Ducati Monster Forum

A little back ground before i get started, I was at me job for the last 8.5 years and got tired of it and need a change. So i quite work, got a one way ticket to Hanoi(Vietnam), bought a motorcycle. Now the plan is to travel all through out SE Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) for the next few months on motorbike (that's what they call them over here) and share my pictures and stories. From there also visit Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, Japan. From there head back to the US and tour the US for a few months stopping by to meet as many DMF's as i can along the way (read: drink your beer sleep on your couch). Then come Fall head south, first Baja, then over to the mainland and continue south till i get tired, but at least get to Coast Rica before coming back. So well see how it all goes.

Why is this in Orange? Well a slight nod to tigre, and all posts and stories will be in orange so you can skip all the replies and thread jacks and go to the orange stuff for actual content and trip reports.

If you want the full blog you can view at www.100kilometersandrunnin.wordpress.com (http://www.100kilometersandrunnin.wordpress.com). This is my blog that ill be updating with more details, pics and vids on the entire trip but i thought id share the moto related stuff here.

So to start off...NEW BIKE

Picked this up today, its a Russian Minsk 125 2 stroke, and boy does it put out a smoke screen when on the gas. What i find most interesting so far is that it uses 20w-40 4 stroke oil in the gas, not the usual 2 stroke oil. That's what the shop told me to use and who am i to argue. After 100 Km's of riding today it runs alright. Not a lot of power or acceleration, but as long as it keeps running that's fine by me. The ride is a bit harsh and the frame as stiff as a wet noodle. When i turn the bars i can feel the front end flex before it decides to turn the bike. Once i got use to that it wobbles down the road quite nicely. Torque feels OK down low, but it doesn't seem to want to produce much power when you try to rev it out, which is odd for a 2 stroke. Very different engine feel compared to my old dirt bike(96 CR125R). But this bike was designed back in the 40's. Oh well, so far it seems alright except for the gas tank leaking. Going to bring it back to the shop when i get back to Ha Noi on Friday and have them take care of it. Here is the bike all loaded up for its maiden voayge. 100 Kilometers from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Off to catch a ferry tomorrow to Cat Ba island for a few days of exploring.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1WeKW218UI/AAAAAAAAAKk/4YFoUSd6HMM/s640/IMG_6394-1.JPG)


Some fun Vids i made yo see what im up against

Driving in Taxi in Hanoi
Driving in Hanoi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV_pfamDX10#normal)

Crossing the street
Crossing the street in Hanoi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DLDfhd4SfE#normal)



DTM

 [popcorn] [drink] [popcorn]

SUBSCRIBED!  [thumbsup]

Of all the thread titles out there, you had to choose the worst NWA album of all time? ;D

j/k...have fun, Dan. Looking forward to hearing more.

Hey DTM...

you might try pulling the baffle and burning the scunge off it.

It may help the power and revving.

+1.

Stop into Oz Monsters when the times comes to plan the Australian section. We'll make sure you're looked after. Just ask DQ!

+1

Those guys are great!

wow !!  [bow_down]

Geez Dan, with all that crap on the back, wheelies should be no problem!
 
Remember to keep the greasy side down my friend. [thumbsup]

Good-duc, Dan!

Noice, DTM.  [thumbsup]  How much did the bike run ya?

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1PA_T4RBEI/AAAAAAAAAI4/yRPCsrpIqn4/s512/IMG_6350-1.JPG)

Already eatin' street food, eh?  I can't wait for your blog post about GI distress, broken down by country and food.   [laugh] 

Don't eat anything they serve on something moving (trains, planes, etc).

Eat the local food.

Don't eat anything with more than two ingredients. Ice is an ingredient.

 :P

Mad Props Dan.  Ride safe, be well.  When in SoCal, look me up and you'll be taken care of!  [thumbsup]

Mother is practically jumping for joy at having you come visit us in sunny Oregon. Aim for September so you can come to the wedding.  [thumbsup]

I feel all left out sitting in Europe :(
What an incredible plan (or lack thereof)
Very happy for you!

Huzzah!

Glad you're using a NorthFace bag, and not a more unconventional luggage carrier on that thing

(http://www.radiotimes.com/content/features/galleries/richard-hammond/13/mainImage.jpg)

Ride safe and keep us posted!

Awesome!!  [bow_down]

Glad to see you're doing well so far. [thumbsup]

Good Luck Dan ... I wish I could do the same ....

Lemme know if you wanna visit Malaysia ....

One hellova adventure you are heading out on :o  If you still have the courage to do Da Bronks we have a room for you.

 [popcorn]

+1.
Though it may just be the vintage and the pipe design holding it back, it's worth a shot.

When you are in Singapore PM me, ....

there's a beer and a hot meal with your name on it!  [beer]

Good idea it does feel choked up, and a bit rich. 1/4 throttle it runs right along, any more doesnt seem to help and the cloud of smoke is ginormase.

I will, may need some assistance in purchasing a bike. Ill need to pick your brains to see whats allowable.

As much grease, oil and gas this thing drips, its hard to tell which side that is :P

It was 450us, may have been a bit over prices but this guy seems to have a good reputation. New tires, huge bag of spares and full set of tools. So far it leaks gas and the head light doesnt work. Ill get the guy to fix when i get back to Hanoi

The street food is great! That's all i've been eating.

The worst part of street food, is those stupid little chairs, i don't exactly fit. Haven't broken one yet.

No problem, happy to help. Our "local" board extends across the country, give us enough notice to get things together, and some of us may be able to be sherpas - it'll be like the friggin olympics, just we'll be passing each other dtm rather than a torch!

Me, you, your couch, your beer  ;D

wait that doesnt sound right....

Sounds like a plan, ill be the guy that just washed his clothes in the sink. i'm getting good at it.

Well if makes you feel any better, I've meet a lot of Europeans on this trip already.

I'd love to get back to Europe and ride it properly, but the Euro is not kink to my American dollar.

And here's my photo album from September, I know where you took that pic in your Avatar.

http://picasaweb.google.com/DTMALBUM/Europe2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHA17ednPfRWA# (http://picasaweb.google.com/DTMALBUM/Europe2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHA17ednPfRWA#)

I do! Where are you at? Maybe April time frame, ill be there.

Thanks, will do, may have to ditch the bike to get there, not sure if they'll let me in.

 :o


 :-*

Riding around Cat Ba Island

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1bryhza0pI/AAAAAAAAAMg/6jxPkGeAnMY/s640/IMG_6470-1.JPG)

our first boat trip

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1bo9wvpXMI/AAAAAAAAALQ/haxHJko0Onw/s640/IMG_6407-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1brwy4W8UI/AAAAAAAAAMY/WFX4G4L13-s/s640/IMG_6467-1.JPG)

out of the way beach

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1br3myFj-I/AAAAAAAAAMs/cE46HmYEZ2Y/s640/IMG_6490-1.JPG)

I think goldFish might know where there's a very used M800 to be had ;D

I am really excited for this trip keep us updated!  Your trek through Asia is exactly what i plan on doing when my brother is out of the army!  I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience!

If I (6'4" 270) didn't break one, you won't!  Great trip. Are you headed towards Dalat?  That was my favorite city when I was there a couple of years ago.

oh soo true about the Euro. your bike here would way more even IF it could be put on the road. Enjoy Asia.

I'm in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, approx 330 miles south of the Malaysia - Thailand border. See you in April Dan .......

Just in case you'll be interested Dan ..... 9 - 12 April, Songkran festival (Thailand New Year) will take place. Water will be splashing & coming from every direction & most of the Thais major town will be wet. I might be in Phuket during that time as usually it also coincide with Phuket Bike Week... You might wanna show your Minsk there  ;D

 ;D

There's innuendo in there somewhere-I just know it.

Almost nothing but innuendo in there!

mebby, i was thinking SV 650 for cheap reliability


Ask away with any details, probably best while i can still rememberr.

 

Probably, just ran into a couple who's room was broken into and money and camera were stolen while they where in there sleeping! Wont keep me from going, but its the first time ive had a first hand account of this type of behavior.


Ahh, now there's a plan  [thumbsup]

Bike update, got the gas tank replaced. Turns out it was leaking by the welds where it mounts to the frame. Also it was running a bit rich, so the guy i bought it from adjusted the carb a bit and it feels better. Ill know more tomorrow on the 150K i plan on riding. Rained all day today on my ride in from Cat Ba and probably going to rain for the next few days  [bang] Oh and figured out why the lights didn't work, there is a switch to turn them on, who knew.

Here is a shot of the ferry crew unloading the bike
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1lxP9qxHUI/AAAAAAAAAP0/MbMCBE_E6-s/s640/IMG_6640-1.JPG)

And Halong Bay
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1lxLKDiMfI/AAAAAAAAAPU/kd_iq67GzWo/s640/IMG_6578-1.JPG)
 
Cave
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1lxKVEcxLI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/Cyf-KkhWjMs/s640/IMG_6575-1.JPG)

Just another weekend ride  :P
These were takes on H6 between Hanoi and Mai Chau, and Mai Chau and Son La.

The roads have pot holes and are cracking in some places, but when your doing all of 60 KPH (37mph) it doesn't really matter. Even at that speed i was still the fastest bike on the road. They just don't ride fast around there.

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wdrS_pFKI/AAAAAAAAASg/qjAZY69LQFo/s640/IMG_6663-1.JPG)
(http://[url=http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wdspebpUI/AAAAAAAAASk/1KwHecedziw/s640/IMG_6669-1.JPG]http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wdspebpUI/AAAAAAAAASk/1KwHecedziw/s640/IMG_6669-1.JPG[/url])

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wdz7lEv0I/AAAAAAAAATE/OeV7zgK7N_k/s640/IMG_6693-1.JPG)


If i could have found one of these, i would have got this instead.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wd04nyDDI/AAAAAAAAATI/PIpvyH0Cq50/s640/IMG_6697-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wd1qGIIhI/AAAAAAAAATM/EXnIVushzwo/s640/IMG_6699-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wd3xvmmxI/AAAAAAAAATY/UeUctMFIFes/s640/IMG_6708-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1wd93GG6NI/AAAAAAAAATs/WwTgeH5ZFW8/s640/IMG_6744-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S1weBaDyEdI/AAAAAAAAAT0/PkzAx9ZoB7k/s640/IMG_6756-1.JPG)

Is that a Vietnamese equivalent of Gold Wing?

And I dunno Dan, the Minsk seems a better choice if you want the whole SE Asia experience  ;D

Here is some videop from my ride out of Sapa. This is one of the nicer roads ive been on so far. The majority have been about 50/50 dirt and crappy pavement.

SAPA to Lao Cai (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH2_NeJxX4o#normal)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S16_oxeksRI/AAAAAAAAAWE/jr8dwSeMRII/s640/IMG_6759-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2DmyadtK_I/AAAAAAAAAXo/cedzksMC9vs/s640/IMG_6828-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2Dm5h02S4I/AAAAAAAAAX4/pGRGfe62cgE/s640/IMG_6860-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2KPrnsOQ8I/AAAAAAAAAZw/1lCedQcaPss/s512/IMG_6976-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2PfLQqVhqI/AAAAAAAAAbg/JorreXPv_QA/s640/IMG_7033-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2PfGtZOyQI/AAAAAAAAAbY/gIA4QNEc3tw/s512/IMG_7031-1.JPG)

Gas anyone?
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2PfUMuCssI/AAAAAAAAAb4/N_Zm_1Hulbw/s512/IMG_7042-1.JPG)

You Crazy American. don't you know that the speed in Vietnam is slow and slower!

you were tearing them up!

that asshole car in front though kept crossing the center line. hate to be coming the other way on him.

Awesome Dan...  Just awesome!  Can't wait to hear the stories over a beer or three when you get back.  [drink]

Thats all i could get out of that bike, and it was down hill too! Still don't think i broke 40mph.

Cars, trucks, buses, water buffalo, Hmong, trees, dogs, kids sitting in the street in your lane is par for the course. Ive come to expect it. But when your going slow, its plenty of time to react. I think i burned up my rear drum brake

A Little driving lesson for those of you planning to visit Vietnam. View the picture below. This is your typical 6 lane highway.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2lYkcM-YYI/AAAAAAAAAfI/OIIt93aKuaM/s640/IMG_0012-1.JPG)

You don't see 6 lanes? Sure you do count with me, The green and orange truck are in one lane and the Bus coming at you in your lane (2) Now there is the paved shoulder next to the faint dotted line (2) and then there is the dirt shoulder, where the bike is dodging the bus (2) and that makes 6. These lanes are bi-directional at any given time and can contain buses, trucks, scooters, bicycle, tractors, cows, goats, water buffalo, children, pigs, chickens, goats, ect. Happy riding!

Bike Update

So the bike has been running like shit since, well ever since i bought it. Seems to be having air fuel issues. Have gone through three plugs in just over 1200 miles. All fouled from too much fuel. Well yesterdays plug check revealed too lean for the first time, with no adjustments made. Bike has been getting harder to start cold and today's ride it was hesitating and stumbling all the way. Changed the plug on the road and no help. Also backed off the oil mix a little bit from 5% to 4% and no help.

So first thing i decided was to check the fuel filter at the bottom of the petcock. Opened it up and it was filled with rust, dirt and probably paint chips. Looked like a cup of coffee with all the grinds at the bottom. Good news is we're on the path in the right direction, bad news, all of the threads inside the filter cover broke when i took it off. Tomorrows mission, find that part if i can. If not, im sure there is some way i can bypass the system with a "T" fitting and some extra fuel line with an inline fuel filter. Next up clean that carb! All i had tonight was some laundry detergent and the hotel sink to clean it up in. Ill take it with me on my parts search tomorrow to see if i can get a hold of some carb cleaner. Lets just hope the gaskets can be reused. But if i find the guy that has the fuel filter, he'll probably have the carb gaskets or the entire carb.

Sincerely
busted petcock in Hue

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2w9AQoSNNI/AAAAAAAAAh4/2qyeFFK5edk/s640/IMG_0234.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2w9CcGkOqI/AAAAAAAAAh8/NYEznRduUJc/s640/IMG_0239.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2w9EO2Rd7I/AAAAAAAAAiA/MPIexWkSxPU/s640/IMG_0242.JPG)

And a quick shot of Hue
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2xCWUU0MHI/AAAAAAAAAig/qfPbIfWynPU/s640/IMG_0217-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S2xCZPIM_yI/AAAAAAAAAik/NC-cdY-A5E4/s640/IMG_0229-1.JPG)

 

Well that was fairly easy fix. Walked across the street to the mechanic, he didnt have it but a moto taxi offered to take me to a couple of shops to find it for $2. After a few try's we found and replacement petcock. Less than 1/2 hour it was fixed. Motor seems back to its normal level of crap. Going to play with the carb some more and see if i cant get it tune in. Think im going to splurge and get new foam for my seat, $15

Like DP suggested, try burning the crap offa the silencer insert in that pipe.

It was a great idea, cleaned out about two pounds of carbon 2T oil build up. Sealed it back up best i could, still a small air leak between the header and the pipe and put a rag in the hole i made to pull it out. I was able to close the one between the header and the head.

Figured out why the bike was hard to start and possibly the hesitation problem. There was a wire on the generator loose, so the plug wasn't getting a spark.

Got to still play with the carb, its looking better but could play with the air screw and idle a bit to get it better.   

Now back the pre-mix to about 32:1 (4oz/gal) and use real 2 smoker oil. ;)

Id love to go to a 40:1 2Toil mix. But im going with the recommended from the shop. Any oil now days will be 10x than when the bike was designed. Im sure at some point i wont be able to find the oil and have to go with whats available.

More pics. Making my way down the coast, the the Highway 1 is not much of a coastal road as California highway1. These shots are from the 17th Parallel, Hue, and Hoi An.

Imperial palace at Hue
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S27YNkYf-TI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/TBsJw7xgHm0/s640/IMG_0293-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S27YUbKvJzI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Aq43oC1-Ww4/s512/IMG_0294-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S27Yi_jnKcI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Sz21Dl7-TWI/s640/IMG_0323-1.JPG)

Bridge spanning the 17th parallel with the reunification monument in the back.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S27d2fNIu9I/AAAAAAAAAkU/HtHX4D2O5ZE/s512/IMG_0151-1.JPG)

Start of the Hai Van pass
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3EoFHROCAI/AAAAAAAAAlo/hzWJ52cWqNQ/s640/IMG_0351-1.JPG)

Taking a break
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3EoG8YzRlI/AAAAAAAAAls/A9UBCbjn1gc/s640/IMG_0354-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3EoSWoRpQI/AAAAAAAAAmU/2DKiW_KUbdE/s640/IMG_0408-1.JPG)

fun little bike
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3EoVh_A3lI/AAAAAAAAAmc/_XmZG1NdUNA/s640/IMG_0427-1.JPG)

Hand crafted in Hoi An
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3EoaBMWU-I/AAAAAAAAAmw/NaORqLOq_wE/s640/IMG_0440-1.JPG)

Great pics and great report.  Keep them coming!

Looking good Dan, good luck.  [thumbsup]

I bet about right now you're glad you bought that 2-stroke dirt bike a coupla years ago.   ;)

Nice shots, DTM.  That Sachs is exactly the one we were talkin' about a while back.  See if you can fit one in your bag and smuggle it back.   ;D   [evil]  Any boobies pics yet?

I cant tell you how invaluable the last year i spent riding dirtbike's with Jammen and friends has been. It makes passing on the shoulder, riding these "highways" so much easier. Doesn't matter how big the construction or dirt pile i come across, it hasn't been much of a challenge. I want to do some more off-roading, but i don't want to thrash the bike too much.

That Sachs would make a great city bike! Its small enough i can bag it up as a carry-on. 

No boobies, but i think i staid in a brothel the other night.

some beach and new years shots. First from Quy Nhon and then Nha trang


Best rest stop ever. Fresh coconuts and hammocks!
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3KW6USj3SI/AAAAAAAAAnk/TpqY2ZX-GeU/s640/IMG_0472-1.JPG)

Rice
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3KW4_fsUaI/AAAAAAAAAng/FLfQ628adNQ/s640/IMG_0471-1.JPG)

View from outside of my hotel in Quy Nhon
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3lnRaqUu6I/AAAAAAAAAq8/FI3ZTEZ99tk/s640/IMG_0497-1.JPG)

Dinghy's to get to the bigger boats
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3KW8cUK-5I/AAAAAAAAAns/8OeUruUvWOo/s640/IMG_0491-1.JPG)

Fishing nets in Quy Nhon
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3KW7G_9nnI/AAAAAAAAAno/szJ5L8DhVAA/s640/IMG_0480-1.JPG)

Bai Bau beach, I saved a seat for you
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3lnWKG6_DI/AAAAAAAAArA/vwHzX0wB0ok/s640/IMG_0498-1.JPG)

Nha Trang, reminds me of Waikiki
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3lnfSuxWgI/AAAAAAAAArQ/cAWHN6mA-YI/s640/IMG_0557-1.JPG)

New Years parade
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3lnoe8DdeI/AAAAAAAAArg/d90iHklbkOc/s640/IMG_0585-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3lnhMLahII/AAAAAAAAArU/k9sFWpNwMbA/s512/IMG_0581-1.JPG)

Drummers
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3lnrKwlGKI/AAAAAAAAArk/tY77Rre8UPU/s640/IMG_0614-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S3ln0Y0_OQI/AAAAAAAAArs/D4RwUFKcvdc/s640/IMG_0628-1.JPG)

Nha Trang New Years 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heDxN7l7uIQ#normal)

Dude...  Awesome shots.

