. Even though I was inspired and encouraged to
create my own off road/over land adventure I lack the experience for such a
journey….and I needed baby steps to ensure my success, safety and guarantee a
wonderful time. I had created an
Adventure/Bucket list after I lost my Aunt to ovarian cancer, she was a huge
inspiration in being tough and loving what you can experience. She was a strong supporter of creating the
monster that I am today, being an assertive participant in my own life. I decided that all the Life is Short stories
you hear are true.
I researched Peru, as experiencing the great ancient Inca
city of Machu Picchu was on my Adventure/Bucket list. This seemed a great place
to start. I felt like a true adventure would be going to another country,
getting completely out of my comfort zone, challenging my skills and
endurance. There were many companies
there who offered motorcycling. I wanted a bike smaller than mine back home. I
assumed I would probably be falling off a few times since this journey was out
of my skill level. I had only just started riding on dirt several months before
and had only a few experiences under my moto boots. So I wanted a bike that I
could pick up. I read that most of
this journey would be dirt roads. I
wanted something light and easy to handle.
Also as I am not independently wealthy, nor did I have 6-9 months or
more to ride I wanted something that was in my price point and a reasonable
duration.
In my research I had found that probably the biggest
concern I had was drinking the water, so I purchased some Potable Aqua, which
are small tablets to make any water safe to drink. Also being a vegetarian I have found that Central and South
American countries are a blessing in the food department. Overall Peru being such a huge tourist
destination I felt safe going there.
I discovered Peru Moto Tours, owner Alejandro Luna,
based out of Cusco, Peru. This company
suited my needs…they offered a variety of motorcycles from 250cc’s up to 700cc’s. My weapon of choice was the Honda Falcon
400. I have ridden uncharted adventures
in USA, however having a guide that speaks the language and knows the area felt
like a smart idea. One of the many
things I have learned from traveling is that the locals always know the good
stuff. I like to call this “ the pie and coffee effect”. Most locals are very friendly and proud of
where they live so eager to share their knowledge with you.
Now the planning, I looked into airfare, it was what I
expected for International travel and the dates were 6 months away so I had
time to save up some money. I made my
decision, which is the first step of any adventure and then moved forward with
the steps to achieve it. For me, once
the decision is made the excitement is enough to carry me through with the
planning.
After waiting what seemed like forever and careful
packing and repacking of all my motorcycle gear I was ready to go…. flight from
Florida, JAX-MIA-LIMA-CUSCO…. I arrived the next morning early. Alejandro offers an airport pick up service
straight to your hotel. It is
recommended to arrive a couple days early, most people suffer from altitude
sickness, since Cusco is in the Andes Mountains perched at a lovely 11,200 feet
(3,414 Meters). I was no exception to
this, and was very sick my first day….I tried the Coca Tea, but seemed nothing
helped but rest….so that is what I did….quiet rest….and lots of water.
The next day I checked in with Peru Moto Tours and was
able to go on an ATV tour that was scheduled and had room for one more. And since I was chomping at the bit to ride
my Falcon they assigned it to me for the next week and let me ride it up to the
ATV site. Wow, I was riding a
Motorcycle in Peru, I was overjoyed with a sense of adventure and freedom. I practically was in tears from excitement
of the week to come. My Falcon, who I
named Numero Ocho, was so small and light and awkward at first. I was impressed with the pep and speed of it
since it was only 400 cc’s. After all
the planning, being sick, I was finally riding. It made everything better, as it always does. Immediately I was
ready to for whatever life hurled at me. Very surreal. We rode through dilapidated parts of Cusco,
the smells of roadside eateries, the dogs barking and chasing us, the kids
playing in the streets, the traffic, oh the traffic is not moto friendly, and
made getting out in the country so much sweeter. The air was cool and crisp and the sun was shining. That moment where life is perfect, from the
inside out. That is the part I hunger
for every day. That shot of intense
perfection, the moment you first have when you realize that you are addicted
and your life is changed forever.
We had a beautiful ride up to the mountains and then a
grand tour on the ATV’s …as fun as they were I was only ready for more
motorcycling. We rode back at dusk to
our hotel right off Cusco main square, even after dark, the air was charged
with life of a big city, in an ancient and beautiful old capital town.
The next morning the tour started, 7 glorious days and 6
nights living on the road by motorcycle, my favorite place to be. We started out with a small ride locally;
we visited two ruins sites and several towns, with one very old church with beautiful
decorations. Then we stopped for a
coffee and had a bit of time to get to know the other riders here. There were two others on my trip, Daniel
from Canada and Matt from UK. My
brothers for the next week. It seems
that we were all on this journey fore the very same reasons, so we had the love
of motorcycling and the desire to witness Machu Pichu in common, which makes
for fast friendship no matter what part of the world you are from.
We arrived back late, that night and parked out bikes,
then off to bed to get prepared for out real trip to start at 9am the next
morning….
I had a small bag and all my gear, in September here is
chilly in the mornings and perfect days.
I brought my “winter” gear and a good full faced helmet, rain gear and
good boots. A regular sized back pack
for few clothes to change into, a small travel laptop, camera of course,
voltage adaptor with power strip, toiletries, and few odds and ends, knife,
compass, wet wipes, lots of chapstick.
I also recommend getting small bills of Nuevo Soles (Peruvian money) for
all the various charges of the road, parking, lunches, coffee, shopping in the
outside markets.
My initial desire to go to Peru like many others was Machu
Picchu the ancient Inca city…I have seen photos of this beautiful and magical
place from the many angles as well as the token tourist “sweet spot” where our
guide had taken us first.
I have watched many documentaries on the history and
speculations of this special location in our big and beautiful world…
However, my highlight was, I discovered, winding through the
Andes Mountains on my rented Honda Falcon 400 ….our tour consisted of
approximately 850 miles, most of which were hard packed dusty roads…
The people of Peru had stolen my heart…some of the villages
we were able to go through. I was struck of the hardship that Peruvians in
general had to endure…for centuries…However the most resilient, innovative and
creative people…. the appearances of true Peruvians …each line on their faces
earned with earnest hard work and respect of the environment and mother nature. I was in awe…
My trip was a leap of faith for me into this wonderful world
of Adventure riding; I have met the most inspiring and encouraging people
through sharing the passion for riding.
I know I have many years to come of riding and many adventures
waiting for me.
This was a building block for me of experience, skills and
confidence.
I wonder where the road will take me next….
even got back cover of a moto mag...awesome!!
