Preparation

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step is the off-quoted statement about committing to a course of action. It is often also the hardest as it is easy to be distracted by work and life and put off any adventures to another time. Our first step was to pay the deposit on the trip. That was our commitment to actually undertaking the adventure. 

So having committed to the 100-day, 24,000km motorcycle trip we knew it would demand meticulous preparation. While Olaf Moon is riding the entire distance, I have a seat in the support van. Therefore my preparation was easier than those riding bikes. who had to do full maintenance on the motorcycle to ensure it was in peak condition and then ride it to Melbourne to ship it to Santiago in Chile. We have heard the bikes have arrived and our tour guide and support driver are helping everyone by clearing the bikes through customs and having them waiting at the hotel when we arrive.

Compass Expeditions provided excellent pre-briefing materials and lists of tasks such as Visa's, insurance, international driving licenses, how to learn Spanish, and what to pack. Part of the cost was for two durable duffle bags (black Wolf brand) to pack our gear in. For the riders, I suspect one will be for ride gear and one for non-riding clothes. My two bags are split between the 100-day motorcycle trip and then my travels after South America which include NYC and Washington (so some business attire and going-out clothes).

As a self-confessed foodie, I looked at our itinerary and matched days in certain cities with restaurants on Foodie Lists such as The Worlds Top Fifty and the Michelin Guide to see where we might be able to experience some of the top-rated restaurants in South America.

I was also fortunate to have a close friend spend six months in South and Central America and he has provided some great tips about traveling there, personal security, and eating out.

So, as the final days tick down we are ensuring work and home are in the best condition they can be before we leave and looking forward to meeting the crew and fellow travelers on this adventure.