Oh, and thanks for saving me a seat.  I'll be right over.  [cheeky]

www.kayak.com (http://) for cheap flights [thumbsup]

Road Karma and Improv Parts


I forget who mentioned it one time but a friend of mine (Duck-Stew i believe it was you?) said something about Road Karma. Something to the effect wherever you break down, that's where you were meant to break down and the road will help you out. Whether the part that you need is laying on the side of the road or you just stopped in front of the only mechanic in town. For me my saving part was a guy names Ny. Riding down the freeway as fast as the little Minsk would go I had a blow out. Valve stem decided it was time to depart from the tube. The rear tire went to mush and I managed to get it off the road and stopped before it put me down.  I ran through my list of options, did i just pass a moto shop? Don't know, I think so. Can I fix myself? Yes I have the tools but no air pump. Where can I get an air pump? Mime conversations with the locals. As I stood there Ny shouted out "Do you need some help?" My thoughts, holy sh*t that was English, and good, I'm saved!!! And the Road shall provide. Ny stopped for some roadside corn to bring home, and, well I just happened to be there looking like a lost puppy. He found a house a few meters up the road that had an air pump, as that was the only tool missing to complete the job. With his help we had it repaired and road ready in short amount of time. I tried to compensate him for his help, but he refused. He said he always helps visitors in need in his country and all he asked was I do the same. No problem. Turns out he was also headed to HCMC so he offered to lead me in as the signs can get a bit confusing when entering the major cities. Thanks again NY! Experiences like this make the trip special. By the way, he thought I was nuken futs (crazy) for doing this on my own not knowing anyone here. I laughed, yup you can call me crazy =)


Improvised parts. Life on the road with a motorbike (or any vehicle) can be tough. Sometimes I need parts and they just aren't around. Or lack of communication (my fault for not knowing the language) makes it harder to find parts I need, so I just have to make them. Today I needed a gasket between the header and the exhaust pipe.  An air leak here is not good for optimal performance of a motor so I needed to fix.

Step 1. Get an aluminum can. Soda, Beer, whatever and empty it. The fun part. Remove the top and bottom. Be careful, its sharp.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S37AM2mdFvI/AAAAAAAAAuI/23_KvRKF5tA/s640/IMG_0765.JPG)
Step 2. Cut it down the middle
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S37ANyI8_zI/AAAAAAAAAuM/2LcMfCCtg-I/s640/IMG_0766.JPG)

Step 3. Install between the header pipe and exhaust can to close off air leaks.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S37APeHkEJI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/FNWdW49q37Q/s640/IMG_0768.JPG)

Step 4. Apply bandages.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S37AQEjIKVI/AAAAAAAAAuU/nst_hjnatfg/s640/IMG_0769.JPG)

Actually both step three and four could be captioned " Apply Bandages" [cheeky]



I am really enjoying your travelogue - thanks for the posts!

DanTheEmoMan

Subscribed...I have some catching up to do though.  Didn't realize you've been posting here.  I would have come in to razz you earlier.  I heard you peed on my bushes during your going away party.  Remind me when you get back: I owe ya.   [cheeky]

Aw that would have been better!

Glad your enjoying!



I was going to make jokes about it if anyone asked, but no one did. They probably thought it was some sort of spirtual bracelet thats these hippy dudes are wearing


It was your neighbors house. And Jimbo made me do it.

ya, WTF DTM? you know the MOB needs an ingraven invitation to step outside.
Sheeesh. I've been missing out.

Excellent stuff btw!!! Bravo  [clap] [popcorn]


I'll hold him down, you pee on him. It'll cure him of any juju he picked up abroad or he may just be used to it by the time he gets back.   I read something about water sports and Phucket a few posts back.  [cheeky]

gees i guess so, i posted when i got it started  [laugh]

Ok lets see we got a little bit of Saigon, ( i like that better than Ho Chi Minh City) the mekong delta, and Phu Quoc island where i'm at now

Amazing road from Nha Tranf to Delat, with about 15K of dirt. I get some strange looks when im standing up riding the bike past tour buses and everyone on scooters
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4ACe6JmAAI/AAAAAAAAAu8/7QtEtEzF_C8/s640/IMG_0663-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4ACiItz5VI/AAAAAAAAAvE/i01hJtJX5_M/s640/IMG_0672-1.JPG)

Year of the tiger, Tet Festival decorations
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4ACjm_A6II/AAAAAAAAAvI/BqAdc4O9iYQ/s640/IMG_0682-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4ACmGJTzTI/AAAAAAAAAvU/aR9X-5pYYE8/s640/IMG_0695-1.JPG)

Badass dog
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4ACvU3StbI/AAAAAAAAAwE/BkCKi-roGss/s576/IMG_0793-1.JPG)

Three hour tour on the Mekong
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4ACxtuk91I/AAAAAAAAAwM/XUDDpv3c7Oc/s640/IMG_0801-1.JPG)

Tour ended with a tow in
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4AC3N9XZ0I/AAAAAAAAAwg/-WMezD6DzBA/s640/IMG_0824-1.JPG)

Ferry ride to Phu Quoc island
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VG73b1BZI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/eBqEOyXgYeo/s576/IMG_0857-1.JPG)

Long pier
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VG9f4hMhI/AAAAAAAAA0U/_nKUFJDZTMA/s640/IMG_0859-1.JPG)

"Smoking Joe", I've never named any of my bikes but i think it's appropriate.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VG_ot0oJI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/2JHs22I-bdo/s640/IMG_0896-1.JPG)

Beaches
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHBn1fvdI/AAAAAAAAA0c/oVI0pnlGCzc/s640/IMG_0913-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHK3i0NLI/AAAAAAAAA04/O6RK1wVhq60/s640/IMG_0971-1.JPG)

Coconut or beer, hmmm?
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHEwgA7gI/AAAAAAAAA0o/j3Aqwn2etCs/s640/IMG_0954-1.JPG)

Rush hour in the harbor
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHHhoq9MI/AAAAAAAAA0w/t8qOTaEJy_M/s640/IMG_0963-1.JPG)

Absolutely incredible sunsets, hard to choose one picture
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHJVIslkI/AAAAAAAAA00/NFtyKOHTX-I/s640/IMG_0970-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHMuu1ekI/AAAAAAAAA08/oEeNtO_elak/s640/IMG_0978-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHNsAzBBI/AAAAAAAAA1A/tV4XRXEVBsI/s640/IMG_0985-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHT7f_xXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/X2oiUxj4zqQ/s640/IMG_1029-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4VHUhd3k3I/AAAAAAAAA1g/FNlWquyK6Z8/s640/IMG_1031-1.JPG)

I like the new red tank Dan. [thumbsup]

It's faster now.

Yup...  It was me!  I've been on the side of the road and looked down too many times to find *just* what I needed to fix the problem, or broke down in front of someone's house who was very helpful...  Yeah, it's Road-Karma baby.  [thumbsup]

That's the GOOD road karma.  If I were you I wouldn't travel anywhere with HeMan.........

El Matador is worse. It rains on him.

That's a good plan, I suspect that at some point there will be a blast radius involved.

Of course it is...

and it looks marvelous

Yeah i only had the blue one for a couple of days, there was a leak at one of the welds so i took it back and this is all they had. As long as it doesn't leak its fine with me.

I dont think anything could the bike faster, but it has been a great dirtbike.

 [thumbsup]  i knew it was you, just couldn't find the post.

 ;D

When I requested boobie pics, this wasn't what I was lookin' for, mang.   [cheeky]

Ya look like you've lost some weight.  That's what a little bit of travel Ebola will do for ya. 

You finding folks to travel with along the way?  I've always managed to hook up with people for a week or two when traveling, but imagine that'd be much harder on a bike.

I haven't really had any problems in the plumbing department. I think its mostly unprocessed foods and not much snacking at all. Its the same price to buy a meal as a snickers bar. Eating the street food, rarely do i eat at an actual restaurant and haven't had a craving for "western" food. But yeah probably dropped about 10 lbs within the first few weeks.

Usually ill meet other travelers and got site seeing for a day or so. Then for the getting around part im on my own. Most are going greater distances and faster than i can go by bike.

Awesome pics...those sunsets were beautiful.  Reminds me of when I was in Thailand (Songkla), Malaysia and a  little bit of Singapore. 

Dan,
Waaaaay back in 08 there was a cupcake ride and you were the sweep for the fast group...and I was the slowest of that group.
Just wanted to say HI! and I've also  been reading and enjoying your travel log. [drink] [popcorn]
Please keep up the great pics and stories.
Us cube drones need to keep believing.

Safe travels and best of luck

-Tom

Hey Tom yup i remember the ride well.

Glad your enjoying the trip with me. I was once a cube drone myself. A friends travel blog (www.imisstony.com (http://)) similar to this got me going on this trip.

Cambodia. What can i say, been in the country less than 48hrs and it already chewed me up and spit me out. First morning site seeing around Phnom Penh i got shook down by the "Police" within a block from my hotel. Riding the wrong way down a one way and no license. The guy want $50, he ended up with $4. From then on i just wanted out of the city. Cut my stay short by a day and went to Siem Reap. But the strangle hold of the city was tight. Flat tire first thing in the morning, 6am. Fixed and back on the road, another flat 6:45am and less that 2K's away. It was my fault, i failed to pull the nail out of the tire when fixing the first flat. I knew better to check the inside of the tire but didn't. Finally i escaped it's grips.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u47iSY_BI/AAAAAAAAA4c/q_0vPFDKSuw/s800/IMG_1154-1.JPG)

New country new set of challenges, or a party bus!
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u40D5wsVI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/OvXKsju1NAA/s912/IMG_1161-1.JPG)

The locals taking interest in the map
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u5G2mwLHI/AAAAAAAAA4o/p6D7z2JVys4/s640/IMG_1256-1.JPG)

Salt fields
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u46KkmkYI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/upYWKlvH6xc/s912/IMG_1156-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u4NEi2gYI/AAAAAAAAA3o/95Q0VSyxV88/s720/IMG_1204-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u3-gKaAhI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/ikgmNd9CFeI/s800/IMG_1236-1.JPG)

Choeung Ek
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u4bm1qOxI/AAAAAAAAA34/_cAauzx5fXc/s800/IMG_1183-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u4e5P9XxI/AAAAAAAAA38/CqWLt_mgpcI/s512/IMG_1182-1.JPG)

S21
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u4lStAyKI/AAAAAAAAA4A/fMvCU4Efbzo/s640/IMG_1179-1.JPG)

Not Jw, but it will burn going down
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S4u5DozFDGI/AAAAAAAAA4k/3JtTfTaRPPM/s576/IMG_1257-1.JPG)

They even bargain down their bribes? Damn...glad you made it out of there OK.

You should temporarily change the name of your blog...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkaH2OVhPug#t=0m20s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkaH2OVhPug#t=0m20s)

For the most part they know its bullshit and just a quick way to make a buck. If they really wanted they could have taken the bike and thrown me in jail siting any story they wanted. Im only pulling out 1000R next time, which is like $.25.

anyone heard from DTM?

It's been almost a week.

He's in custody, most likely.

I hate when that happens.

You wouldn't if you had met Dan.  ;)

You're bein' kinda harsh.

I'm pretty sure it's not his fault he got hooked up with Spidey. [evil]

busy week and not much net access. Laos seems to be behind the times

Stopped by Angkor Wat for a few days then decided to get the hell out of Cambo. Figured out the bike only does 50k/hr cause it takes me two hours to ride 100K. Which makes for some long days. Had another flat somewhere in the middle of an almost 500K day. Hit the border to Laos the next day. Took a few minutes to get paper work for visa and insurance,  then 5 hours at the customs office. 5 minutes for paper work and the the rest of the time drinking beer, eating and playing volleyball with the customs officials, border patrol and police. What a great country! Been looking over maps and it seems Laos is going to have some great riding. Just wish i had a proper bike to enjoy. My SM690 would be perfect right now. Anyone want to box it up and send it?

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S45rPwpoivI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/jaLcNOvug1c/s912/IMG_1288-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S45rcB7ZXEI/AAAAAAAAA8o/Q_tc3YGxI10/s912/IMG_1527-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S45peXgPaUI/AAAAAAAAA6s/twMgoYJ8HjI/s912/IMG_1430-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S45rAEY8GfI/AAAAAAAAA8A/-MmdXuFLOVY/s720/IMG_1327-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S45rG0YQyWI/AAAAAAAAA8I/X2jhLrA0l5c/s912/IMG_1324-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S45p3pbe3JI/AAAAAAAAA68/rueXGZY8MUY/s640/IMG_1398-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S45pSeS-CzI/AAAAAAAAA6c/RcKN4JaqSr0/s512/IMG_1474-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5ZKzHPBgPI/AAAAAAAAA-k/gc3Hqv2pwKA/s912/IMG_1546-1.JPG)

Island of Don Det
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5ZKHh6fuYI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/L9JdsyKFUeU/s640/IMG_1576-1.JPG)

Return to the Mekong
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5ZKn_HClTI/AAAAAAAAA-c/JRmCBaHIGqo/s800/IMG_1560-1.JPG)

Glad you're not...

'in custody' ;D

Lovin' the photos DTM.  Damn you make me wish I was there with you.

Cheers to ya!  [thumbsup]  [drink]

Just tell me where you stored it and where I can find the keys and I'll send it *right* over. 

 ;D 

Any bets Stew does something similar in the near future? :P Looks like the seed has been planted.

I might Dan...  But until 2015, I have to scratch that itch domestically, once annually (or so) on my Harley.  After 2015, my daughter will be 18 and I would feel easier about staying overseas for extended periods...

I'd probably do South America first as my Spanish ain't too bad. :D

What's nice about S. America is you can ride your own moto down there.  I've always wanted to do that.....

Good man! Priorities #1!

I do plan a SA part of this journey starting Oct/Nov. Baja is at your doorstep. Or fly down meet me in Costa Rica for a week or so of getting lost in the Jungle!


Just thinking today about what moto to get? Cheap, reliable, dirtbike based. The bm's and Ktm's are nice but i worry about parts availability.

DR650
XR650L/R
KLX650

Turbo 'Busa...

I'll be in French Guyana in December. Stop in.

That is a good question actually.  I have no idea.  I know people have done the trip on the BMWs, but don't know if one particular manufacturer has better support than any other.

stay out of Venezuela!  It's a shame to say it but being from there and having family there still I know things are getting worse and crime is WAY up.

This post is for my riding friends: virtually, locally and worldwide. Lately I've been spending most of the time playing connect the  dots with tourist attractions in the guide-book but now its time to get back to what I came here to do and that's ride. Cambodia could quit possible the flattest country in this hemisphere. Which makes it nice when you have to lay down some tracks and make up a lot of kilometers in the day (to get out). As far as fun riding, lets just say I'd rather the police just take the rest of my money, call it a day and save me a sore ass. (that's sore ass from riding not the police, well, you know). Laos on the other hand has kilometer after kilometer of beautiful roads to get a proper "Sunday ride". As we like to call our escapades up Hwy 1 in NorCal. Although I'm only going 50Kph which is roughly 31mph. Which makes for a long day when you go 475K's, but plenty of time to stop and take some pictures. Back to the roads. Clean, clear, no traffic, no police, jungles, rivers, waterfalls, endless dirt tracks it's all here. When i make it back to Laos, im getting a real dirt bike to explore. My bike didn't take the 6in deep pot holes too well. At some point I lost my tail light. Probably was the same time my rear fender and bags fell off but I didn't notice the light or the turn signal missing. Guess that's my deposit of road Karma for someone else. And now I present to you: Riding in Laos.

First off some new bling for the bike. I blew out the first set of shocks early on, and the constant bouncing on springs was killing me. So for roughly $23, new set of shocks. The springs are too soft but it'll have to do.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uQzYoxwqI/AAAAAAAABCY/sLwE6sY2GEg/s512/IMG_1658-1.JPG)

Dirt tracks
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uTVEE7lBI/AAAAAAAABDE/u3VjlI2EvP4/s640/IMG_1607-1.JPG)

Shadow puppets
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uTD0XFARI/AAAAAAAABC8/xjoQZH82UU8/s800/IMG_1615-1.JPG)

Smaller dirt tracks
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uR-U6G7rI/AAAAAAAABCw/sTcf70XDsPY/s640/IMG_1646-1.JPG)

And smaller, that lead too...
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uSuqNbllI/AAAAAAAABC4/DIGI3E5IWP0/s640/IMG_1617-1.JPG)

Waterfalls!
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uSU4OOlDI/AAAAAAAABC0/o-ZtkzlaiIs/s640/IMG_1634-1.JPG)

wf, laos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocZS5yJmCYs#normal)

And rivers
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uRYtIHZWI/AAAAAAAABCk/iSiZy_b60Bg/s640/IMG_1651-1.JPG)

On the way to school
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uQtlcoXfI/AAAAAAAABCU/VQZuB5i5H6g/s720/IMG_1659-1.JPG)

Random villages
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uQnywpClI/AAAAAAAABCQ/5IvIS6wDpdY/s912/IMG_1663-1.JPG)

Laundry in the river
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uQatYXL_I/AAAAAAAABCI/XuLiRe4uji8/s720/IMG_1673-1.JPG)

Roads
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uPRxMx7JI/AAAAAAAABBw/LeTIGXXrZZI/s720/IMG_1704-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uOLjKg1TI/AAAAAAAABBc/32qM7GRRDi4/s720/IMG_1720-1.JPG)

Limestone mountains
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uNgMs7wHI/AAAAAAAABBU/xjxj4UxIr6E/s720/IMG_1728-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uPnHEKvMI/AAAAAAAABB4/37Vf7RkhxJg/s640/IMG_1694-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uPCSONf7I/AAAAAAAABBs/78B1_9OEQqc/s720/IMG_1706-1.JPG)

Trash cans made of old truck tires
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uQBqFBN7I/AAAAAAAABCA/d6APOSltymk/s800/IMG_1681-1.JPG)

Jungle road
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uN7OtcNtI/AAAAAAAABBY/VexvmXotyAM/s640/IMG_1722-1.JPG)

Taking a much needed break on a long day
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S5uTeKB5spI/AAAAAAAABDI/bvr3yJ_MasI/s800/IMG_1741-1.JPG)

I see twisties!!   [thumbsup]  You brought the Helimot gloves?  Interesting.  How are they holding up?

wonder if they are exporting those trash cans... they are cool... maybe just the plans?

Looks like a very well deserved break.  I am so envious of you trip!

Love your pics Dan .....

Love it man.  Just love it.  Please continue to enjoy the sh*t out of yourself and your trip.

Living vicariously through your posts w/beer in hand...
--Stu

Yup the Helimots. I had a new set made right before i left and these are the old set that he put a full new palm on both for $70. So the palms are new with the old tops. So far so good, but i imagine they'll have holes in the fingers by the time im done.

