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Amigos
My brother once told me "when you ride a motorcycle, you're never really alone". He was right. Riding solo seems to invite people to interact with me.
One of the most amazing things about my journey has been the overwhelming support I've received from ordinary people. Some are motorcyclists, others are not.
I never expected to encounter this kind of friendship throughout my journey with people I've never met, some from drastically different cultures. And even though sometimes communication was never truly clear, I always felt extremely welcome.
I'm fortunate to have met and shared time with all of these good people and businesses. It's the least I can do to acknowledge them here with a hearty "thank you". They now reside alongside the very best memories of my journey.
Most recent support first.
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Belem, Brazil
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Wagner Branco
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| Alex's friend Wagner eagerly showed me around his city and spent his entire day off work with me. After touring around in his lovely new car we went out onto one of the many nearby rivers in his speedboat to have lunch at a jungle edge restaurant where he insisted on treating me to my first taste of crab. Thank you Wagner for helping me see why you love your city so much, it certainly has allot to offer. |
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Belem, Brazil
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Alex & Fabiana Reis
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| Even though Alex and his wife Fabiana have only been married for a month, they still welcomed me into their apartment and lives for 5 nights while I awaited the next boat to Manaus. Alex is a diehard motorcyclist who went out of his way to make sure I had everything I needed while in his city. Thank you enormously guys, you were my shelter from the storm. |
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Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Suzuki Brazil
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| My friend Javier at Suzuki Colombia put me in touch with Carlos Zolin (a service engineer at the Suzuki factory in Sao Paulo) when Buzz started experiencing problems with Brazilian gasoline. I never imagined that Carlos and Suzuki Brazil would be so incredibly helpful. They not only supplied, without cost, all the parts that Buzz needed while I was in Brazil (which thankfully wasn't many), they also express couriered a new radiator to Recife to replace my original one that was starting to show it's age at 138,880 kms. But even more important to me than all this was the feeling that he and Suzuki were there for me if I needed them "Your motorcycle are on our care at Brazilian territory". Thank you very much Carlos and Suzuki Brazil, you guys are awesome! |
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Recife, Brazil
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TOPMOTO Suzuki
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| Address: |
1033 Rua Antoni Falcao |
| Telephone: |
(81) 3339-2702 |
| Website: |
www.topmoto.com.br |
| E-mail: |
tacio@recifemotoclube.com.br |
| GPS Coordinates: |
S8 06.731 W34 54.164 |
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| When Tacio Sampaio (the co-owner) sent me an E-mail inviting me to visit him when I passed Recife, he didn't know I was riding a Suzuki. He simply loves all bikes, and as a veteran RTW rider himself he knows what this life can be like. He opened his shop to me as if it were my own, gave me the keys to another V-Strom to ride while I worked on Buzz and insisted I stay in his beautiful, spare, 11th floor apartment on the ocean front. It was a very welcomed break from the hotel lifestyle and somehow 10 days managed to slip by as I enjoyed the company of this generous and talented man. Thank you Tacio for sharing your life, motorcycling experiences, time and passion for motorcycles with me, it really helped recharge my motivation. |
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Pontal do Peba, Brazil
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Paulo & Rosa, Burgos & Marcia, Reinaldo & Tania, Jorge & Julie
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| This gang of happy riders from Aracaju quickly invited and included me in their meals, hotel and riverboat trip without hesitation for a weekend. They insisted on buying me drinks and meals whenever I wasn't looking and even though communication was tough, they always made me feel welcome. Thanks for including me in your plans guys, I had a great time and the river trip was spectacular. |
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Ego Suzuki
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| Address: |
R. Barao de Mesquita, 146 e 129 Tijuca |
| Telephone: |
(21) 2567-0967 |
| Website: |
www.egomotos.com.br |
| E-mail: |
vechina@egomotos.com.br |
| GPS Coordinates: |
S22 55.196 W43 13.856 |
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| I contacted Manuel Vechina through Carlos from Suzuki Brazil about helping me with Buzz's dislike for Brazil's alcohol gasoline. Who'd have know I would end up meeting a retired track racer who started the 1st Suzuki dealership in Brazil when he was 17 after having just moved there from Portugal. I couldn't have met a nicer person. He had his mechanics completely go over Buzz to help resolve the fuel problem as soon as I pulled up to his store. And then, when I had the accident with the car he stepped forward without being asked and took care of communications with the police, hospital visit, car owner's insurance company, and as if that wasn't enough, he insisted on repairing Buzz completely without cost to me. It was like a friendly hand reaching into a nightmare and pulling me out. Thank you Vechina, I will never forget your generosity, and more importantly, fine example of helping a fellow man when he's down. |
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Mauricio & Katia
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| As a fellow V-Strom owner Katia offered her support via E-mail before I ever arrived in Rio (thanks to Reginaldo who told her I was coming). Unfortunately, her and Mauricio work long hours so our visits were usually brief. That didn't keep them from buying me lunch and loading me up with helpful information though. Thanks very much for your support guys, I can't wait to ride with you in Canada some day. |
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Curitiba, Brazil
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Reginaldo Rohden & friends Rafael, Daniel & Zilene Lorenzetto
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| Reginaldo offered his help to me through the Horizons Unlimited community before I entered Brazil. When I got to Curitiba I found this hard-working fireman waiting to help me in anyway I needed. He introduced me to his friends; Rafael and Daniel and their mother Zilene who insisted I stay at their house while I recovered from a nasty cold. Thank you to all of you for opening your home to me and for putting up with a sick Canadian who didn't speak Portuguese.
