Yogi Berra once said “it ain’t over till its over!”
It’s the bottom of the 9th …
The fat lady has sung.
This is our last official “All-Star Motorcycle Circus and Expedition” BLOG post. Tomorrow after our second flight to El Salvador Lisa and I will go our separate ways.
Start & Stop: Vina Del Mar, Chile to Santiago, Chile
Mileage: 0 moto miles, ~60 bus miles
Hotel: Plaza Suites Hotel, Santiago, Chile 45,000 pesos ($95 USD)
Fuel: $700 Chilean Peso /l liter ($1.48 USD/1 liter) or $5.51 USD per gal!
Currency Exchange: $1 USD = $473.95 Peso
18,000 miles and the indignity of a crate!
Dean: 8:30 AM at the Vina Del Mar Suzuki dealership and we begin with Lisa’s V-Piglet crating. Again everything poking out is removed. Mirrors, windshield, handlebars, Jesse bags, Tanji Flatbed Fuel Cell, etc. But we learn that there are no more metal pallets the same size as the one my VStromopotomus was loaded onto. Only smaller metal pallets were available so we make do. The VPiglet’s crating requires the front wheel to be removed and the front axle replaced and locked into block.
The smaller found crate required the front wheel to be removed and axle re-bolted to a pallet housing.
The metal box frame had to be extended to make the V-Piglet fit.
Lisa loves her VPiglet's finished crating!
- Lisa’s VPiglet’s Jesse bags, front wheel and Tanji Fuel Cell were added to Dean’s VStrompapotomus’ crate because it had additional room.
This pallet is loaded! We estimated 800 lbs!
Lisa: It was kind of a mess, but heck, we’re used to that by now. About the only thing for certain on this trip is that things don’t happen as we’ve planned them. Today was no exception but still the bikes are crated and we’re on our way out of South America
Dean: We are done by 11AM. Paid our bill, caught a cab to the bus station and we are “large public caging” it to Santiago.
We had several invites to hook up with in Santiago but the combination of a morning breaking down a dirty, grimy, oily, POS VPiglet and lashing it to a metal pallet, then the 2-hour bus ride to Santiago, a mile hike to our cheap hotel and the 5AM departure to the airport has us tucker out.
Tomorrow at 5AM we take a taxi to Santiago International. Lisa heads to Jacksonville FL for the IBA Daytona weekend and I’ll be home in SoCal with my wife Sue by the end of day.
Lisa and I talked about how to end this adventure/BLOG and agreed to post a “reprise” in a month or so. There are many things we would have done differently, many things that went right, things we brought that we should have left home and stuff we wish we would have taken. On some days our plan vs. reality were 180-degrees apart. And everyone wants to know what’s up with my 50-MPH WieeenieStrom.
As soon as the moto arrives from Chile via tramp steamer (3-4 weeks) I’m replacing the fuel pump. I think it’s gotta be the fuel pump high pressure filter or the pump itself. And I have a second fuel pump sitting on my bench at home.
Lisa: So, while we’ll be back in the states tomorrow, we still have some stories to share and hope you’ll stay tuned. Meanwhile, we have both very much appreciated the support, your posts, your input when we were struggling and your care and concern for us. It really meant a lot to us and helped us laugh through some of the ‘less fun’ times.
I really don’t want it to end. Now that I’m retired, what are Tom and I going to talk about if Dean and Lisa are not posting blogs every day? It was a blast! Thanks for sharing your adventures.
The last post??? Noooooooo!!! (insert theatrical sound effect here) Jokes aside, Safe travels/arrivals… enjoy the transitioning back to the good ol’ USA. I am really looking forward to the re-cap of what worked, what didn’t, etc. Until then, I shall be on the lookout for the return of the dynamic duo! Muchas Graaaacias!
I’m going to miss reading this blog everyday:(. Hope you’re planning your next adventure! Welcome home!!
I bet Alan will be relieved to see you. We are relieved that you will finally get back to the US! Both of us will have to find a new addiction and a new topic of conversation. ” So, have Dean and Lisa posted yet?” and “Where does the SPOT show they are right now?” have been the first questions we ask each other on the phone, etc. The good thing is that the weather is starting to get a little better to pursue our other passions! Good timing. Thanks for letting us follow along.
What the hell? What am I going to do now…. read a book? Watch soap operas? Work?
Get back on the bikes – turn around and go chase down Lisa’s Credit cards or something. Give that big hand a manicure – solve the mysteries of Maccu Piccu or something. I’m not DONE yet. I’ve got lots of witty stuff still in my typewriter and need a freekin’ outlet. OK – so I have yet to prove that I have witty stuff…. but that is my POINT. Say it aint so –
come Back Shane
Rosebud
We’re on a Mission. A mission from God.