Doubt it, guys were just making them on the side of the road with a hammer and punch to get the "bead" part of the tire apart from the rest. No sawzall was used. The base is made from the bead part and the rest is just the tire turned inside out. Ill see if i can find one around town and get more detailed photos if your interested.

[thumbsup] Some of the days have been longer than i like, but just trying to hit convenient stopping points for the next days activities.


You know i will  [drink]


 [thumbsup]

Droping into Thailand in about 10 days time. I *may* make it to phucket for the bike fest, you still going? What days was it 14/4?

 [thumbsup]

Great pictures Dan, glad you're still doing well. [beer]

Thanks for the updates - looking forward to the next!!

Add one to the ticker...Yup I bined it. Lost the front end in a corner. Going in fast but nothing crazy. Decreasing radius turn just feathered the brake and leaned it in more at no point did i feel like i had no chance of making it other wise i would have stood it up and clamped down on the brakes. Minimal damage to the bike, broke the rear luggage rack and the header pipe and can came lose. just picked it up, straightened the bars to the front wheel and was back on the road. No injuries to me. Mostly my right shin and forearm hit the ground and i popped right back up and finished off the slide in a jog. Right shoulder a little sore, but no big deal. Lucky.

Lazy bike, got some good distance.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6oHm-KpmeI/AAAAAAAABKY/2aFQDyx-Urk/s640/IMG_2076.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6oHmAKi_uI/AAAAAAAABKU/5MaHH-sDpIU/s640/IMG_2077.JPG)

Gear held up. Arostich pants and RevIT mesh jacket. Had MotoX knee pads under the pants
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6oIRIg204I/AAAAAAAABKs/syztV4tl7p8/s640/IMG_2080.JPG)

scrapes to the pool of gas
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6oHnSkGAPI/AAAAAAAABKc/qY2ksphB2hQ/s512/IMG_2078.JPG)

Glad to hear you're ok and not injured! [thumbsup]

As long as you are OK - minor damage to bike and gear just adds "character"........

Ride safe, Dan [moto]

Seems the gear saved you from a beating.  Good to hear both you and the bike are in good enough condition to keep going [thumbsup]

Question:  Does this count toward the MOB Crash-Ticker?  Inquiring minds want to know!

(glad you're ok mang!)  [thumbsup]

[dons derby hat]
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=36295.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=36295.0)

Glad to hear you are alright.  One thing though, you need to clean your headlight.   [laugh] [moto] [cheeky]

Screw the MOB Crash Ticker.  It's the Clap Ticker that DTM's gonna wreak havoc on. 

 [puke]

<snip><snip>

I quoted this only to ensure everyone knew I was referring to you DTM.  I am so jealous, you are my hero.  Whenever I see a new post on this thread I click to your blog.  Awesome pics, Awesome fun, Awesome adventure.  To have the sack to quit your job and take off on an adventure like that is really something.

Life's short ride hard!

And for the record, large ones, made of brass, clank while walking!

 [laugh] Every time i clean the bike it rains. And i haven't been rained on since Begining of February so im going to stick too it



 [thumbsup] Thanks, It was tough to make the decision, but its the best one i have ever made. Cant believe i waited so long.

Lift IS short. Ride hard  [moto]

DTM

Clap ticker= 0

Just got to thailand so i can finally upload some videos. enjoy

HWY 7 Laos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpfGKiAMB9M#normal)

HWY 7 Laos 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKi7wnargMM#normal)

Hwy 7 Laos 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNRbA_KQtx0#)

Beatles rolling shit ball (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnH9IuZyKRY#normal)

Alright lot of catching up to do. Made it through northern Lao and just got to Thailand (keep an eye on the clap ticker, its going to move by the minuet). Partied my way through the northern parts of Lao. Spent a few days at Vang Vieng. What can i say, imagine Cancun during spring break in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Mind blowing landscapes and all night parties with the 18-21 crowd. Very uncharacteristic of Lao, but a good time. Right before i left for the Thai border i signed up for the Gibbon Experience(linky (http://www.gibbonx.org/)). Absolute f-ing blast! Tree houses and zip lines all to ourselves with no guides or restrictions. Chasing monkeys at 6am, and zipping and trekking the rest of the time. Dont think i could have found a better group of people to spent the time with. Remember check out the blog for more stories. I usually update here before the blog but more of my random bs on the blog. www.100kilometersandrunnin.wordpress.com (http://www.100kilometersandrunnin.wordpress.com)


Vientienne

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6Xsy2TDSmI/AAAAAAAABFI/BNN_QQ-Z5Jo/s640/IMG_1761-1.JPG)

Vang Vieng
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6XtlixxDvI/AAAAAAAABFs/lwIH_ZzXrfk/s912/IMG_1817-1.JPG)

Rock climbing in VV
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6XxNTn-0eI/AAAAAAAABGk/_hlKUnmeprQ/s512/IMG_1920-1.JPG)

Depending on the restaurants you can watch endless reruns of Friends, Family guy or Simpsons all day everyday.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6Xum3FNyOI/AAAAAAAABGE/5obcZY0PPHA/s640/IMG_1851-1.JPG)

I know another rice patty, but the make some good photos
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6XyUFAujGI/AAAAAAAABG8/Y7k-0JaO98Y/s640/IMG_1933-1.JPG)

Leftovers from the Vietnam war. Sad thats it is still killing people today.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6Xyy1MU_zI/AAAAAAAABHE/ouXegdov8Cw/s640/IMG_1946-1.JPG)

Plain of Jars. Unknown origin, thought to be used to make massive quantities of jam, apricot and strawberry  [cheeky].
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6Xz60nVukI/AAAAAAAABHU/jOIBJBP4-uA/s640/IMG_1955-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6X0eA0mUhI/AAAAAAAABHc/3NX7fhx4GZc/s800/IMG_1963-1.JPG)

See the red? See the white? Stay on the white side or you go boom. No joke. See here (MAG international (http://www.maginternational.org/news/laos-community-liaison-at-work/) for more info on cleaning the unexploded ordnance from the war.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6X01FFlWJI/AAAAAAAABHg/9CrA6UABFhQ/s512/IMG_1971-1.JPG)

In case you cant find it, the path to enlightenment.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6X0-QgCxdI/AAAAAAAABHk/uq7x8WUT5LQ/s640/IMG_1975-1.JPG)

Do not climb on the jars!
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6X1vLr5cxI/AAAAAAAABHs/oJEKpuEQshU/s512/IMG_1993-1.JPG)

Sezy
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6jiAQkL3jI/AAAAAAAABJs/pD_h2aXIFJ0/s640/IMG_2024-1.JPG)

Gibbon hike in
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69hwH6bjeI/AAAAAAAABLM/y_9A0XUOYww/s512/IMG_2088-1.JPG)

Tree house and base camp for the next three days
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69io8vD2rI/AAAAAAAABMY/jzwTicW076I/s576/IMG_2189-1.JPG)

Tree house 7
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69iNbiMGlI/AAAAAAAABL0/OyqXEhNgI6Y/s512/IMG_2131-1.JPG)

Bathroom view. So there was no plumbing other than the seat. That meant your droppings had about 150 feet to accelerate to hit the ground below. Imagine the sound that makes. Its a lot louder than you think!
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69ikYGICwI/AAAAAAAABMU/nMJNvy56uyk/s640/IMG_2182-1.JPG)

More creative uses for tires
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69h8uqYDkI/AAAAAAAABLc/HXcqis1vejc/s640/IMG_2110-1.JPG)

Gibbon Ex1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnxmNesqxVc#normal)

Gibbon Ex2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWFKYqavTWM#normal)

Gibbon Ex3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B29GWc3cTaI#normal)

Gibbons singing
Gibbons singing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrHN7JrBXw8#)

My team of highly trained professionals, or the guys crazy enough to go with me on a midnight zip line invasion of tree house 7.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69iXVX89EI/AAAAAAAABMA/MdjYbQJVFAo/s640/IMG_2154-1.JPG)

Our crew, We got Canadians, British, Amsterdam, German
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69is2mvg3I/AAAAAAAABMc/wCPQ72CT8bQ/s512/IMG_2191-1.JPG)

Monks
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69x2tJHSFI/AAAAAAAABNU/KT0S5uAcAPY/s512/IMG_2067-2.JPG)

Hows this for a road hazard?
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69x0ndBKVI/AAAAAAAABNQ/vVqkIlS0N7E/s576/IMG_2071-1.JPG)

The women here are tough. no pampering needed.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S69xv9IyLbI/AAAAAAAABNI/nYyFjRfcdXw/s640/IMG_2055-1.JPG)


Ride on everyone.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S6X2lXkvbKI/AAAAAAAABIE/f_ZGFlGo_x4/MVI_1944-1.jpg)





 

Well i think today marks the last day of riding. Due to visa issues, new years, and meeting a friend in a few weeks, it's done. Im stuck in BKK till the 14th to make a border run to renew visa. Make take a side trip to Pattaya for a few days but i can't complete the trip south like i wanted. Originally hoping to finish out the month riding but no go.

SERIOUSLY, IF ANYBODY WANTS TO TAKE UP WHERE I LEFT OFF, FREE BIKE, COME AND GET IT!!!! in BKK. For sale sign is going on it, and ill be gone by the 25th.

More pic's to come but just giving update while working through some beers.

Side note: BKK traffic is the worst!!! I had some guy try to "spidey" me today, but he lost. He thought i was turning right but i was going straight. Felt the bars and mirror on my left arm and he panicked and locked up the front. He went down pretty hard and got a good dose of rash for his troubles. I was more worried that we would have police ect invloved, but he smiled and waved and we both left the scene.

 [thumbsup]

OK last round of pictures from the riding tour. Like all things fun, its over all too quickly. I still have the rest of the month in Thailand but no riding, the way things worked out, no time. Still plenty of trip left but not riding related, well maybe, if things workout right. Some number totals for the trip

Mileage total 5494 or 8861K's
Vietnam-2483
Cambodia-837
Laos-1475
Thailand -699
Flat tires- 5
Crashes-1
Accidents-2
bolts lost and replaced-27000
Breakdowns that were not quick fixes - 0
Spark plugs -5
Paid off police for driving offenses - 2
Liters of fuel - 354
Liters of 2T oil - 18
Oil changes - 1
Shocks replaced - 1 pair
footpeg broken -1
Gas cap gaskets made and then lost inside the tank - 4 (tire tubes expand when immersed in gas, not good gasket material)
"Ferry" rides - 9 (only 2 were actual ferry's, the rest were a mix of long boats and passenger boats)
Petcock replaced -1

Sites of Thailand
Border crossing in long boat
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hKPE1mFTI/AAAAAAAABOQ/0VyA2_hFA0M/s640/IMG_2196-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hKtUFCQ9I/AAAAAAAABOo/Bzp5zaHEp5M/s576/IMG_2249-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hK9cPVg2I/AAAAAAAABO0/twrs-ESCG3Q/s720/IMG_2260-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hLdp_Xk_I/AAAAAAAABPU/86N-FN3Vl-U/s512/IMG_2295-1.JPG)

Dude are you staring at me again?
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hL0qRgkvI/AAAAAAAABPc/MYCfttN1u5s/s576/IMG_2303-1.JPG)

I like them a lot better when they're not in the middle of the road
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hMFEF5BFI/AAAAAAAABPo/10ly2SiiQU8/s720/IMG_2328-1.JPG)

Civil disobedience anyone?
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hMO9wxe0I/AAAAAAAABPw/PYr9uw4BV-Y/s512/IMG_2372-1.JPG)

Red shirt rally, the voice of a revolution. These people are protesting to dissolve Parliament and have new democratic elections. They are every where in BK. Different rally points, closing down streets, lots of people camped out in public parks. police and military are stationed all through the city. For the most part it seems non-violent. Not sure what the official stance by the government is. Leave them be or eventually shut them down. And here i am with one of the four shirts i packed is red.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hMV7C0NMI/AAAAAAAABP4/bSrlQzdQecA/s800/IMG_2380-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hMa6KK62I/AAAAAAAABP8/_X1jwI_gGwQ/s800/IMG_2382-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hMkA03H_I/AAAAAAAABQE/ZhbyAV5M49g/s720/IMG_2395-1.JPG)

Street legal mini tards
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S7hMoRkbrEI/AAAAAAAABQI/xlhpNsOUlic/s720/IMG_2399-1.JPG)
 

you da man dan

+ 11tyB Dan.  Congrats on what you've accomplished thus far and a hearty  [drink] to your future endeavours!  [thumbsup]

Really enjoyed reading this thread, made me think my life is passing me by and I should get out and do more.   [beer]  Thanks for the read!

You only get one chance. The hardest part was making the jump to do it. Once i got here it was easy. Some days were challenging, but that makes the adventure. Looking back, it was over way too quickly, and it was surprisingly easy to do.

Life here in Bangkok is getting interesting, Red Shirt rally is on the verge of red shirt riots. Police and military are moving in, tear gas and rubber bullets are being used. New years supposedly canceled. Shit is hitting the fan, and im only a block or so away from it. Ill see if i can get pictures.

check out the breaking new ticker http://www.bangkokpost.com/ (http://www.bangkokpost.com/)

    *  04:11 PM Natthawut: Crackdown is just the 'first round'
    * 04:09 PM Tear gas, blank rounds fired
    * 03:48 PM APCs sent to protect important spots
    * 03:31 PM 2 troops injured in Ploenchit clash
    * 03:25 PM Skytrain stations ordered to close
    * 03:18 PM Anti-riot forces advance on Ratchadamnoern Ave
    * 03:06 PM Govt forces retake occupied areas

just remember they don't like foreign press there. especially one taking pictures with no press pass. be careful.

I guess good thing i still have the bike in case things get extreme. Maybe i should go fill the tank.

Well got a bit of tear gas and shot at by rubber bullets but here you go  [thumbsup] Bit of a stand off then the law decided to crack down. Now i know what running of the bulls feels like. Went to a full on sprint to get out of the way, and ducked inside a hotel for shelter. What an adrenalin rush!

Red Side
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B5qg6sZKI/AAAAAAAABRQ/jRlmYKR8SVI/s576/IMG_2524-1.JPG)

RS party (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e74Glcl2cpw#)

Ready
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B5iotL_iI/AAAAAAAABRE/deUa3uNQZ74/s400/IMG_2529-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B5lw0weBI/AAAAAAAABRI/9kez0xx5klo/s512/IMG_2528-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B5sSyk1DI/AAAAAAAABRY/k6NJ6jRhEkk/s512/IMG_2520-1.JPG)

Military
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B5t75xorI/AAAAAAAABRc/aVAEPRaW_mE/s640/IMG_2517-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B5xoPRAbI/AAAAAAAABRk/1V6whDzt7MU/s800/IMG_2561-1.JPG)

Who's side do you want to be on?
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B51EzHT3I/AAAAAAAABRw/RYT-GMbq3SM/s912/IMG_2549-1.JPG)

Minutes before the tear gas started to fly
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B53JRpXLI/AAAAAAAABR0/toMUNxtVX98/s912/IMG_2546-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8B5goyFHzI/AAAAAAAABRA/HCnjatPCxCA/s576/IMG_2541-1.JPG)

RSR2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRrDXsfAJSE#)

Keep your head down......

We'd like to see you back here in one piece Dan.

Yeah-until she lets me get a boat I have to use yours.

Just heard on the news that 11 people have been killed

Prime minister on TV asking for calm - military has "withdrawn" for now

Hope you're OK, Dan

Im good and out of the way of danger, things seemed to return to normal tonight.

Some of the aftermath from last night

KSR military (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYHE2WTiPY8#)

Redshirts, now with military gear. they didn't have these before the skirmish.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G4Up44NzI/AAAAAAAABSU/CWGy4j_paF8/s512/IMG_2602-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G5VpPDwLI/AAAAAAAABTs/6PVa-nc3Li0/s912/IMG_2624-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G5agD0v4I/AAAAAAAABTw/2AxmjdJv078/s512/IMG_2621-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G4YSt6mOI/AAAAAAAABSY/rxouXYVohNI/s640/IMG_2594-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G4bVe2-FI/AAAAAAAABSc/OBMlOcF_blc/s640/IMG_2590-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G4e-zErvI/AAAAAAAABSg/ar_bGNxgT2U/s640/IMG_2588-1.JPG)

No live rounds were fired
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G4goyQTNI/AAAAAAAABSk/sZWqj_o1uis/s720/IMG_2587-1.JPG)

For the fallen, not sure the story behind this. Death toll up to 21 from yesterdays violence.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S8G5gONYiAI/AAAAAAAABT0/dgU1zfdZGQE/s640/IMG_2618-1.JPG)

:o

holy cows  :o

talk about the 'courage of your convictions'   :-\

Yikes...you're not telling yourself "WTF am I thinking?" right now, but you will be when you get out of there--which I highly recommend doing as quickly as possible.  Stay safe, man. 

Dan, awesome photos.  [thumbsup] Now get inside and keep your head down, you dipshit.  Until Reuters is paying you for that shit, stay inside, find some hot Aussie or German backpackers, and get really really drunk and really really naked.  You gotta get that clap ticker movin' again.  And then come out only when you run out of booze or when there's a stable government.

P.S.  If you'd like climbing, work your way down to Krabi (about an hour from Phucket). Good climbing, easy to hire a guide and gear, nice beaches, and lots of backpackers.  Then again, I was there pre-tsunami.    

What Spidey Said. Also try Koh Lanta, just south of Krabi. Like spidey I went there pre-sunami, but it was a great, out of the way place to chill.

No update since April

Dan is either following spidey's advice

or

he went native

He's busy.

(http://thecia.com.au/reviews/a/images/apocalypse-now-3.jpg)
Charlie don't surf!

He's been up and down the Himalayas since he last posted here.

Given the limited internet access I think he can be forgiven for not posting here as well as his blog.

I thought those Buddhist monks could meditate his messages onto teh interwebz for him?

i've gotten several posts from his blog.

including stuff from on the mountains!

I had the pleasure of hearing several DTM stories this weekend

It will take a much stronger divinity than my own to provide forgivness for him

Word is he started some riot?

 ;D

Hey im still here. Been keeping the blog update but stopped here cause the moto related content was done, for now...more riding in strange lands to come. But if you want vacation photos here they are.

Kathmandu
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S-vH_YTY8vI/AAAAAAAABYQ/MvuQM3C7WrQ/s640/IMG_2801-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S-v3eKKD6UI/AAAAAAAABYg/KPz_PGZdjcc/s800/IMG_2856-1.JPG)

"North Fake" anyone?
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S-v4HNSkJsI/AAAAAAAABYw/OwhpwohnGtw/s720/IMG_3962-1.JPG)

Trek to Everest base camp and surrounding areas.