I also want to thank all the members of various Brazilian moto clubs for their kind offers and assistance while riding through your country, especially these special people (most whom I never met in person): Alvaro Larangeira Teixeira, Iaci Mariano Da Silva, Renato Lopes, Robson Giovanni Parisoto, Ruy Cabral de Paula. Grande abraco por todo!
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Edmonton, Canada
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Can-west Vending Distributors Ltd.
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| Address: |
4320-97 Street |
| Telephone: |
(780) 433-4477 |
| Website: |
www.canwestvending.com |
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| I shouldn't have been surprised when I heard that my typically generous friend and fellow motorcycle enthusiast Darren Nickle offered me $500 out of the blue one day - but I still was! He knows what I've sacrificed to make this trip happen and has always supported me with great enthusiasm. His offer was a genuine, no-strings attached gift to help out with trip expenses. As owners of most businesses will attest, he has far too little time for riding as much as he'd like, however, Can-west clients enjoy the benefit of his efforts, and because of this his business is flourishing. Thank you very much Darren, this is a huge help for those big, expensive countries still ahead. |
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Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Richard & Tania
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| Imagine being invited into a stranger's home, handed a cold beer and told dinner is on the asado, and waking up the next morning to home-made bread and peanut butter for breakfast? Richard is a Canadian motorcyclist from "way back when" who's retired here now with his Brazilian wife Tania, but they still actively ride. They told me that hosting overlanders they meet through the Horizon's Unlimited community entertains them. You guys are stars! Thanks just isn't enough to tell you how much I appreciated your generosity, hospitality and taste of home. |
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Juan & Carina
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| Marisol's friends Juan & Carina wasted no time in becoming my friends also. They are wonderful hosts and more importantly, fantastic people. Thank you both for opening your home and lives to me and showing me your beautiful city, it was a true pleasure getting to know you. |
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Azul, Argentina
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La Posta del Viajero en Moto
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| Address: |
Calle Mendoza 685 |
| Telephone: |
02281-430865 |
| Website: |
www.laposta-azul.com |
| E-mail: |
lapostadelviajeroenmoto@yahoo.com.ar |
| GPS Coordinates: |
S 36 47.449 W 59 52.272 |
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| Pollo (Jorge) and Monica's little place is legendary in the overlander community. You will not find nicer people, better stories and a great asado in South America! Muchisimo gracias mi amigos, tu vive en un muy especial lugar en mi corazon. |
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Viedma, Argentina
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Marisol Bustelo
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| Marisol was like a ray of sunshine in the darkness. She provided me with much needed help, encouragement and friendship when I was weary. I have learned allot from, and will always be indebted to her and her lovely family for their genuine kindness and warmth. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Marisol, my time with you will always be amongst my fondest memories of this trip. |
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Punta Arenas, Chile
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Anibal Vickacka
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| A chance encounter with another motorcyclist on the highway one minute and the next thing I know I'm staying in his house and eating his food. I can certainly learn allot from your trust, hospitality and generosity Anibal. And even though we only met briefly, I enjoyed getting to know you. Thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful house and the great meals. All the best of luck with your moto-touring company endeavor. |
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Porvenir, Chile
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Vladimir Delic
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| I'm very lucky to have missed that ferry in Porvenir after all and to have had the chance to get to know Vladimir a little. After all the pain he's suffered with motorcycles, it's amazing to see that his passion for them still burns. Aside from being a very friendly and helpful guy, he's also one of the most die-hard motorcycle enthusiasts I've ever met. Thank you for the meal, your help and time during my short visit to Porvenir Vladimir, I will always remember your friendliness. |
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Santiago, Chile
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Christian Bruna
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| When I rolled into Grunwald Suzuki to buy a few spare parts, Christian didn't waste any time with formalities. Not only was I ushered into their busy little shop where I worked on Buzz (without charge), but I was also invited to dinner and to stay with Christian in his apartment. There I enjoyed a fabulous meal before he left the next day to work as the chef of a high-end fly fishing resort for the next 4 months. I was given the keys and told stay as long as I wanted. And after a couple more days of visiting the city with his good friends Pablo and Natalia, I was ready to hit the road again. Thank you very much for your trust, endless hospitality, and friendship Christian, your zest for life is contagious! |