(I can quote people too)
Hey boy — ya’ll in a heap o trouble heyah.
what we have here is a failure to communicate.
one small step for man… one giant leap for mankind.
uh….. see you soon. I’m going to miss our little pen pal relationship though.
I will not miss “reCAPTCHA though
Cornelissen ograw – what the heck????
Thanks bunches for taking us along on your daring adventure.
You two are the BEST!
Dean and Lisa – wow – what a pair – Who needs Mike Kneebone anyway!! j/k – for some reason, I never forgot that post at the start of the trip – Dean is an awesome brother and I knew he would take good care of you and I am sure vice-versa. Life is what you make it – and you two have certainly upped the ‘gusto ‘ factor -I am ready to get back on the road after living vicariously through you – I can’t wait for my next adventure and Thank YOU both so much for taking us on your journey – Peace out and safe travels home – Thanks!
Lisa and Dean. What a great adventure to follow from snow bound Ohio. I have enjoyed following along. That for taking the time to post
Lisa and Dean, I’ve enjoyed the whole story. I’ll be here when you have info on your bike. Thanks for an entertaining couple of months. I’ll miss the updates from you 2 All Stars.
Well the highlite of my trip that we only briefly shared was meeting two wonderful people like Dean and Lisa and have the privledge to ride with them and share some geat off times.
As it happens I pusht a couple heavy days and made it back to Uruguay on Saturday night at 10pm ( without Phone and internet ).
Even though I found things not so well here,
I am in 2nd heaven about the adventure I managed to complete.
The sense of achievement thats irreplacable in my Heart.
thanks for beeing such nice companions Lisa and Dean
Herbert,
Congratulations on your first “life changing” solo ride from Uruguay to Ushuaia and back. The fact that you did it on a Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser style bike is that much more impressive.
http://www.allstarmccircus.com/?p=1663
Not sure how much fun you had riding 50 MPH into Ushuaia with us but our time spent at the “End-of-the Ruta 3″ sign in Tierra Del Fuego National Park will always be a good memory.
Keep us informed of your Germany trip and BMW GS acquisition.
Watch out, Grandpa. You are going to get hugged to death!
Welcome home…we all missed you.
Dean and Lisa, it has been so fun “riding” along with you. Through your highs and lows, you’ve maintained the IBA spirit. You’ve made us all proud. But now the withdrawals begin. We’re looking forward to hearing “the rest of the story”.
When I grow up, I want to be like you two. Have a safe trip back to the States.
Thanks for taking me along on your glorious trip..You had a dream and realized it.. basically because you believed all things are possible… so proud of you. Wonderful memories, Jump for joy, you did it!
Thanks for the ride ……it was a helluva trip !!!
I’ll go ahead and add to a well-earned cyber-standing-ovation for your accomplishments. You’ll never be the same, and thanks to your words, neither will we.
Via Con Dios Amigos!
What a long strange trip it’s been!
Guess I’ll have to get my Candy Butt Ass off the couch and do some of my own riding now?
Thanks for taking us along, L&D!
You know… One part of reading through all the posts you both provided was for the sake of the laughs. Perhaps some things were not so funny when you went through them or posted them but there were plenty of laughs for me. Thanks and Big Hugs.
Congratulations on an exiting adventure. Dean’s willingness to stick with the Strom instead of getting a rental will make the memories even better. Lisa’s willingness to stick with Dean during his ordeal may be either saintly or inertia-driven. Pick your poison… religion or science (Hi, Don!).
Thanks again for including us with the blog. I look forward to the recap.
Great to have you home safe and sound. Grand adventure that all of us enjoyed.
Thanks for the ride along.
Kevin, You and Annie are part of the Alaska leg adventure.
http://www.allstarmccircus.com/?p=130
It was great that you both followed us the rest of the way down to Ushuaia.
Looking forward to seeing you two on the road somewhere.
Great work guys! I enjoyed every word.
Lisa, I have so loved reading about your daily adventures. They have been a great distraction from the never ending property fight! I cant wait to see you in the hood. American Idol is not the same without you!!!!
Just caught up with the end of your adventure. I’m too fired up to sleep as I’m leaving for 10 days in Baja tomorrow. Your report was great stuff and your interactions cracked me up. I can’t wait for the trip’s epitaph, and you better expect a bunch of questions next time we meet.
Jeff,
Your Baja reports on ADVrider are a great read too.
I’m real interested in a lighter, more agile bike with the possibility of camping.
Questions will probably go both ways!
Actually the 50mph suits me just fine, I am in no rush.
As you know “Fools rush in” the end of the road was a religious experience, it was the nicer, sharing it with some friends rather than beeing there alone.
Finally got to sit at the computer and see you two to the end of your fabulous journey. What an adventure! And thank you both so much for sharing it as you have. And having ridden with you a bit, Dean, I have to ask – What next? You’re never going to be one to rest on your laurels.
Hmmm…around the world on a V-Strom??