Landing at Lukla
Landing at Lukla (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFHOzik74XE#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_FQuXUtlnI/AAAAAAAABcs/GZd38u-1sTk/s576/IMG_3102-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_FQkc9nPGI/AAAAAAAABcc/p5Xncp-Xm0g/s640/IMG_3047-1.JPG)

Ama Dabla in the background
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_FRBYc5wrI/AAAAAAAABc8/6vdHWu4xfr8/s640/IMG_3122-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_FQxT3iLdI/AAAAAAAABcw/5P5pgbaEJj8/s576/DSCN5742-1.JPG)

overlooking Dingboche
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_UE_lrePNI/AAAAAAAABd4/8Ws0UDzrYnI/s640/IMG_3143-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_FQKf_ICQI/AAAAAAAABcE/7xLrTC2AHBs/s512/IMG_2968-1.JPG)

Looking up the Khumbu Glacier
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_UGMSOvl_I/AAAAAAAABfA/ySdSEARRtJc/s640/IMG_3462-1.JPG)

Everest
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_UGEgZgnII/AAAAAAAABe4/4eQG0zFIZGk/s640/IMG_3402-1.JPG)

Everest Base Camp
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/S_UMgW38vRI/AAAAAAAABfs/EyGc06tmXZ8/s640/IMG_3551-1.JPG)

More of Everest
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAM_fzbO_QI/AAAAAAAABjY/E5tgjYNSJYI/s640/IMG_3740-1.JPG)

Gokyo
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAM_QL2XrmI/AAAAAAAABjM/c1VpgH6o5y8/s640/IMG_3707-1.JPG)

Everest Again
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TANBWdMK1SI/AAAAAAAABkE/VhGo1TBDqac/s640/IMG_3911-1.JPG)

Village on the mountain
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TANBlWIgLGI/AAAAAAAABkI/heRKZoKxAnA/s640/IMG_3936-1.JPG)

Think your job sucks, try hauling loads 65kG+ up a mountain everyday for less than 8$ a day. These guys are only about 5'4" or less

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TASBsG0WcCI/AAAAAAAABlM/vRq9kCe4ZmQ/s512/IMG_2900-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TASC7JcsTwI/AAAAAAAABls/mGNtImIxrjM/s512/DSCN5679-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TASD_EHaRsI/AAAAAAAABmA/ATWSVpSJnsU/s512/IMG_3930-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TASERxBYWpI/AAAAAAAABmE/-4lxcdLoT3E/s512/IMG_3933-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TASCBY8rwxI/AAAAAAAABlU/S2IVQD14cSw/s512/IMG_2954-1.JPG)

Envious....

Good to hear from you DTM!  [thumbsup]

 :o

wow

hopefully I never complain about my job ever again

^ you will




 ;D

D*mn!! 

Awesome!![clap]

DTM

I have to know

Are Nepalese Temple Balls real?

Don't know....lots of temples around here, i'll walk in and ask the monks if they have balls.





ah i crack myself up  [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]


I had to google what that was, ill see if i can find out when i get back to Kathmandu, they are always offering some sort of substances around there.

DTM

Incredible, thanks for sharing this with us!  :)

Keep yourself safe, think about a stop in SB when you come back.
We would love to hear some of your stories and share some [drink]

Plenty of Hash around here, guy i asked said yes and offered to take me to the factory to show me how they hand rolled the hash. I declined, but apparently they do exist!

Will do. I think i might have to postpone my tour through the US to be sure to have enough for South America, But a trip south for sure before reaching Mexico! And maybe touch the Canadian border. Loved to share some stories and beer.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Imagine 8 days on a stair climber.

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZF9tIk7BI/AAAAAAAABms/xz_yM7p5Gkk/s576/IMG_4542-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZGj2yjBKI/AAAAAAAABnQ/YXYSaI9287g/s912/IMG_4313-1.JPG)

Annapurna Trek 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyB58jVa03k#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZGqrRr2-I/AAAAAAAABng/wQqjYrihfm8/s640/IMG_4303-1.JPG[/img[img]https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZGh7dT-_I/AAAAAAAABnI/Aoxfovvo0OE/s800/IMG_4349-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZH2G10hLI/AAAAAAAABoA/7to4zVx_Syw/s640/IMG_4272-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZGjOQgbvI/AAAAAAAABnM/lSZgV_RzBRA/s912/IMG_4316-1.JPG)

Next 4 taken at 2am
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZJqJFatLI/AAAAAAAABoI/1CK856WsIkM/s912/IMG_4595-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZJyNZLFeI/AAAAAAAABoM/uQSjx8nlNSk/s720/IMG_4611-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZKJPDgojI/AAAAAAAABoU/ajuhapl-1pc/s800/IMG_4640-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZLNN3nCcI/AAAAAAAABow/qCb9jbX9YxY/s800/IMG_4649-1.JPG)

Annapurna Trek 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5hp9HYqsug#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZLVIG8zuI/AAAAAAAABo0/tJilPGXS_uc/s800/IMG_4659-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZLZfixtMI/AAAAAAAABo4/edSYTomWxp0/s912/IMG_4674-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZLef1eoNI/AAAAAAAABo8/zzA3Mu5hIfw/s912/IMG_4695-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZLujmiKQI/AAAAAAAABpA/9ELVcMSWSEU/s912/IMG_4706-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZMfPcfp5I/AAAAAAAABpY/E46Gh5lFfWc/s800/IMG_4753-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAZGAKjbKfI/AAAAAAAABmw/8vobsXILm3w/s912/IMG_4535-1.JPG)

Spectacular! [clap]

holy shit amazing


and yeah yeah yeah Napalese Temple Balls!!!!

.........





















(that's me being speechless BTW...)  :o

Here is the finale round from Nepal or India "lite" as some people refer to it as. These pic's are from in and around Kathmandu and Pokhara. Off to catch my return trip to Thailand good thing the mini civil war is over so i can leave my RPG's at home. Brief stop there for a few days to get my camera cleaned and then off to the land of the rising sun, Japan.

Konichiwa pregnant doges

Robyn - Konichiwa pregnant doges (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O_aa0QSZ1A#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

Pohkara

Phewa lake
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfFhJem_UI/AAAAAAAABps/ABXwtCKoLC4/s576/IMG_4227-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfFmwu_0yI/AAAAAAAABpw/U0eyd2FAbtM/s640/IMG_4219-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfFxlG1hSI/AAAAAAAABqA/y2cuXwUCgHY/s640/IMG_4203-1.JPG)

Kathmandu
Pashupatinath, site of outdoor cremation. They don't look like bodies, but that's usually all they burn here
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfF1vHcpCI/AAAAAAAABqE/RbXyBqOo0mE/s640/IMG_4171-1.JPG)

One of the many Monasteries
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGCpTK9sI/AAAAAAAABqU/RthYX4ZwZNs/s640/IMG_4160-1.JPG)

Butter lamp offerings, the illumination of wisdom
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGGPW8D-I/AAAAAAAABqY/UTdPkzjUmAY/s640/IMG_4158-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfG9CpG7iI/AAAAAAAABrA/59miSGJ5oWs/s640/IMG_4110-1.JPG)

Boudhanath, the holiest site in Nepal and a mecca for Tibetan monks
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGba9Hz-I/AAAAAAAABqo/LLcSKX2QQmk/s640/IMG_4140-1.JPG)

Inside Boudha
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGMqXKCLI/AAAAAAAABqc/8SLpPpf3rPs/s640/IMG_4147-1.JPG)

Monks
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGUOpxagI/AAAAAAAABqg/RrNkNUEfjrs/s640/IMG_4144-1.JPG)

Kathmandu river, i mean dump.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGjhwDEZI/AAAAAAAABqs/IBM-FjIT2LI/s720/IMG_4137-1.JPG)

Swayambhunath or better known as monkey temple. But you can find the monkeys in the trash piles surrounding the temple
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGnVahqiI/AAAAAAAABqw/VcVJddDYHVQ/s640/IMG_4135-1.JPG)

The all-seeing eyes of Buddha, He sees you when you're sleeping, He knows when you're awake, He knows if you've been bad or good, So be good for goodness sake! ...oh wait...
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGx8t2ahI/AAAAAAAABq4/5Q2r8HX8svA/s640/IMG_4117-1.JPG)

Kathmandu Valley, the second most polluted city in the world next to Mexico City
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfGszsP6mI/AAAAAAAABq0/9WdvwwFFabM/s640/IMG_4123-1.JPG" alt="null">Napali traffic Jam[img]http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfHqfaOBRI/AAAAAAAABrg/IUwJf_Nm-3s/s640/IMG_4089-1.JPG)

Nepal traffic jam 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3IOQ6qvZrM#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

Notice the guy pulling bike backwards to help out. But he parked his bike in the middle before helping out!
Nepal traffic jam 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BEQiEFPcxs#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

Same corner as traffic jam
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfIFQ5l73I/AAAAAAAABr4/Sr_f45-7K38/s640/IMG_4047-1.JPG)

Ganesh, Hindu and Buddhism are mixed around here. Most practice both
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfH96CZiHI/AAAAAAAABrw/W4gj7FwfEkY/s512/IMG_4069-1.JPG)

No matter where you go in the world, a pedal cab is waiting
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfIQLgWD0I/AAAAAAAABsA/9Ms-bGZvbnc/s640/IMG_4038-1.JPG)

Dubar Square, the old kingdom of Kathmandu
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfIdlw1rkI/AAAAAAAABsM/LFLU0tQqc9s/s640/IMG_4012-1.JPG)

Decoration on the Kumari house designed to keep out evil spirits. Kumari is actually an interesting story of how a pre-pubescent girl is chosen and worshiped as a living goddess. More here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumari_%28children%29)
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfIl8hoZHI/AAAAAAAABsQ/9p9Mwhz7sZg/s640/IMG_4006-1.JPG)

More at the Kumari house
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfIsjnJ4SI/AAAAAAAABsU/JvhNfpUC8xc/s640/IMG_4001-1.JPG)

Durbar
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfJBvmBhLI/AAAAAAAABsg/VRv0ykOZeK8/s640/IMG_3990-1.JPG)

Typical street

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TAfHwWQN66I/AAAAAAAABrk/ZIKjLdsRRL8/s576/IMG_4085-1.JPG)

First round from Japan


Street vendors
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtYSLx08WI/AAAAAAAABxY/WL2njKsH9Y0/s640/IMG_4831-1.JPG)

Pachinko! These little gambling halls are everywhere!
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX5PqwzsI/AAAAAAAABu0/n0hz9_4obBA/s800/IMG_5150-1.JPG)

Prizes from vending machine
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtYIeICqXI/AAAAAAAABwg/zt6i21bnfcI/s720/IMG_4897-1.JPG)

Shopping at Ginza
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtYG1Zt4OI/AAAAAAAABwU/4_dTj90Zygg/s640/IMG_4913-1.JPG)

Wooden ornaments with prayers to be answered
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtYLr3ZTOI/AAAAAAAABww/L84rmfRRc7A/s720/IMG_4870-1.JPG)

Tokyo at night
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtYDhU7aUI/AAAAAAAABv8/t28vcOrANs4/s800/IMG_4969-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtYB5mjnmI/AAAAAAAABvw/3CFsncTwzCI/s912/IMG_5000-1.JPG)

Girls dressed up at Harajuku st
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX8NcX6TI/AAAAAAAABvM/S-6-6_-21bw/s512/IMG_5097-1.JPG)

Sake Barrels
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX-Hvae5I/AAAAAAAABvY/l7G-p_PdPsI/s720/IMG_5059-1.JPG)

Park gate
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX_zaEAsI/AAAAAAAABvg/XTivAmTrmpw/s720/IMG_5052-1.JPG)

Shibuya crossing
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX6kuCHXI/AAAAAAAABvA/rW_VX1RRb0Q/s800/IMG_5137-1.JPG)


Akihabara, electronic city. The place to go for all electronics.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtXv-ron-I/AAAAAAAABts/2VwNkWS6CFg/s720/IMG_5249-1.JPG)

Inside an electronics store
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX4bqR1aI/AAAAAAAABuw/6jbeCpe0xpQ/s800/IMG_5153-1.JPG)

Part of the Imperial Palace
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtXwrZEDJI/AAAAAAAABtw/NvQz2DR6anA/s800/IMG_5236-1.JPG)

View from Imperial gardens
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtXw_L4BXI/AAAAAAAABt0/js-0hREWBdo/s912/IMG_5235-1.JPG)

One of the entrance gates to Imperial Palace
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtXxw6EDSI/AAAAAAAABt8/RHxmyVkVohI/s912/IMG_5227-1.JPG)

Yes, but its a smaller size
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtXy6PYWGI/AAAAAAAABuE/StwL7tJB4FA/s720/IMG_5205-1.JPG)

From National Museum
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX2AaOOtI/AAAAAAAABuc/OtmVIVUfeZg/s512/IMG_5175-1.JPG)

Armor
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtX24f9UNI/AAAAAAAABuk/ZmGRUoDsBSI/s512/IMG_5171-1.JPG)

View of Shinjuku
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtXvFGyabI/AAAAAAAABto/Aq6IG1hao1s/s800/IMG_5259-1.JPG)

Forget which building this is
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TBtYTOXritI/AAAAAAAABxk/r5_PVG1uj7Q/s720/IMG_5266-1.JPG)

No gratuitous Japanese bike pics? ;D Safe travels

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TB9dSHN7M2I/AAAAAAAAByM/1bElezd1-NM/s912/IMG_5320.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TB9dTG_vaSI/AAAAAAAAByQ/nQvmtsre3wI/s800/IMG_5321.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TB9dUKrGwjI/AAAAAAAAByU/ByP8Cjse7Jk/s800/IMG_5323.JPG)

I love these little FTR's. I really want to get a flat track styly bike when i return.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TB9dVLQWRqI/AAAAAAAAByY/xR5IFwOMEDE/s720/IMG_5384.JPG)

They put monster pipes on these things. Its a Cadillac scooter
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TB9dWVMXvEI/AAAAAAAAByc/CLCl3IxPOzA/s640/IMG_5449.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TB9dmDe1YxI/AAAAAAAAByg/3QS8yC6A3yU/s640/IMG_5103.JPG)

Dont remember if this was a yammie or not, but it has R6 stye tail lights
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TB9dnBV6cUI/AAAAAAAAByk/5sGwVV9PKKA/s640/IMG_5106.JPG)

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, looking forward to more pics....be safe

Temples and such, From Osaka and Kyoto

Nice entrance
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBnndbP9I/AAAAAAAAB00/J9q9Xy6G8Mo/s800/IMG_5337-1.JPG)

Garden
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBokPW2qI/AAAAAAAAB08/Tc1g36xHm8c/s720/IMG_5351-2.JPG)

Shrine
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBqRk1B9I/AAAAAAAAB1E/4nle97Mky3Y/s720/IMG_5367-1.JPG)

Philosophers trail
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBrBSvV7I/AAAAAAAAB1I/1B7ftxEKpAA/s720/IMG_5375-1.JPG)

Stream running through city with nice walk ways on either side
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBvCN2dRI/AAAAAAAAB1g/LgqLptww0Tk/s800/IMG_5452-1.JPG)

Bamboo forest
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCVhehadI/AAAAAAAAB1s/umHGdpB97wk/s800/IMG_5485-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCWTYr4aI/AAAAAAAAB1w/B9oMNfcM7Ig/s512/IMG_5493-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBwH9T9KI/AAAAAAAAB1k/-a31zgsOjO0/s720/IMG_5466-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBuHW8YkI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/X3w-FVlZjkg/s720/IMG_5424-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBrzL6FlI/AAAAAAAAB1M/giXncXabupE/s800/IMG_5381-1.JPG)

I call this school kids over looking garden
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCZ-7rI3I/AAAAAAAAB2I/l3WZ1nZ3JkU/s720/IMG_5542-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCebYabRI/AAAAAAAAB2k/hJYQT9gH-78/s512/IMG_5649-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCfN8GkCI/AAAAAAAAB2o/qVRdQftJJTs/s640/IMG_5651-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCgO7bPyI/AAAAAAAAB2w/WtaUxP3JYlU/s912/IMG_5675-1.JPG)

Kiyomizu-dera temple
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCf2bUa9I/AAAAAAAAB2s/rtloqCkHKA0/s720/IMG_5655-1.JPG)

Golden temple
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCcbhau5I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/_j1V20BYEEU/s512/IMG_5574-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCdCitO_I/AAAAAAAAB2c/nkeM8h1bTfg/s800/IMG_5593-1.JPG)

Fushimi-inari-taisha shrine
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrChTACQGI/AAAAAAAAB24/Nz5OiHcZHoY/s576/IMG_5701-1.JPG)

Ryoanji rock garden
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCbNZGFnI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Rnu1blZ2y9g/s720/IMG_5553-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCbvgcULI/AAAAAAAAB2U/AmwCsQ7jyDA/s912/IMG_5560-1.JPG)

Random store front
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrBnNWuUMI/AAAAAAAAB0w/tJAbm8QBCc4/s912/IMG_5319-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCY0emrHI/AAAAAAAAB2E/s2vJo4yMH4U/s640/IMG_5514-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCYD982vI/AAAAAAAAB2A/44imO2bxve8/s576/IMG_5509-1.JPG)

Some Japanese fans witching the world cup
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCq_JZmRwnI/AAAAAAAAB0o/lBQEzvYc-y0/s720/IMG_5855-1.JPG)

Sun down over Kyoto
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TCrCjfgVqiI/AAAAAAAAB3I/gRWcgb9VJt8/s912/IMG_5750-1.JPG)

Damn dude...  Awesome, awesome, awesome....... [thumbsup]

Great pics.  [thumbsup] How's the sushi?  :D

Fresh, good and some place cheap! Japan has really been about the food as much as it has been about the sights. So much good food here and they really know how to do beef.  [drool]

I could see a killer MTB trail through the bamboo. [evil]

So "rock watching" requires stadium seating huh?

Need more bike pics [thumbsup]

If you guys want Dan's written updates (along with more pics), you can go to his blog:  http://100kilometersandrunnin.wordpress.com/ (http://100kilometersandrunnin.wordpress.com/)  If you subscribe, you'll get updates everytime he posts.

<waves>  Hi, Dan.  Japan sounds great.  I totally get the thing about seeing too many temples.  It's like visiting Churches in Italy (or in most of Europe for that matter).  After a coupla dozen, you're like "Yes, it's pretty.  Just like the last eighteen I saw."   ;D  Is it Australia next?  Dude, if you're not certified, take the time (and $) to get certified and dive the Barrier reef on a live-aboard boat.  If you get to Cairns and can wait around for a bit, you can get a deal where you can pay a fraction of the price for a liveaboard dive trip in exchange for working on the boat.  Even if it screws your finances, it's worth it.    

That sounds like a great option, but no OZ. Going to skip it. I chose to spend more time in Japan. Off to the Philippines next, but that dive option may work there also, i am already certified but haven't dove since my certification test 10years ago. So i should be good  :-X <-holding breath.

Dan,  There is no denying that you are awesome.  So awesome, that a measly 1000 posts don't do your awesomeness any justice.  2000 posts however...  much more fitting.

When (if ever) are you coming back to the US?

Wow look at that in the 2K club.  [beer]

Should be late August. Philippines is up next for a few weeks and ill be back on a bike for two of those, maybe longer.

No time to rest when i get home, i need to convert my 690SMC to an enduro machine. Larger tank, new forks/front end, hard bags, comfy seat and gear for south of the border. And figure out a way to make some money in between to help my beef fund  [drink].

So were not even half way yet and the best, riding, is yet to come.

Awesome RR DTM!  [thumbsup] Reading it and viewing the picture is the closest experience to being there.
Your right, "Your not even halfway yet more riding and great places to come when you start touring the Philippines.

