After buying a BMW 650 Dakar on a whim in 2004 (or more likely on an unconscious wish/unfulfilled dream), Ross Davidson left his Mississauga home, near Toronto, Canada on a -12C day in February 8, 2007 and headed to Mexico to begin his trip around South America.On a -12C Canadian winter day in February 8, 2007 I left my warm comfortable home near Toronto (and my partner and my almost grown-up kids) and headed to Mexico to begin my dream trip around South America. I had originally planned on going to Australia but it somehow seemed too easy to rent a bike and travel in a great but English-speaking country. I could do that after bigger challenges.
After all I had a perfectly good BMW 650 Dakar in the garage - why not use it? A Horizons Unlimited meet in British Columbia made believe I could do it. When my partner, Maria said she would go to Brasil to visit her parents it gave me the last reason to go - I could meet her there!
In January, I put a heater in the garage and started getting the bike ready. Not much more to do than a complete maintenace, new chain and sprockets, Bridgestone Trailwings, Touratech Zega panniers, engine guards and handlebar risers. Did all the work myself as I will need to my own maintenance on the trip.
This is my first "real" trip having rented a motorcycle in New Zealand, taken guided bike tours in Vietnam and Thailand. Also rides close to home in Canada and USA, of course. I must give credit to my buddies at the Ontario Dual Sport Club http://www.odsc.on.ca for helping me learn to ride off-road (don´t quite have that down yet but...) and for their encouragement.
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