This Hercules from the Philippines. Am looking forward to meet you when you arrive. Will hook you up for some  [beer] with the local PIDO (Pilipinas Ducati Online) riders too. ---> http://ducati.com.ph/forum/index.php (http://ducati.com.ph/forum/index.php)

Let's keep in touch bro.

Some primer pix of your next riding experience in Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines...... enjoy!


the Cordilleras

(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s318/ducatif8/CordilleraLoop.jpg)


(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/mjrbretana/Cordillera%20Ride%20040910/04102010276.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk202/iguana785/cordillera%20region/P1050539.jpg)


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk202/iguana785/cordillera%20region/P1050557.jpg)


Bagabag stopover. This is the town before the junction going to Santiago and Banaue.
This place serves buko (coconut) cheese pie, fresh buko juice, and pancit cabagan. All delicious! :eat
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/mjrbretana/Cordillera%20Ride%20040910/04092010225.jpg)


(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/mjrbretana/Cordillera%20Ride%20040910/04092010234.jpg)


Then off to Las Vegas Resto in the town proper of Banaue for breakfast, a walk down a hundred steps and a vertical descent of around 100 meters.
Come to where the flavor is. Come to Marlbo...er, Las Vegas Restaurant!  ::)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/mjrbretana/Cordillera%20Ride%20040910/04102010244.jpg)

Breakfast is served. Porksilog (Fried pork and egg with wild mountain rice) :tump
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/mjrbretana/FOOD/04102010239.jpg)

More pix on this picture thread ---> http://ducati.com.ph/forum/index.php?topic=3764.0 (http://ducati.com.ph/forum/index.php?topic=3764.0)

Before the ride preparation thread ---> http://ducati.com.ph/forum/index.php?topic=3727.0 (http://ducati.com.ph/forum/index.php?topic=3727.0)

a big  :( from the Aussies, but no matter, next time you're round these parts.....

Thanks for the warm welcome, im really looking forward to the PI. I have a feeling im not going to want to leave.

Sorry, i didn't even have the balls to put up in the threat i started that i wasn't going to make it.  :'(

I asked the bank account and it was not possible to make the trip that i wanted to make. ie: Get a bike and ride till the wheels fall off. I decided i wanted to spend more time in Japan and the PI then get back the US to ride south.   

Ill get Big a beer for you when i see him in August. [drink]

DTM

I envy you Dan.  Hopefully in about 10 years I can do something similar.  I have to wait for the kids to get a bit older though before I start taking long trips such as this.  The pictures are great, keep them coming.

Hopefully i inspire one person to make the trip they have always dreamed of. I would have never done this without the inspiration from a childhood friend of mine, and it has been the best decision of my life. More pictures and stories to come  [thumbsup]

P.S.Hope to read your ride report when i'm at home raining young ones  [thumbsup]

Fack...not you too? [bang] [bang] [bang]

Like a Mogwai in a swimming pool.

More bike porn and some nerd porn (maybe NSFW, but i blocked out all the naughty bits). Ill leave it up for a few days but i wanted to share some of the weirder stuff that i cant but on my blog.
now gone
VFR 800 police bike
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpHJH0eiI/AAAAAAAAB3s/Zk0wEuaEAkE/s720/IMG_5951-1.JPG)

CB1300
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpLo39MyI/AAAAAAAAB4E/7dfYlnky_Z4/s576/IMG_5971-1.JPG)

Another cool looking FTR
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpHkumpUI/AAAAAAAAB3w/2TEUHoRvhZs/s720/IMG_5952-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpIXSqPgI/AAAAAAAAB30/MngTEDT0ST0/s800/IMG_5955-1.JPG)

Its a honda
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpI0zU_yI/AAAAAAAAB34/8JfybXAV6a4/s800/IMG_5956-1.JPG)

There is a lot of these three wheel scooters running around, mostly delivery, but not this pimped out. Strange to watch these things lean in to a turn but the rear wheels stay flat.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpJ6PnvyI/AAAAAAAAB38/1ObEiPa0Qzw/s512/IMG_5968-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpQ-fri6I/AAAAAAAAB4Y/FVbrQMFKSvc/s720/IMG_5999-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpKXhq9gI/AAAAAAAAB4A/QpS4H5cWcOE/s512/IMG_5970-1.JPG)

Interesting food carrying device. It pivots to keep everything level (somewhat) and has its own suspension. No more spilled soup
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpPF6zjoI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/St3-cVZ7VS8/s512/IMG_5996-1.JPG)

Who needs touratech luggage, just get the biggest cooler you can find and strap it on the back
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpQHrS7aI/AAAAAAAAB4U/SUnQh7Ao7WM/s720/IMG_5998-1.JPG)

Especially on your YZ250
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpTI-ZPmI/AAAAAAAAB4g/SwKTGfOaxZI/s512/IMG_6006-1.JPG)

Repsol edition
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDMpU7zTvDI/AAAAAAAAB4o/UojbzDkQghE/s640/IMG_6012-1.JPG)

Beautiful condition 2 smoker
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TDkloyvVijI/AAAAAAAAB60/Fn6LQclqYYE/s640/IMG_6015-1.JPG)

That shit is just wrong...

In the Philippines now. Spent a week in manila then picking up a bike to ride. Ride report soon.

Also met up with the local Ducati Club and thew pulled out the red carpet for me, Great people! Go see them if you ever make it there
Manila
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgDDuvpHBI/AAAAAAAAB9k/nIj6gPDqFaY/s912/IMG_6125-1.JPG)

Manila
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgDJH3hd7I/AAAAAAAAB9s/z8880LOH6qw/s912/IMG_6103-1.JPG)

Manila Bay
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgCpmE-mmI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/DppSAs0T444/s912/IMG_6135-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgCzU_QhKI/AAAAAAAAB9c/YkdaKxW8tR8/s912/IMG_6132-1.JPG)

After the typhoon these guys were fishing in the flooded water trap on the golf course
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgDHTxQdpI/AAAAAAAAB9o/BP4Dfin1AuA/s912/IMG_6112-1.JPG)

Jeepney, these things are everywhere. basically the city buses of Manila
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgDZURChgI/AAAAAAAAB94/72-mDFLYuZ0/s800/IMG_6027-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgDguQ2FfI/AAAAAAAAB98/eh35YpQZGNU/s576/IMG_6026-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgDTPoofiI/AAAAAAAAB90/KLeW_4bq7n0/s640/IMG_6072-1.JPG)

Ft Santiago
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEgDMx1dKII/AAAAAAAAB9w/n3j7Mptl8s0/s912/IMG_6094-1.JPG)

Ride through town
Roxas Blvd (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8D7nIHwFBA#normal)

Herc showing me how its done
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEA3GJR3wEI/AAAAAAAAB7c/t3AC3aBPgNU/s720/IMG_6156-1.JPG)


Philippines Ducati Club www.ducati.com.ph (http://www.ducati.com.ph)
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEA3JNInlMI/AAAAAAAAB7o/FbEsuk1Xg4E/s912/IMG_6149-1.JPG)

Silliness!
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEA3jUOoL4I/AAAAAAAAB7w/H9II0Vg0msI/s640/IMG_6159-1.JPG)

Damn man...  Just so amazing!

BTW, if you make it south of the border and DO NOT stop by in Albuquerque, I will hunt you down...  Seriously!  [laugh]  Can't wait to see ya bro. [thumbsup]

I may drop-ship my ass directly to Colombia, but on the way back NM is a YES. My aunt lives in Santa Fe.

And a fun fact. My family had a land grant from the king of Spain to "find" Albuquerque. If you go to "old Town" there is a restaurant with the 7 founding father's and Nicholas Lucero is my great great grand father. We have very little rights to the city, but fun fact none the less. [drink]

COOL!  When you come through, we'll do a mock take over of the city w/the NMMR hooligans & our Ducati's!  Albuquerque won't know what hit 'em!!!   [evil]

Today's events

That's my little honda, road Karma come through again
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TElxTF2Pp5I/AAAAAAAAB-c/ZN-9dAcDFGo/s640/IMG_6498-1.JPG)

N Luzon 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awX7zGZWl0s#normal)

XR 200? what's wrong with it? Is it sick?

Dewd!  From another fellow named Dan, mad propz.  Awesome pics!  What an excellent adventure! [thumbsup]

My wife grew up in the Philippines... we were just there in June.  Didn't see any Ducatis... but now that I know there's a whole club, I gotta see about hooking up with them next time we're there.  I totally want to go get some little dirt bike and explore, too.  Okay, maybe not such a little bike... I would want like a 650 thumper.  Vacation time is so limited... we may need to save up so I can take an unpaid leave of absence and spend a month or two down there.  Such beautiful country!  And with that much time, I could justify buying a bike.

My in-laws have a home in Mamplasan (subdivision called "Brentville"), which is south of Manila.  We stayed there, then went out to Bataan (where they're building a power plant... my father-in-law did most of the business footwork to get that project off the ground).  Stayed at this really cool historical resort near Bagac (Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar (http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/)).  Swam in the South China Sea... I grew up in the Pacific NW, with 55-degree Pacific Ocean water... first time I'd ever been in warm saltwater, or seen a black sand beach.  Farking incredible.

We also went down and stayed at a resort in Cebu for a couple days.  Some family friends run an orphanage & school there; we went and had a great time visiting with the kids on one of those days.

I seriously want to bring back one of the Toyota Hilux pickups or a Toyota Fortuner SUV.  There's nothing like them in the US... they're small, but have real offroad capability.  The smaller rigs sold Stateside are toys, and the 4-runner and Tacoma have become bloated whales.

Oh, be sure to take the tour of Corregidor, if you enjoy history at all (particularly WWII).  It's very, very cool.

I still need to get the pics off my digital camera and have the film from my SLR developed so I can post up about my own week in the Philippines.

Oh yeah, my father-in-law wants to take me to Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and elsewhere on future trips (my wife has been to all these places).  Flights from Manila to the rest of SE Asia are a lot cheaper than getting there from the US.

Anyway... really enjoyed this thread so far, and wishing you safe travels and lots of fun on the rest of your adventure!!!   [thumbsup]  [beer]

Ill comment on the rest later, but i was just thinking the same thing as i was riding through a dirt road in a torrential down pour. I can see buying a big enduro bike here and leaving with someone so i can come back for a few weeks at a time to do some riding, With the ferrys its possible to get to most of the southern islands. Lots of exploring to be done, and it really is the best way to get around.

Same stuff thats on the blog, but its all about riding so i decided to post inful

So happy to be back on two wheels. Didn't really like to rely on buses and taxi's to get around. Also I hate to plan around a schedule. If I wake up and feel like moving on, I just want to get up and go. 2 weeks I wanted to be on the moto. It gives me enough time to explore and spend a few days at places I enjoy. Rented a bike in Angeles City for about $12 a day. Just a little XR200 dirt bike. I thought it should be more than enough to get me around and still sturdy to make it through the back roads. With my photocopied maps and a rough idea of where I wanted to go I took the first day to make my way to the foot of the Cordillera Mountain range and stay the night in San Jose City. Easy ride that day to get familiar with the bike and traffic. Traffic here isn't as bad as other parts of Asia. But I'm out in the sticks so it's fairly light. Signs aren't very common, so stopping to ask the locals is a must every so often. It's a strange feeling being back on a bike. I keep having flash backs of Vietnam. The scenery looks the same. My gear, bags, packs are all the same but somethings different. The first few days I wake up I have to question what country I am in. Every stop I make, I expect to see Vietnamese faces and play a game of charades to get anything done. But I don't. Once I realize I'm in the Phils, things are different. But this feeling and flash backs last's for 7 days or so.   

Beautiful start
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwZDQgCAEI/AAAAAAAAB_A/68wROEjacSg/s912/IMG_6166-1.JPG)

My Co-Star, the first place I stayed at had its own garage
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwZE2p3xeI/AAAAAAAAB_E/oOPVLiOMP4s/s640/IMG_6170-1.JPG)



Day two I took to the mountains. Headed towards Banaue to see the rice terraces. Nice road on the way up mixed in with light rain, not too bad. Once I got there I dropped off my bags at the hotel and made a side trip to Batad for some more rice terraces. Best time of the year to come. The hills are a vivid green color full of rice. The bad it's also the middle of rainy season so this was my first of many days or riding in the rain.

Heading up the hill to Banaue
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwZVXI7IBI/AAAAAAAAB_M/8iqMBqPu47g/s800/IMG_6187-1.JPG)

Your going to see a lot of the rice terraces, so get your chop sticks and some extra soy sauce
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwZjdh0X2I/AAAAAAAAB_c/7L08mgvM9Pg/s800/IMG_6199-1.JPG)

Banaue
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwZpPy918I/AAAAAAAAB_g/tlN7kPP81j8/s720/IMG_6212-1.JPG)

Rice
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwZ1OkJZNI/AAAAAAAAB_o/DTWxJ7tiuT4/s720/IMG_6217-1.JPG)

Banaue (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gAHTJvfI10#normal)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwZ4yfXOpI/AAAAAAAAB_s/hFCfJcaqnRk/s912/IMG_6220-1.JPG)

Road to Batad
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwaB8QU5VI/AAAAAAAAB_w/h6BpACdpzLU/s576/IMG_6222-1.JPG)

Batad
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwaEtl9B1I/AAAAAAAAB_0/vnxV97X7ejI/s800/IMG_6231-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwaJgdDgXI/AAAAAAAAB_8/qaRBZkAeLHQ/s640/IMG_6236-1.JPG)


Day three to Sagada. This place is a bit out-of-the-way so not many people, especially this time of year.  Off the main road it's about a 10 kilometer ride up a rocky dirt road. A lot of fun for me but the folks bouncing around in the Jeepeny didn't look like they were having fun. Caves and Coffins are the main attractions here. Long ago the people of this region use to bury the dead, well not so much bury but just place the coffins in a cave stacked upon each other. Some are hung on the outside on a wall. Now days  they just go in the dirt. I didn't partake in any spelunking, but there are a few options for guided cave tours. I took a stroll through Echo valley then got some Adobo for dinner.

Leaving Banaue and up to Sagada
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwaZcxtGEI/AAAAAAAACAM/wfUBi8IRwUo/s800/IMG_6258-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwadhvZhiI/AAAAAAAACAQ/vegePpE-mbE/s800/IMG_6264-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwalwOvRoI/AAAAAAAACAY/iiFEPncjDs4/s720/IMG_6274-1.JPG)

Small road hazards
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwaunDGMGI/AAAAAAAACAg/R00cAv2uM7c/s640/IMG_6278-1.JPG)

Famous hanging coffins
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbAz8037I/AAAAAAAACAs/s3O59Yjwa6c/s720/IMG_6292-1.JPG)

Segada to Vigan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUoVQRp7Rc0#normal)

Echo Valley
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbKr3nTAI/AAAAAAAACA0/p9yvbWQBjFM/s576/IMG_6303-1.JPG)

Coffins in cave
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbRxxaW2I/AAAAAAAACBA/9U4-l_UuQH8/s720/IMG_6331-1.JPG)

Coffins in cave
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbdCPgoII/AAAAAAAACBM/0mP-D9sFkCY/s912/IMG_6341-1.JPG)

Nearby valley
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbgWQkQBI/AAAAAAAACBQ/0UMvBbw_Hjo/s912/IMG_6349-1.JPG)

Posing
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbkQzowlI/AAAAAAAACBU/djRGopU9IMo/s512/IMG_6366-1.JPG)

Ride outside of Sagada
Segada 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHFFEZd8dGA#normal)

Day four. This proved to be one of the more challenging days of riding Ive had in a long time. I've read of another rider who took 14 hours to do the trip from Banaue to Bangued. From Sagada I was about one and half hours closer and usually, I don't stop for many breaks so I thought I could make it an extra 50K's to Vigan and still be there before dark. So wrong. I only made it to Bangued after 12 hours of riding. In total the trip was about 270K. The first 20 was easy on the main road to Bontoc. Took about two hours to do the next 50K. It was a mix of paved roads in 100-300 meter sections, construction crews building the rest of the roads, dirt, mud, and rocks. Slow going, it sucked up a lot more time than intended. But it was through some of the most beautiful mountain valleys I've seen. Green jungle everywhere mixed with rice patties and small villages.


Topped off my tank with a few liters from a coke bottle then on to the road to lead me to Vigan. This thing was in bad condition and doesn't see much maintenance. Fortunately there hasn't been a lot of rain yet so it was still open and not blocked by landslides. At some point during the day my body goes into autopilot. I no longer have to think about my riding it just happens, “riders high”?. My mind starts to wander and I take a back seat and just watch myself ride. After a few hours I began to wonder if this road is ever going to end or if I'm even on the right road. None of the village's I passed were on my map, so that was comforting. The only sign I was seeing kept pointing to Abra, which wasn't on my map either. Come to find out later Abra is the region where I was headed, not a city.  I felt I was getting closer to something based on the time and the odometer. Bad news was the later in the day, the more chance for rain. During rainy season, it doesn't rain all day, but usually in the afternoon. If its going to rain, that's when to expect it.


About 3pm it started. I didn't affect the conditions too much. Traction was very little to start with, so a lot of water just adds to the party. At some point the road I was riding down turned into a river because the water likes to follow the road.  By now my boots are soaked, I can feel pools of water inside as I squish my toes around. Water starts to pour into my pants due to the Aerostitch-wet-crotch feature. If you own a Stitch you know what I'm talking about. The way the pants “sit”, it forms a pool where the water then pours in to the zipper. Gloves, wet. I squeeze my hand to wring out the extra water. My rain jacket that I wear underneath my Mesh riding jacket was keeping me dry, but it was so warm out, I'm sweating inside and my shirt is soaked from sweat instead of rain. Not much I can do about it so I embrace it and just pee my pants to warm up. Just kidding, that's kinda gross but I did embrace the total wetness thinking this is going to be a great story later. But right now I'm back to autopilot mode. Now my mind starts to wander to dark places. You know, I haven't seen anyone for a while, its raining hard, rivers of water are  pouring down the mountainside. If something happens, well that's going to make an even better story of survival. Maybe I shouldn't have sent that survival blanket home in the last package. Landslides or a fallen tree would have stopped my in my tracks. Not enough gas to make it back I would have spent the night in the jungle. Always was a fan of camping. The only “tool” I had, was a pair of scissors. I started to laugh at this point. When I left this morning I didn't even think about any of these minor annoyances. Now looking at them all together, it sounds fairly ugly. Maybe I should have been better prepared? Hold on, WEEEE! Just went splashing through another puddle turned lake. Look Ma! I'm soaking wet on a motorbike in the middle of a jungle in the Philippines! Life is good.

I finally hit a small town around 5pm and pull into some shelter at a Police checkpoint. Turns out I'm now in Baay. I tell one of the officers where I just came from and he had a look of amazement come over him. “Where's your companion?” he said. “I'm by myself” I replied. “Wow you're very brave” my response was “Or stupid”. It seems to be a fine line these days. I chat with them for a while and have a cup of coffee. They tell me its four hours to Vigan and Two to Bangued. So Bangued it is for the night. Still raining and now dark. Riding at night is a serious problem for me. My goggles are scratched up and over due for a replacement. At night, all lights coming at me turn into big “starbursts” and completely blinds me. Mix with water and a poor headlight, now things feel dangerous. Unlike earlier, this is just stupid. I don't hit much traffic until I get close to the city then I just pull my goggles off and slow down. I couldn't see anything, and riding with my visor [MX helmet] down to block the light was a good way to plow into the ass end of a trike. Took me a while to find a hotel with hot water and one that didn't have hourly rates, but it was expensive. Surprisingly I didn't feel very tired. Still had lots of energy to run around and get food and some refreshments. Now for another surprise, my green bag that I use to cover my other bags was not waterproof like I had thought. I had only used it in light rain up until this point and haven't had a problem. Now I get to unpack and dry everything. Whatever, a few San Mig's a dry bed and everything was forgotten.

Segada to Bontoc
Segada to Bontoc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJS7YxUXmcY#normal)

Interesting island in the middle of rice fields
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbqXUJ7iI/AAAAAAAACBc/Ifqn5cZHVHk/s912/IMG_6387-1.JPG)

Stuck riding this stuff all day
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbt5HiHGI/AAAAAAAACBg/YtuHZTSgqsY/s800/IMG_6394-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwbxO2_8lI/AAAAAAAACBk/TS8L1ffQ4bU/s912/IMG_6396-1.JPG)

I believe this was Balbalan
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwb2A1cOqI/AAAAAAAACBo/tM-oGumLk-E/s800/IMG_6398-1.JPG)

Road to Bangued
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwb8yh4n9I/AAAAAAAACBs/UsZZe9uJ2Hc/s640/IMG_6400-1.JPG)

Not even sure where this was
Road to Vigan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_W0zsvJ_oU#normal)

Road to Bangued
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwcBNFSP1I/AAAAAAAACBw/M5t_P7QisBc/s720/IMG_6402-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwcSDI4k_I/AAAAAAAACCA/mpuU6NNGALM/s800/IMG_6414-1.JPG)

Random town
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwcaENmmlI/AAAAAAAACCI/vDO7B-0Ebc0/s720/IMG_6419-1.JPG)

Most of the road by the end of the day
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TEwcmoZlpjI/AAAAAAAACCU/8fUdDdP3w_w/s640/IMG_6428-1.JPG)

I like the road to Batad. You couldn't have chosen a better bike. What that stick scaffolding for in last "random town" pick?
Safe travels....

Yeah there are other options, but $12 a day? Couldn't beat the price. It got the job done, the small motor was good enough. Its really not safe to be speeding on the roads here, very unpredictable as to whats going to jump out in to the road.

Looks like they were building a store. Actually behind me in that pic there was a brand new convenience store that looked like they plucked a 7-11 out of the city and dropped it in there. Strange to see, this was in the middle of nowhere. And everyone else was in shacks

Not really refreshing on a warm day is it? [laugh] I want my water cold when its hot as the sun out. I can hook you up with the guys here, the'll welcome you with open arms and cold beers!

I might try to get to Cebu this week if i can get a cheap flight. My brothers Martial Arts headquarters is there so it would be nice to check out while im here.


Yeah you never know when the roads are going to turn to shit here, especially in the highlands.


got some time to kill in Manila so im thinking about it, any reccomended tour company, or only one avaliable?



so true, my friend that lives here goes to these places for 4 day weekends cause its so cheap to fly,


Thanks more good stuff to come!

Hey Dan, just wanted to say hi.  Good to see you back on two wheels again.  BTW, hyust cuz we're not commenting doesn't mean we're not reading every post multiple times.  I get all excited everytime I get an email that you've posted a new blog. Every time I show the Blonde your pics, she gets all jealous and bitter that she's not travelin' too.  You traveling with anyone now? 

Yeah i rented a cute chick when i picked up the bike, may trade her in later.

Sorry a little late night posting humor, generally i've just been going at it myself. There would have been times it would have been nice to have a buddy there, like the time in japan, but so far in the PI i don't feel like i've needed it. It helps that everyone here speaks english so i can talk to strangers. I haven't even engaged my hostel mates in conversation been too busy hanging with the locals. Also i think i would stay closed off and in my comfort zone with a travel buddy all the time. But left to myself i think i find different paths.

I guess the right travel partner would lead to both. The guy i was treking Everest with great, things really worked out well.

Hi Dan,
   Glad you're having fun in PI. I'm from there originally but haven't explored it like you are. That's where I learned how to ride back in 1986. My first bike was a Honda XL100, a small version of your XR200.

   How do you like riding around the streets of Manila? The rhythm, timing and style is so different right? Have you ran into a busy 6 way intersection with no traffic light yet? But everyone is getting through ok, amazing huh. I salute you Dan. It takes a lot of cohones to do what you're doing.

   But I feel envious and guilty in a way. It is in my agenda though sometime in the near future that I will explore the country. It's very beautiful, a lot of unexploited places as we see in your post, dirt roads and stuff. Its made up of 7,100 islands! I have a friend here who went there for vacation 5 years ago and decided to just live there. He started a restaurant business and it boomed. Now he's opening up a second one. You'll never know.

  Well, I just want to say you're amazing Dan! Thank you for the pictures, the posts, the encouragement you're giving us everytime we read your posts. Thanks! Have fun, be safe and God bless you. Til your next post.

I think all the XL's are bolted to the side of the trikes now [laugh] Seriously those things are everywhere. The riding here is not bad. SE asia was a lot worse, but more bikes so everyone is vulnerable. More cars here so the bikes are at risk. But yeah some how it works just keep the flow moving.

I can see why your friend staid. Very easy to do. If i didn't have any compelling reasons to go home, dont thing i would. For a few years anyways. Trying to convince my friend to open up a resort with me. With her brains and my good looks we should do great  [cheeky]

Lots to see and explore over here, and with the ferry's its possible to get to the southern islands. Outside of the big cities, its paradise. But don't tell anyone, i don't want them mucking up my playland.

Thanks for the well wishes, Glad your enjoying and lots more to come.

Day five. The luggage rack lost a bolt on yesterdays ride and I figured the bike could use some oil. I find a hose behind the hotel to wash some of the mud off then hit the hardware store for parts. Got my bolt, bike got some oil and I was back on the road, destination, Blue Lagoon. This place is dubbed the Boracay of the north. But given its distance from everything, it doesn't see much visitors. Easy day just cruising along the “highway” just clicking off the kilometers. Stopped at a Chowking (I love the Chowking), a Chinese fast food chain, for lunch then got a good soaking in the rain to finish up my ride to the Blue Lagoon.

It was somewhere around lunch that I ran into the back of a truck. I was tail gating him looking to pass when the kids on the side of the road scared a goat to jump in front. The truck hit the brakes while I wasn't looking. I had to get on the front and rear brakes HARD. Felt the back lock up so I gave it a little pump to prevent the slide. The the front had a little too much and wanted to tuck so I released and re applied smoother. I target fixated on the back bumper and gently hit it at a few KPH's. The truck didn't even feel me. It was a 10-15 ton dump truck. Stopped to check for damage and none. My bags slid forward a bit but that was it. I wasn't going fast, just being in a hurry for no reason.

Rain came a little early today as I was hoping to miss it. Found a nice resort hotel that had dorm style rooms, which was great because its cheaper. Just wish they had hot showers. It was still raining so I took a walk to the store to hydrate. I get to chatting with a Filipino traveler from Mindanao who is camping with a few others, at the opposite end of the beach, and he invites me to have dinner with them. Cool I thought, so I buy some snacks for appetizers and we head back to the camp. Dinner was great with some vegetables over rice (they were vegetarians), and follow that up with some local flavored vodka (BAR).

Time to go to bed and I head back down to my resort. The gates are locked but I can see the security guard inside. I knock on the gate and asked to be let in. He comes down, takes a quick look at me through the very narrow slits in the bamboo gate. I hold up my key to show him I belong here, and he walks away. My eyebrow lifts and head tilts sideways. Maybe he's checking the guest list to look for my name. Not that I told him my name but somehow they know who was there or not. He comes back down waves me away as to say get out of here. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! (WTF) I start with the nice Um Hello?!?!, Then HEY!!! and start banging on the gate. If I make enough noise, he'll come back. Wrong. Maybe I'll wake up the owners to see whats happening. Wrong. Two wrongs and things still aren't right. I start to think about the idea of spending the night on the beach. No way! I paid for this room, I'm staying. Queue the Mission Impossible theme music. I whip around to the back gate to the parking lot. I peek through the gate looking for movement. None. Quickly up and over the gate and into the lot. I listen for movement. None, they didn't hear me. I make my way through the grounds and I can see them sitting in the lobby area having a smoke. Through the path behind the bushes and I pop out of some palm trees right in front of some other guests having a little party in front of their room. I surprised them a little, but kept moving to my room. Once I was there was safe. I saw some flash lights moving around but unclear if they were looking for me.

Day Six. I was up early and ready to have a talk with the owner. A quick look through the hotel rules and no mention of a curfew. Heading to the restaurant, for my complementary breakfast, I run into the owner. “Hey Mike, I had a little issue last night” and proceed to tell the story. He cuts me short “Oh that was you” in a surprise apologetic tone. He was woken up with the noise and went to see what was going on. The guard tells him some foreigner [Me] was at the gate looking for a room and he sent him away. Mike proceeded to give him a verbal lashing and then sent them out to go find that guy [Me]. They were unsuccessful because I had already used my James Bond skills to get into my room. Mike and his wife apologized to me and made things right when it came time to settle the bill. I didn't even ask for any compensation, just wanted him to hear what happened. Strange series of events. I went through feeling guilty that I did something wrong to get locked out, then a little anger in the morning when thinking about it, to just having a good laugh at another funny story. I'd go back to that place given the chance, absolutely beautiful resort and great food.  Staff and Owners are great. For those of you in the area its Kapuluan Vista Resort http://kapuluanvista.com/ (http://kapuluanvista.com/) Talk to Mike the owner, tell him the story and I sent you.

The rest of the day was spent at the beach. I was working on a base tan for my later trip to the southern islands. No riding today just taking a rest.

Saud Beach outside of Pagudpud
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO04dax0BI/AAAAAAAACDM/B3gCI24hjAs/s912/IMG_6442-1.JPG)

Light house, in case you couldn't tell I for get the name.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO05iNUPYI/AAAAAAAACDQ/y5y0d08zOAM/s720/IMG_6436-1.JPG)

Entry to Blue Lagoon
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO01bOb3eI/AAAAAAAACDA/HvgvnO91zhs/s912/IMG_6456-1.JPG)

Ride in
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO02FIxFdI/AAAAAAAACDE/f9VmrYNjSUc/s912/IMG_6454-1.JPG)

Resort
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO036ISHMI/AAAAAAAACDI/r5HIi9k0We8/s640/IMG_6444-1.JPG)

Pool
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1CZOhVtI/AAAAAAAACDw/LqsN88nshAQ/s720/IMG_6490-1.JPG)

It was a great place to stay despite my little story
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1DLkVFpI/AAAAAAAACD0/ZOUxCkh2hp0/s800/IMG_6489-1.JPG)

Islands at the West end, during low tide you can walk to
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1GGp_hmI/AAAAAAAACD8/Cpcfxsr1MOo/s912/IMG_6472-1.JPG)

Blue Lagoon
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1Hb3OuuI/AAAAAAAACEA/zOhFmLwfyv4/s912/IMG_6465-1.JPG)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGSRLwRB-Qc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGSRLwRB-Qc)

Hi Dan! Got a question. How are you navigating your way around? Are you using a GPS or a basic map? Not sure if GPS is working in some of those areas. Are you most of the time by yourself?

Let me help out. Name of the Light house is the Cape Bojeador lighthouse at Burgos, Ilocos Norte .


More info here ---->


- http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Cape_Bojeador_Lighthouse (http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Cape_Bojeador_Lighthouse)
- http://www.google.com.ph/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enPH378PH380&q=cape+bojeador+lighthouse&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=q9ZWTIvbEIOFrAes9-jyAw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDUQsAQwAw (http://www.google.com.ph/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enPH378PH380&q=cape+bojeador+lighthouse&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=q9ZWTIvbEIOFrAes9-jyAw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDUQsAQwAw)
- http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=cbojlh (http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=cbojlh)

I had a few photocopied maps from my buddy Hercules.ph here. But street signs are hard to come by. So i stop to aks the locals a lot on which direction to go. Pick the next biggest city on the map in the direction i want to go and ask. Yeah just traveling by myself. Its fun, gets you out of your comfort zone if you were to have a partner with you.

duc_fan>>

Let me know when your next visit to the Phil is so, the Ducati Pilipinas, can roll out the red carpet for you bro. You'd be surprise to see the different big bike clubs and the latest model Ducatis, KTM and Jap bike too.

I am from Makati area.




richard>>

I think is about time to trace your roots back to the PI. Where you from here bro?
Just graduated for LSGH during '86, there are a lot of changes in the PI since then.
I have ridden around Luzon and Mindanao and it's true what you've said.... It's very beautiful

Try to put up a business, it may be like end up like your friend's too.

Buzz me when you decide to hop on a plane and go.






Anything to support another rider to have a great time in the PI.

Day seven. Started like any other day. Early start, packed the bike and hit the road. 20 minutes later, flat tire. Yup just another day in paradise. I'm on a major road, well the only one in the area, so I decided it was only a matter of time before someone with a truck would come by and give me a hand. I have a tube with me, but no tools. As useful as my scissors are, I can't change a flat tire with them. But if I was stuck in a paper bag.... I flag down a passing trike and ask him which direction and how far was the closest mechanic. Turns out there was one a few kilometers back. Great now just need a truck. The trike driver asks if I'd like his help. Did I say I needed a truck, what I meant was a trike, all I needed was a trike to pass by and I'd be saved. OK lets see if this can work. Tried with the flat rear tire on the trike first and drag the front. No go. After some “square peg in round hole” action we make use of the floor boards to make it happen. The phrase “like a glove” comes to mind. The four of us, driver, me, another passenger and the bike headed back to the mechanic. Successfully to the shop, I ask the guys how much do I owe you? After some hesitation and debate (if this was another country starting with the letter “V” and ending in “ietnam”, there would have been no hesitation to ask for a million dollars) they just ask for gas with a guilty look about them. So 2 liters of gas it was and everyone was happy.

Now for the tire Ninja. I got the bike on a milk crate and pulled off the rear tire to hand over to the Ninja. I call him a Ninja because he was fast with the “tire irons”, which weren't more than a few different tools welded together. One was a screw driver handle welded to the center part of a wrench ground down to a point. Back to the Ninja, he had the tire off, tube out, found the nail, new tube in and tire on in about five minutes. Aired up and Psssssssssssst! Yup Mr Ninja pinched the tube putting it in. Good thing he can patch it. Once again, tire off, tube out, patched, tube in, tire on. Aired up and (you see where this is going) Psssssssssst! The man is consistent, pinched it again. As commanding officer, I relieve him of his duties and take over at the controls of the irons. I pull the tube to have him patch and check for leaks. Carefully put the tire back on because in a rush you can pinch the tube. Air up, a couple of bounces and ready to be mounted. All the work was completed by me at this point. Since its going to be my ass on that seat if something should go wrong, Mr Ninja was to have no part of it. Give him a few pesos for the use of his tools, he should have paid me for popping my new tube, but whatever the man's got a family to feed. Two hours after I started I was back on the road.

I came upon a sign that said Adam's Waterfall 13K–&gt; and thought, what the hell, I'll go check it out.  Nice bumpy dirt road, already had my flat today so what could go wrong, and 30 minutes later I reach the town of Adams. I ask a local about the falls, he points me in the right direction then says “you by yourself? You shouldn't go, very dangerous.” Point made. Back the way I came to hit the main road and the long haul to Tuguegarao City. Good waste of an hour or so. Played with the video camera a bit on some nice roads along the coast. Click play, take a ride with me.

Whats wrong with this picture? Hard to tell but the tire is flat.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO00RCK3eI/AAAAAAAACC8/_min7EkoiWg/s640/IMG_6494-1.JPG)

Flat Srsly? its 7am.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO08tCcu-I/AAAAAAAACDg/pBpxa2UvP5c/s512/IMG_6506-1.JPG)

1st attempt
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1Ay_hjzI/AAAAAAAACDs/YnSKd8TkEaw/s640/IMG_6497-1.JPG)

Success
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TElxTF2Pp5I/AAAAAAAAB-c/ZN-9dAcDFGo/s640/IMG_6498-1.JPG)

Step 1 remove rear tire
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO0-udq3AI/AAAAAAAACDo/hpqbchJYsMQ/s512/IMG_6499-1.JPG)

Back on the road, kilometers and kilometers of this ahead
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO09WNgEGI/AAAAAAAACDk/Y1PeSySwZ3U/s800/IMG_6500-1.JPG)

Lets ride!
Pagudpud to Claveria (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvwKM0VesJE#normal)

Day eight. Started like any other day with me my bike and a plan to make it to Baler by the afternoon before the rain starts. I planned to use the highway the entire way because it would have been fast and I didn't see any other option. Enter the guys at Red Speed shop in Santiago. Have I mentioned how great the Filipino people are. My chain was looking a little worn, like milk sitting in the sun for a week, and it could use some loving, or lubing. Asking around for a shop leads me to Red Speed, high performance scooter shop. These guys lube up the chain and refuse to take any money. I thank them and their curiosity gets the better of them and we go over the usual questions behind why a foreigner was riding around on such a big bike (they consider the xr200 a big bike over here). I mention I'm headed to Baler and a new route was suggested. It's not even on my photocopied map, which by now looks like a piece of used tissue. The owner begins to tell me the route and I quickly have him write it down. No way I was going to remember the directions. We get the new route sorted then get to talking about racing scooters. These guys do some serious scooter racing. I get some stickers for my helmet and a new souvenir t-shirt with the team logo. I thank them and take some quick fotos before one of the guys at the shop hops on his scooter and leads me out-of-town to get me pointed in the right direction. Very cool, thanks!

Its only 11am and they said I should be at my destination by 2 or 3pm. Cool, not too long and before the rains hit. Fast forward a little bit, one wrong turn and axle deep in mud. I wasn't going to make it by 2 or 3, and of course I would be soaking wet again. The wrong turn leads me down a bumpy dirt road that was supposed to last for 58K's. I thought it was the right direction because it was just as he described, a bumpy dirt road. Luckily I got stuck in the mud. Axle deep front and back, I wasn't going anywhere. It looked solid when I went into it, but the bottom just dropped out on me. Luckily the people living in the house nearby saw me struggling and did not hesitate to jump in and pull the bike out. Told him where I was trying to go and he points me back the way I just spent an hour riding through. He was headed that direction so I follow him out and get back on track. 3pm and I got 4 hours ahead of me.  Up and over the Santa Ana mountains I go. My boots quickly fill with water from the pouring rain and my pants soak through to get that nice squishy feeling as I ride. At this point I'm loving it. I start to fantasize about buying a bike to keep here on the island so I can fly over and ride anytime. Seriously I'm having that much fun. Well the usual ensues, water, rocks, mud, aborigines!?! I have to do some research and see who the native people are in this area. Unlike any Filipinos I've seen.  7pm I get to Baler, pull my goggles and find a clean place to rest. Take a bucket shower, dinner, beer, bed. My only complaint about the Philippines, budget accommodations are more expensive than the rest of SE Asia, and you get a lot less. $10 doesn't buy you much in the way of lodging. But food and drinks are cheap.

There is probably 8-10 people on this trike.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1JLOCrzI/AAAAAAAACEE/sjiHVsA8V-c/s576/IMG_6519-1.JPG)

Bad chain, must be the original, now 20K Kilometers on the bike
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFP6KttBh9I/AAAAAAAACHM/n1wbZEk2md0/s800/IMG_6193-1.JPG)

New friends
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1Ke2fhGI/AAAAAAAACEI/Dh7Ggz6u1hE/s640/IMG_6521-1.JPG)

The crew
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1LrgFYMI/AAAAAAAACEQ/q9m2bga_QXU/s640/IMG_6522-1.JPG)

Couldn't ask for a better road to get lost on
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1NpDL9lI/AAAAAAAACEY/rxUIfwjyHYk/s800/IMG_6526-1.JPG)

It never get's old
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1Pb6sbQI/AAAAAAAACEg/ozSLibbdNF4/s912/IMG_6529-1.JPG)

Some serious mud, didn't get a shot while stuck
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1QZ8P3zI/AAAAAAAACEk/tYAcfDkKa78/s640/IMG_6530-1.JPG)

Only made it about 15 feet
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1SbSkUJI/AAAAAAAACEo/DPdCPZ7uyUw/s640/IMG_6531-1.JPG)

The Santa Ana Mountains
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1UsX6jaI/AAAAAAAACE0/IbiduDPWz_E/s800/IMG_6542-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1TnaNtBI/AAAAAAAACEw/lGLE9NuBYas/s640/IMG_6537-1.JPG)

On the other side without rain
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1VVECYPI/AAAAAAAACE4/iOoPn8zWam0/s912/IMG_6544-1.JPG)

Heading into Baler
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1WJEXgxI/AAAAAAAACE8/b821NRAkKIY/s720/IMG_6546-1.JPG)

 [thumbsup] [clap]

Nice.   [beer]

 [bow_down]

Monsoon season. Look at that muddy road. Good thing your in an XR. Take care!   [clap]

Day nine. Planed to spend a day here in Baler to rest, dry out (never-ending battle), try to surf and pictures. I did none of that but get some pictures. Wanted some pictures of the beach (see trivia question with picture as to why) and got soaked in the rain in the process. The son of the hotel owner offered to take me to a nice view of the city and we got soaked in the process. I turned around as soon as it started raining.  Took the rest of the day to write-up the last nine days, beside its raining. I'm not going outside again until it's time to eat and its raining. Later that evening the owners son and I take to the town to party it up. We find a local venue with a live band and have a good evening.

Any one recognizance this place? Here's a hint, it's where "Charlie" doesn't surf. Also my dad's favorite movie. Still no, Look at the picture and listen to Flight of the Valkyries.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1WpDpDGI/AAAAAAAACFA/3M1bg822B0U/s912/IMG_6551-1.JPG)

Actual name Charlies point. Wonder if they got it from the movie? But a popular surf break.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1XQj5dfI/AAAAAAAACFE/WC3RBPGK5mM/s912/IMG_6561-1.JPG)

Day ten was a later start than I intended but still on the road by 10am. Just slowly make my way through traffic, farm animals and suicidal dogs. Sadly I clipped the back-end of a little goat. Wasn't much I could do. Tried to stop and get the little guy some help but he just ran off in to the fields. I guess he was OK. Arrived at Alaminos to visit the One hundred Islands state park. Look interesting so why not. Took some effort but found a place to stay for $10 and had another nice bucket shower.

Lake Pantabangan
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1YiDa49I/AAAAAAAACFI/0qOPEW4vNWk/s912/IMG_6570-1.JPG)

Different angle
San Jose to Aliminos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm22Y0jEPqA#normal)

San Jose to Aliminos 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5uwWoOjYJk#normal)



Day eleven I chartered a boat to tour the One Hundred islands. I wasn't sure if I was going to do a tour but the boat captain mentioned fishing so that caught my interest. The tour was actually a good value. He was willing to take me anywhere I wanted and would come back and get me at anytime if I wanted to plant myself on a beach. Considering I'm going to get a lot of beach time later in my trip I opted to see the highlights of the islands. The coolest part was snorkeling with the giant clams. These things are 1-2 feet in length. Wonder what would happen if you were to stick your hand inside and it closed, or worse your snorkel. Now that that was over with let's go fishing! We motored out to a spot a little bit past the islands to drop anchor and fish. Normally I always use a rod and reel, but the equipment he had was a spool of fishing line, a 3 inch piece of re-bar at the end for weight and five hooks on the line baited with mini shrimp. We finally found a spot where the fish were hanging out and started pulling them in. Granted these were small fish, about the size I would normally use for bait. If I had a bigger hook, I would have sliced one up to get a bigger fish. But no luck on the hook so little fish it was. They were colorful fish, I think we caught the entire cast of Nemo.

Boats on blocks. Some get pulled out of the water in the evening.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1ZNldn7I/AAAAAAAACFM/wFl3kHjMPIc/s912/IMG_6576-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1Zsi3nyI/AAAAAAAACFQ/RU6uneoMTKU/s800/IMG_6579-1.JPG)

Low season, I have the place to myself
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1ajoSGNI/AAAAAAAACFU/slmkStCyQbk/s912/IMG_6583-2.JPG)

Enter the Islands
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1bVj9pSI/AAAAAAAACFY/ppqec24JPDQ/s912/IMG_6637-1.JPG)

Fishing reel and weight. Fun to do it the old school way.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1cUK9fUI/AAAAAAAACFc/ijG4SSNlKEs/s640/IMG_6634-1.JPG)

Such a pretty fish, get in the bucket! Personally i would have thrown it back, but I may have been tossed in with it.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1ci02uFI/AAAAAAAACFg/uA1eXs6ZY1A/s576/IMG_6633-1.JPG)

Islands
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1eaxDUdI/AAAAAAAACFo/bRRzJUKm4so/s912/IMG_6624-1.JPG)

The Princess Cruise liner.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1fQZiCAI/AAAAAAAACFs/I3_ba3E1bGo/s720/IMG_6622-1.JPG)

All 100 islands. They're all there, I counted them.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1grMMt_I/AAAAAAAACF0/iKFc0H1sRGY/s912/IMG_6614-1.JPG)

May be over the USCG limits for that vessel
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1klG7zqI/AAAAAAAACGI/xPQBWXDx-O8/s640/IMG_6644-1.JPG)

Back to port
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1hwrnR-I/AAAAAAAACF4/6ii75bKbGas/s912/IMG_6588-1.JPG)

Day twelve getting close to the end with not much else planned except for making my way back to Angeles by the Bataan Peninsula and Subic bay. My front brakes were looking very thin, less than 1mm of material left and I felt they should have been replaced. If it was my bike, they would have been replaced a long time ago. The rental Co policy was to "call us before you make any repairs". So I called. I got into this confusing argument with the owner about replacing them. I felt I was trying to do him a favor by not destroying the rotors and saving him money and he gets after me about asking for help. Basically saying he's not sure what I want him to do. I told him nothing, I can get them replaced or do it myself, just want to make sure I get reimbursed, and you asked to call before any repairs. The confusion continues and I lose interest on helping him out. If the pads wear through, so be it. On with the ride.


I went out of my way to Bolinao to stop by the light house for no real reason other than I had a short ride that day. Stop for the day was at beach resort just south of Santa Cruz. Had a relaxing day just hanging out around the resort and doing some reading.

Good morning
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1lw8EQMI/AAAAAAAACGQ/XvGd5n1rhQ8/s720/IMG_6648-1.JPG)

Bolinao
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1msdEjlI/AAAAAAAACGU/kASUtP3Ut_g/s912/IMG_6653-1.JPG)

Pulling rice in the shade
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1oDSw1GI/AAAAAAAACGY/4K00TtSQN2E/s800/IMG_6656-1.JPG)

Storms a brewing
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1o4ec7EI/AAAAAAAACGc/_14vTk3hNxs/s912/IMG_6663-1.JPG)

Haven't done a shadow picture in a while so it was time.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1qalu_HI/AAAAAAAACGk/04vPdejsqxU/s512/IMG_6667-1.JPG)

And Sunset
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1rCOOeAI/AAAAAAAACGo/NX4GsC5r23U/s912/IMG_6743-1.JPG)



Day thirteen brings me down to Subic Bay. Last stop before heading back to Angeles. Took a nice melo cruise to get down here. I was hoping the road was more of a coastal road, but it seems we were a few Kilometers inland. At this point I am thinking I've should have gone back north to Baguio, it looks like a nicer vacation spot and I'd be back riding through the mountains. My butt is starting to hurt from all the riding so the shorter day was probably better choice.

You Alone? Seriously I get asked this question 10 times a day. Where's your companion? Everyone thinks it's so strange to not have a companion with me. I guess they never see a foreigner without a cute younger Filipino woman. Everyone that asks if im alone I reply with "Do you want to go with me?" No one has taken me up on the offer.

Family trike coming out of drive through
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1sP-MmWI/AAAAAAAACGw/GHFG1OS1ZMU/s800/IMG_6753-1.JPG)

Subic Bay, it's the best I got, but its much prettier.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFO1s9y_9mI/AAAAAAAACG0/XIalLIQWLMo/s800/IMG_6760-1.JPG)

Side view
Side view (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66PQbtMMrNw#normal)

Day fourteen. Wrapping up the trip, it was a quick two weeks like all trips over and done before you know it. Hell I've been traveling for the last six months now and even this seems to be over and done with just a bunch of fading memories. Would I come back, YES. I think once I get back on my feet back home I may look to buy a bike over here to fly over and ride anytime I want. There is a lot left to be explored and with the ferry system you can make it to the southern islands. A bigger enduro would be good and some actual dirt tires would be better and a group of friends to ride with would be best. Food is good, beer is cheap but it would be nice to find a good place to stay for under $10. Everyone speaks English so it's very easy to get around. Not as high pressure to “sell” as other Asian countries. They'll make an offer, if you reject, they'll just chat with you to be friendly. Lots of fun, hope to be back here and riding again soon. Trip total 2380 Km's


Ride on out. I really need to get a GoPro before I plant myself into oncoming traffic.
Olongapo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az9RpLliCW4#normal)

Trike ride back to bus stop
Trike ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8ZG78NCOI8#normal)

Noooooooooo!!!! Don't let it end!!!!!!

I'm going back hopefully December for 3 weeks. But probably won't be doing much riding. Although my brother in law has a 75cc honda cub that I'll be using around town. That's good enough for me. Did you go to Boracay at all? Thinking about spending a few days there.

Here in Boracay now, nice place seems it could be a little crowded during peak season.

Thanks, Dan [thumbsup]

Looking forward to more.

Have you thought about a Travel Channel show [moto]

Another Sunday RideDidn't expect to be back on a bike so soon, but my buddy Herc came through again. I guess its universal around the world, Sunday is the day to ride. Herc and some of the guys from the Philippines Ducati club were heading out for a ride, swim, BBQ and invited me along. Great I thought, “Who's bike am I riding on the back of?” Apparently I'm not pretty enough to ride cupcake with any of them so Herc lent me one of his extra bikes, a KTM 640 Adv.

Herc and I departed his place at o' dark thirty to gas up and meet the rest of the gang. One of the biggest challenges to this ride was just getting out of the city alive.  Traffic and the amount of pedestrians on the road was insane at this hour. Does no one sleep in? Dodging in and out of traffic finally up into the hills, where we have to dodge bicyclists and scooter groups doing their Sunday ride. Fortunately we are all on big bikes so we can eat them up quickly and get to the clean roads. Still, we pass through a lot of small villages where there was always the threat of suicidal dogs, kids, trikes, people jumping in the roadway. But it looks as if everyone is aware of their presence to the roadway and vehicles passing by so we didn't encounter any unexpected movement into our path.  We make a few rest stops along the way which reminded me of the Bay Area's equivalent of “Alices” and “The Wall”. Short ride later and we stop for a late breakfast in Lucban. Another short ride and we find ourselves in the beautiful river valley with a small resort and cabanas along the river. We unload and jump into the river for a nice refreshing swim. Great way to get out of the Manila heat and freshen up from the morning's activities. BBQ time! It took us a few minutes but we finally got the BBQ started. Grilled some pork, Sinagang soup and no meal would be complete without rice. It quickly became apparent that we didn't have any dishes or utensils. The tool kits came out and we had a few Leatherman type multi-tools for knives. Then Herc disappears and came back with a stack of fresh banana leaves to use for plates. Lunch is served! Traditional style eating with our hands like nature intended.

Our lunch break was perfectly timed as it rained most of the time we were stopped. By the time we got back on the bikes, no more rain. We mounted up for the ride home and carefully made it up the moss-covered road back to the main track. On the way back I noticed the big bikes really get a lot of attention going through the smaller towns. Our mini parade snakes through the hills back to Manila. Again we get to battle our way through traffic where we split from the group and make our way back to Herc's house. Herc and I settle down with a glass or two of Chivas to decompress from the day and kick around stories of how fast we were.

Beautiful roads and even better scenery. The only unnerving thing was all of the potential “bogeys” on the side of the roads. Never know whats going to jump out in-front of you. Speed limits and traffic laws are suggestions around here. Your free to ride as big as your cajones are, but eyes open at all times. Nice to ride relax and enjoy the day. Most rides back home are ride, eat, home. This felt like a mini vacation to enjoy the day and no one was rushing to get home.  The relaxed, laid-back lifestyle is something one can get used to.

Morning line up
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyJacULZI/AAAAAAAACIU/1emFKezISh4/s800/IMG_6789-1.JPG)

Meeting the crew in the morning
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyILlinZI/AAAAAAAACIQ/qfDdgQHb5rw/s720/IMG_6792-1.JPG)

First stop after dodging every motor vehicle know to man to get out on Manila
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyGztwW_I/AAAAAAAACIM/0b4F97dvumU/s640/IMG_6800-1.JPG)

Laguna lake?
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyEWpZq6I/AAAAAAAACIE/NR6wUOZkU0Y/s912/IMG_6805-1.JPG)

Wow no smiles, but trust me we were having fun!
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyLMHSjRI/AAAAAAAACIc/1PezptXz-A4/s720/IMG_6807-2.JPG)

Reststop
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyFXJoSCI/AAAAAAAACII/aNqeQdh13HA/s800/IMG_6802-1.JPG)

Sunday ride Philippines 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9GXWKHV7Jo#normal)

Sunday ride Philippines (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwS8DlLH488#normal)

Pre lunch, lunch
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyDRRh4OI/AAAAAAAACIA/Rmqcl-JG1ek/s576/IMG_6811-1.JPG)

Beautiful river stop
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyAYA1RtI/AAAAAAAACH4/-HzkX3k5uOI/s640/IMG_6815-1.JPG)

Cooling off before lunch
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYx-4BoicI/AAAAAAAACH0/1kwZdFvVwUc/s640/IMG_6817-1.JPG)

Lunch
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYx8O9V-aI/AAAAAAAACHo/VZEDqReGUYg/s640/IMG_6826-1.JPG)


More Salt, it needs more salt!
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYx84Me_yI/AAAAAAAACHs/0qLerNkI66I/s720/IMG_6824-1.JPG)

Served! We were a little unprepared so Herc to the rescue with Banana leaves for plates. Hands for spoons and we had multi tools for knives or it would have been caveman style on the meat.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TFYyKMyn5JI/AAAAAAAACIY/GAf_iGUrP0g/s640/IMG_6835-1.JPG)

Dammit, Dan.  Now I'm hungry, you ass.  [thumbsup]

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Thanks for another write up D!!

Yumm... grilled pork chops on banana leaves. There's something about it. The flavor is enhanced or something. Good stuff Dan! Thanks!  [thumbsup]

This thread kicks ass..

Boracay

I had a quick four-day trip to Boracay Island up next. It is the biggest tourist places in the Philippines for foreign and domestic tourists, and also a 24 hour non stop party. So four days was more than enough. Met up with my friend Jeff that I met through connections with the Ducati group and stayed at his house when I arrived. So this is where the story takes a little bit of a turn...........

So through some random series of events I going to stay here on the island for a little while, no not in jail or getting married. I've met some good people here, found plenty of things to keep active and got a nice place with beach front living. It may not be everyone's dream but it has crossed my mind at times to run away and live on a beautiful tropical island. I have the chance to do it and I'm going to take it. But I can't imagine doing it forever, Island fever will set in but until then its my chance to live like a millionaire with beach front property. I'm about 10 steps to the beach, and less in high tide. How long? Don't know, want to be home by the first of the new year or maybe after the big Kiteboard championships late January. Then again, if I get bored, I'm out of here. Until then its sunsets and San Miguel's.



Just heard this song today, Lemon Tree by Fool's Garden, [small edits], see video to catch the beat.

I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see is just a [green palm tree]
I'm turning my head up and down
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that I can see is just another [palm tree]

Lemon Tree (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-a9mzEeqfk#normal)

White Beach
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TGiNDF7b19I/AAAAAAAACJU/iwM39_680HY/s720/IMG_6929-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THTESkfKiHI/AAAAAAAACJ4/p2ybliT2NLk/s800/IMG_6937-2.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THTEcuULjHI/AAAAAAAACJ8/jIFSReaRQfA/s800/IMG_6942-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THTEjB05nnI/AAAAAAAACKA/w6M7xcjTn9c/s800/IMG_6949-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THTEyaalghI/AAAAAAAACKE/multKrM1liY/s800/IMG_6953-1.JPG)

View from my room
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THTE62tGrWI/AAAAAAAACKI/mcam7sTF8n0/s912/IMG_6971-1.JPG)

Last nights full moon
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THTFBB5aWcI/AAAAAAAACKM/8BlaAbn-Jzs/s800/IMG_6985-1.JPG)

Enjoy it i would do the same thing in your position.

enjoy. keep us up to date.

So they hired you as the bartender? Nice!

Awesome...try to enjoy yourself.   [laugh]  Carpe Diem!  And you did.   [drink]

Ill try and enjoy  [laugh]

Ill still be giving updates on the island life and pictures.

Todays sunrise, about 10 minutes before the ball of fire.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THdJyrYwv2I/AAAAAAAACLA/l8nwKVhHbKs/s800/IMG_6993-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/THdJ8A-c08I/AAAAAAAACLI/JFkaIxdsOxM/s800/IMG_7000-1.JPG)

You did it! Looks like fun! Keep the pictures coming please.

Admit it Dan...you decided to stay just so you could regale us with pictures and stories :)

Good luck man.

He was convinced as soon as he landed in the Phillipines.

So now we know why MacArthur said he'd be back

Kick ass.  I'll be back there soon.  Hopefully you're still there by then.  [thumbsup]

I didnt know it at the time but it wasn't long before i was thinking "i can easily live here"



Very cool if you can make out while im here.



Yeah i wasnt done yet.

Awesome, its perfect.. tore the worl till you find that one apot you can call home..

Sweet dude.  I lived in Boracay for almost a year in 1997.  I heard the place has changed quite a bit, haven't been back since then.  It sure is paradise the way I remember it.  I was in Angol point, I heard this is one of the quiet places still left on the white beach.  I always daydream of going back with my wife and just simplifying life and not hurrying all the time to buy shit you don't need.  Keep the posts coming, I'd like to hear first hand how it really is there now.  I'm very jealous.

Its probably not the paradise you remember. Beaches are beautiful, but overrun with resorts and vendors. Its well on its way to being spoiled if not already there. The Bulabog side is still quiet during the off season. Living the simple life is really the key for me. I own practically nothing and im surviving and enjoying life just fine. Not sure how i use to have the time in the day to accomplish the things i used to do. Im trying to make it a point to not buy anything and collect stuff thats not absolutely necessary. Mainly cause i usually have a big bar bill i cant afford much more =)

Hey DTM,

I'm back in China, heading over to Hong Kong this weekend. Where are you now?
Are you getting slammed by the storms? It's raining like the dickens here.

You've prolly posted this somewhere - but do you have a flickr site or a photo dump we can see the whole trip ?
PS where are you steeling these postcard scans from?
Dude you should have been a photographer. Some of your shots are amazing.  [thumbsup]

Im on a toropical island in the Philippines (and will be for the next few months). I've been watching the typhoons but none have hit us directly. They seem to be starting in the china sea or skipping over northern Philippines. We've been catching some rain from the outskirts of some. It is rainy season here but that just means it rains like hell for 30 minutes and then back to blue skys. Nice thing on an island, you can see the storm come about an hour away.

All photos can be seen here  http://picasaweb.google.com/DTM100K (http://picasaweb.google.com/DTM100K)

Thanks for the complements, i just take a lot of pictures, do some creative cropping and there you go. I wish i had a nice DSLR and a good lens but i don't want to carry it around. Nice thing about my canon s90 is its size. I take it everywhere, but its taken some beatings in the process and needs to have some work done. My rule has been never leave the hotel room without the camera, there is always something interesting to take a picture of. Plus im always thinking "oh that would make a great photo for the blog!"

DTM

...and it seems DTM has been talking up the forum while he's there.   [thumbsup]

Been getting some hits from here? Could be mostly me  :)

Sure have. ;)

I see an incredible coffee table book in the future!

It'll be better then my coffee table book. "Above and behind NY"

What Up Happy New Years everyone.

Sorry, Sorry. Its been a while since an update but things are busy over here. I think I mentioned before but sometimes it takes all day to get laundry dropped off. Not because I'm busy taking care of important stuff but things come up during the day, like sitting on the beach, having coffee, or watching the sunset with happy hour. Some day's start off with the intention of doing something and that usually never happens. We start the afternoon with a coffee in the main junction from the beach to the mall. Poke fun at the tourists and shoot the shit for a few hours. Then take a walk down the beach to do whatever minor task that was the plan for the day. End up running into a few people we know and next thing you know its 4am. Next day, start off trying to finish the task from the day before. Time fly's by quick here. Now I see how some people are stuck here. Days, weeks, months, are just gone. Had some fun a few weeks back when the typhoon Megi came by. The local kiteboarders finally had a chance to get out and rip. Other than some wind it was too far to the north to really give us any troubles. Towards the end, a good friend of mine came to visit from the states and she got a first hand view of how easily time slips away. Wake up have lunch, run into some friends and there you go another day gone.

Got a chance to do some touristy stuff when my friend came into town. First I meet her in Manila for a few nights. That was the first time I left the island since August when I arrived. As soon as I got to Manila, I want to get back to the island. I forgot how difficult it is to get things done here. I got into a one sided argument with airport security. I say one sided because it was just me talking and they conveniently forgot English and wouldn't look at me anymore. What a pain to deal with. Back to navigating the streets of Manila, there was another headache. We started playing the taxi cab game. 90% of the taxi cab drivers don't want to use their meters, they want to charge an excessive flat rate. The other 5% want to charge the meter + extra fee, the next 4% will actually use the meter but don't want to take you where you want to go because there is traffic or its too far. WTF? I thought it was your job to drive in traffic!! Then there is the 1% that will pick you up and take you where you want to go on the meter, but 50% of those doesn't know the location your trying to go. So we usually stop about 15 or so taxis before we find one of the 1%ers.

After a quick tour of the highlights of Manila and some more time with my boys from the local Ducati clubs it was back to the island. Not a whole lot to see in Manila besides the malls and a lot of shopping. First night on the island we started thing off with a bang. Hit a bunch of the local spots for some drinks, then packed two trikes full with 8 people each and headed to the full moon party where hilarity ensued until the sunrise. Next we picked a day to relax on Puka beach, which I believe is the nicest beach on the island. Its away from white-beach so no vendors trying to sell you anything. This is the beach to go to if you want to be left alone. Not really marketed or promoted, because all the money is on White Beach. The water is clean and drops off faster so you don't have to walk for 100m before you get to chest deep water. My favorite spot to vacation on the island.

If your into food, the Talipapa fish market is a fun stop. Buy your fresh seafood from the market and bring it to the store across the street to be cooked anyway you choose. Or have them do all the hard work and just order from the menu. Halloween weekend was crazy fun. Found out that many of the countries represented by the tourists don't celebrate Halloween. Seems like its primarily a US celebration, who knew. Here on the island, there are big all night parties, after which everyone hibernates for three days. Can't find any of the locals for a few days. Only the tourists roaming around. But things seem to be back to business as usual now. On the last day we rented a boat to take us to the popular snorkel and dive spots. Crocodile island and Ilg Ilgan were the two places we stopped. Also stopped for a quick tour of Crystal Cove...skip it. Well that wrapped the two week vacation for my friend. Packed her bags and got her off to the jetty port for the long flight home. It was great to see a familiar face and a good friend to share this little trip of mine. Fun and funny thing about the island, its so small. They few days she was here, she already had a few friends on the island. Her last nigh going away party, she had a whole list of people to invite out. I think that's what pulled me to the island in the first place. In a short time you get to know a lot of people. I guess its like college, walk around campus and you get to know or recognize everyone.

Well back to the island. Can't believe its November. Seems like eternal summer here. Think I'm going to be in sever shock if i get home during winter.

Back to the island
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPlKnxWneI/AAAAAAAACWs/6LjsLxVDjUE/s720/IMG_5258-1.JPG)

Local kids playing on the front porch
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TKvWimcvcKI/AAAAAAAACMw/jkzAt4pBlsk/s576/IMG_7097-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPem4rG3iI/AAAAAAAACTo/PqFkBWW83X8/s640/IMG_5602-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPfCJs4B2I/AAAAAAAACT8/_p1jqDbZz40/s512/IMG_5569-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPjPJHeXEI/AAAAAAAACV0/SSR1TptM69M/s512/IMG_5364-1.JPG)

Local rum Tanduay
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TKvWoyHhEkI/AAAAAAAACM0/s9fqgI8-72g/s800/IMG_7154-1.JPG)

Local, not sure what this does...yoga master masseuse?
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPjWXo8uHI/AAAAAAAACV4/C_9gZ0WWhc4/s720/IMG_5359-1.JPG)

Popular sport, Cock fighting
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TKvWvMEokTI/AAAAAAAACM4/pD8MyH0y16I/s640/IMG_7198-1.JPG)

The betting gets intense
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TKvW3ySchLI/AAAAAAAACM8/VS77BkhYu2I/s640/IMG_7207-1.JPG)

Puka beach
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TKvXKwiJIcI/AAAAAAAACNI/zAuxtfJNcqo/s800/IMG_7228-1.JPG)

Puka
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPZ1iV5EWI/AAAAAAAACRk/SUW9bYeu09c/s720/IMG_7408-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPjoOvwBWI/AAAAAAAACWA/ni9TtF5eE7o/s800/IMG_5319-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPjdLDtycI/AAAAAAAACV8/QsIk6jn5Ejg/s640/IMG_5322-1.JPG)

Sunset at Puka
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPZwkpLTCI/AAAAAAAACRg/cNTD321NpIg/s800/IMG_7424-1.JPG)

Boat trip around the island
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPSQymQjqI/AAAAAAAACOc/-2Y9lUXy4dg/s720/IMG_7618-1.JPG)

Traditional local boat
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPSZJuLh_I/AAAAAAAACOg/jDH4qsOEuHk/s800/IMG_7617-1.JPG)

Sailing the seas, my friend came to visit.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPTCdPABBI/AAAAAAAACOw/fRySvXhXsXQ/s720/IMG_7575-1.JPG)

The resort owners puppy, they grow up so quickly! Already smoking.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPTgf31O7I/AAAAAAAACPA/YPWbm3i3wK8/s576/IMG_7568-1.JPG)

Halloween
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPTl23DmNI/AAAAAAAACPE/bAF6lq2dy8c/s720/IMG_7554-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPd1FQ615I/AAAAAAAACTU/w9VEziQLZzA/s912/IMG_5649-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPdPn8FtHI/AAAAAAAACTE/uY6z6ZLOQFI/s512/IMG_5659-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPWBb-LwUI/AAAAAAAACQY/eDuzWD_o4rA/s512/IMG_7486-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPT4KYavBI/AAAAAAAACPQ/ronrCo_42s4/s576/IMG_7523-1.JPG)

Picking up her costume from the tailor
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPUOVlDo6I/AAAAAAAACPc/9YmJ_9NlJA0/s512/IMG_7516-1.JPG)

Halloween video from my friend Chad www.chadshomepage.com (http://www.chadshomepage.com)
Boracay Halloween Madness 2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID-Yi8rjuvI#normal)


One of the many buffets
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPUZlVtwkI/AAAAAAAACPk/8rVPkCa0ViY/s912/IMG_7513-1.JPG)

Deuce it up with the nice Koreans!
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPUi88au1I/AAAAAAAACPo/V81k_9fXuzQ/s576/IMG_7507-1.JPG)

Deuce
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPaWTdZl-I/AAAAAAAACR0/9hdURDYPG-I/s912/IMG_7373-1.JPG)

Deuce
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPfe86gzUI/AAAAAAAACUI/jnCZAYY6F4o/s640/IMG_5560-1.JPG)

Deuce, not sure why my finger is in her nose
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPgqLaYq9I/AAAAAAAACUk/PWoD_9xehMw/s720/IMG_5523-1.JPG)

And the new "peace sign" photo, the Jump Photo! Everyone does the jump photo these days, so weve been making it a point to take jump photos with everyone.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPg8E6_3uI/AAAAAAAACUs/GMYxWXnb5JQ/s512/IMG_5501-1.JPG)

Talipapa, Before, live crab, name: Bob
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPVJt6gVpI/AAAAAAAACP8/3uu-IURYvfY/s912/IMG_7498-1.JPG)

After
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPVEaU56lI/AAAAAAAACP4/vxV5Rzb_hv0/s640/IMG_7499-1.JPG)

Bob and friends
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPWhSdTEEI/AAAAAAAACQs/NJClaz_kFwY/s512/IMG_7468-1.JPG)

Monster Lobster
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPf-RTBYZI/AAAAAAAACUU/VmUH4bgVjjk/s512/IMG_5551-1.JPG)

Fish
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPVqMEytzI/AAAAAAAACQM/nOifiaIcYNk/s912/IMG_7496-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPV60MVM6I/AAAAAAAACQU/tTTJ8vXKfSE/s800/IMG_7492-1.JPG)

Squid stuffed with veggies
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPWQKepZ6I/AAAAAAAACQk/hbRgk-fKuRM/s512/IMG_7471-1.JPG)

Scalops
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPWWL6-oaI/AAAAAAAACQo/P_DG4mzWTPg/s640/IMG_7470-1.JPG)

Butter Garlic shrimp
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPfOhIK1MI/AAAAAAAACUA/UKtiVNBPJK8/s576/IMG_5562-1.JPG)

Squid Adobo
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPfWYRyEAI/AAAAAAAACUE/JUVVRIMlnUM/s640/IMG_5561-1.JPG)

Calamanci, it tastes like a mix of lime and tangerine
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPiNeTRxRI/AAAAAAAACVM/SrhCiP5KvZo/s512/IMG_5399-1.JPG)

Me with traditional floppy hat
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPfvdu4HxI/AAAAAAAACUQ/wfOpxw6EFvw/s576/IMG_5555-1.JPG)

Me with traditional Bat Hat
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPi6bl5HZI/AAAAAAAACVo/3V5YHGzpu-U/s576/IMG_5375-1.JPG)

Trike traffic Jam. This is the main transportation on the island, and these guys are everywhere. Annoying but necessary...sometimes.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPXL7HdrfI/AAAAAAAACRA/5dPcPzNl_YM/s720/IMG_7451-1.JPG)

We can squeeze about 8 full size people in these
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPaGNtZtlI/AAAAAAAACRs/80w1R1eNufY/s640/IMG_7399-1.JPG)

stay out of the sun! Umbrellas are used rain or shine here.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPXXenJaxI/AAAAAAAACRE/AXefRAfTP2A/s512/IMG_7450-1.JPG)

Local chicken named Pedro. Do not throw him at the bartender to get their attention.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPkSm-T1RI/AAAAAAAACWU/5aSyVToWdPY/s720/IMG_5294-1.JPG)

Sandcastles
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPkuaUpa-I/AAAAAAAACWc/hSUBQ_WJDQE/s640/IMG_5286-1.JPG)

Local Sari-Sari store. The owner of this one tried to marry me to her daughter.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPXfm0aT7I/AAAAAAAACRI/ys6lzrrzS8Y/s640/IMG_7449-1.JPG)

Anyone know the game Edward 40 hands? This was our attempt to get someone to do it.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPZtJ5S_jI/AAAAAAAACRc/qCT9AV8k7-s/s576/IMG_7438-1.JPG)

Kiting during the Typhoon
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPa3tyn89I/AAAAAAAACSQ/r5dA4N2l22U/s640/IMG_7339-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPat51MtLI/AAAAAAAACSI/5hw5tcjy8-s/s720/IMG_7345-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPaowImQLI/AAAAAAAACSE/mzlVXZCvZjw/s912/IMG_7350-1.JPG)

Kiteboarding Typhoon Megi - Boracay Philippines - Oct 2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BuNHSgSCnQ#normal)

No more!
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TNPizNDOvnI/AAAAAAAACVk/LyalHgT5B58/s512/IMG_5376-1.JPG)

Merry Christmas everyone! This one was a little different but special in its own way. First time for me to be away from my family on Christmas. With out the family holidays just seem like every other day. Seriously it doesn't even feel like Christmas other than the decorations and presents flying around. Maybe it the weather, Christmas has always been cold, and here I am just walking around in board shorts laying on the beach. You'll have a hard time convincing me its December. The only seasons here are the high and low tourist season.

The best part of  my Christmas has always been seeing the kids smile when opening gifts which takes you back to the time you were a child and all you looked forward to was Christmas day. Since I couldn't be around my godchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins this year I had to do something to make some kids smile. A Charity toy drive was the plan. I was following the example set by my friends Keith and Beth. They are traveling the world and volunteering every chance they get. Now it was my turn to give back to this little island I called home. The plan, hold a fundraiser night and toy drive at the bar. All toys would be donated, money collected would be used to buy the remainder of the toys then all leftover money was used to buy infant formula for the feeding mothers. Outcome, Success! It turned out a lot bigger than I expected. 60+ gifts, 60+ boxes of baby formula, and about 100+ smiling faces from the mothers and children. Couldn't have received a better present this year. All of this went to the local Ati village, who are the indigenous people of the island who have been here for 100's of years well before the first bar, resort and dive shop opened. And through some other generous donations, from local businesses, we'll be able to supply them with milk for the next few months. Kick ass! Never expected this level of response.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


…...I'm off to the beach!

Daniel

Another sunrise to a beautiful day
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRIXRw-a1LI/AAAAAAAACYQ/MS4IrKNT8rk/s912/IMG_7758-1.JPG)

Sunset facing east
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRIXyaDjXoI/AAAAAAAACYs/tqRmOD6hdlU/s912/IMG_7768-1.JPG)

Full moon rising
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRIX4Oa_7dI/AAAAAAAACY0/366VOup2jZ0/s640/IMG_7825-1.JPG)

We made our own Sleigh for the occasion
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRIX-1LYZQI/AAAAAAAACY8/wVsgj7Zr0bk/s800/IMG_7804-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRIYCYyc2QI/AAAAAAAACZA/bnVcU5qnvrw/s800/IMG_7799-1.JPG)

A little silent night action from the local kids
Silent night Dec 20.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOPP4dhZY18#normal)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRVY5AQLs7I/AAAAAAAACbM/dmv0c2awBXs/s800/i-believe-in-santa-flyer-levantin---large.jpg)

Snacks for the Ati kids
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNBAno2pHI/AAAAAAAACZg/LA4zjazfnqM/s800/IMG_7855-1.JPG)

The kids!
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb9IwidkUI/AAAAAAAACb4/5-l37onz03o/s800/levantin_00504.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb9RvSn08I/AAAAAAAACb8/KUqVoEwGP-o/s800/levantin_00505.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb9cCunV1I/AAAAAAAACcI/EUillezg0N0/s720/levantin_00506.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb9hjNM6II/AAAAAAAACcM/NCuM4UVHu4U/s720/levantin_00511.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb93Talv3I/AAAAAAAACcg/TZxrbKD8Gc0/s720/levantin_00530.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb9xrrMY3I/AAAAAAAACcc/DdMlxpTHZp4/s800/levantin_00529.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb-BevITqI/AAAAAAAACck/tZBWUqgHwhE/s720/levantin_00532.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb-aqspF7I/AAAAAAAACcw/ppifoCnutU8/s640/P1000667-1.JPG)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb-q6BH-OI/AAAAAAAACdA/xPWoLX1PdOI/s640/P1000679-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNBVBk2b3I/AAAAAAAACZ8/V2SCJnpj_FQ/s640/IMG_7877-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNBYGmzN1I/AAAAAAAACaA/Uq2MxoNEr24/s512/IMG_7879-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNBiX1N3pI/AAAAAAAACaQ/bCriy5zgfKM/s512/IMG_7884-1.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNBlDeuxLI/AAAAAAAACaU/7_C71F1KWWA/s512/IMG_7885-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNBqqF11vI/AAAAAAAACac/jZhAvpnu5ik/s512/IMG_7889-1.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNByjlFddI/AAAAAAAACak/V0Xt_TKARXQ/s512/IMG_7891-1.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRNB6cTLHCI/AAAAAAAACa0/W-0hbh1uOQE/s512/IMG_7898-1.JPG)

Christmas Eve for the "adults"
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRb-hOfiP0I/AAAAAAAACc4/YlOQls5HhZI/s512/P1000743-1.JPG)

A little rockstar action
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/__WCKsvKd7HA/TRIXEwMOTBI/AAAAAAAACYM/BGbq7cx4gqw/s512/63923_10150344800335187_630965186_16247394_3622789_n-1.jpg)

Bonus Videos, what i do with my spare time!

Shot Clock Challenge in Costumes - Dec 6 2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8YxbrcL7MA#normal)

Cliff Diving Ariels Point Boracay Nov 13 2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMHI4V-a_cY#normal)

This is unreal. You are living the life I cannot! Not for the next 18 years that is... Keep on taking those photos. I loved the shots of all the seafood  [bacon]

Good stuff Dano.   

 [clap] Awesome what you did for the kids, nothing beats seeing their smiling faces.

 [thumbsup] what a journey dan!!! Wish i could do that someday...