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Mendoza, Argentina
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Jeff Harth
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| Jeff is a moto-brother who appreciates speaking 'North-American' every once-in-a-while with like-minded riders. Thank you for contacting me Jeff, for opening your home to me for a night, and for showing me a little of your beautiful 'new' city. Your lifestyle is certainly enviable. |
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Valle Grande, Argentina
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Portal Del Atuel Excursions
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| Website: |
www.portaldelatuel.com |
| E-mail: |
portalsr@infovia.com.ar |
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| Thanks to Juan Carlos Renteria & his son Diego for the cold beer on a hot day and especially for my first ever river rafting trip. What a blast! You have a fun business in a beautiful part of the world. |
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San Rafael, Argentina
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George & Kay Staudohar
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| I never expected to meet such a lovely family when George started talking to me about motos in the ice cream shop. Stories of their move from Florida, the new house they're finishing in San Rafael and reminiscing over travel stories of their own helped the night fly by over a lovely home-cooked dinner. Thanks so much for your hospitality, it was very nice spending time with you and your family. |
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San Rafael, Argentina
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Javier Cano
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| Javier is one of those "friends you haven't met yet" kinda guys who instantly includes you in his life. He is also a fellow motorider and was always trying to help or entertain me. Muchisimo gracias Javier, I know we'll meet again on the road someday, and also to your friend Yiyo and the rest of the gang for welcoming me into your asado (BBQ) club at the lake. |
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Edmonton, Canada
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Campers Village
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| Address: |
10951-170 Street |
| Telephone: |
(800) 661-3847 |
| Website: |
www.campers-village.com |
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| Unlike most businesses these days who try to pass the buck or search for ways to get out of a warranty claim, when I started having problems with my Exped sleeping pad, these guys didn't hesitate to help start solving the problem. Thanks to Notriga Kasad, the assistant manager at the Edmonton store for going way above-and-beyond the norm for customer service and sending me a replacement pad in Argentina - just in time for the real good camping to begin! Every company or product has problems, it's how they handle the solution that really defines their quality. If you happen to be in western Canada, make sure to visit these guys for all your camping needs. |
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Lambayeque, Peru
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Hostería San Roque
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| Address: |
2 de Mayo 437 |
| Telephone: |
(51) 074-282860 |
| Website: |
http://hosteriasanroque.com |
| E-mail: |
info@hosteriasanroque.com |
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| Romina is an excellent host who will make you feel at home in this lovely hotel that is truly an oasis in the desert. Thanks for everything Romina, you are an excellent ambassador for Peru, and it was a real pleasure getting to know you and your friends. |
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Medellin, Colombia
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Nick & Lesley Poole
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| Website: |
www.pooleglobaltrek.com |
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| Without Nick deciding to sell me (more like give me) his slightly used tires in Medellin I would have never known I was able to carry 4 spare tires. Since then we've met several times on the roads of South America. You guys are a class-act and I'm proud to be able to call you my friends. Thanks for the inspiration. |
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Medellin, Colombia
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Hostal Medellin
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| Address: |
Carrera 65 #48-144 |
| Telephone: |
(57) 230-0511 |
| Website: |
www.hostalmedellin.com |
| E-mail: |
info@hostalmedellin.com |
| GPS Coordinates: |
N6 15.275 W75 34.897 |
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| Claudia has traveled long distances on motorcycles before and loves to help other motorcyclists. Aside from being a good, clean & fairly-priced hostal, she also offers a small garage to secure your bike in and is always willing to help. She even knows the ins and outs of how to extend your time in Colombia with the aduana. Thanks Claudia, you have a great place and helped me allot. |
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Medellin, Colombia
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Moto Angel
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| Address: |
Calle 41 #52-49 |
| Telephone: |
(57) 232-2224 |
| Website: |
www.moto-angel.com |
| GPS Coordinates: |
N6 14.565 W75 34.372 |
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| These guys know overland bikes better than anyone else I've ever met. Add to that the typical Colombian generosity and you will be hard pressed to find a better repair shop anywhere. They are a factory authorized service center for Kawasaki, Suzuki & Yamaha, but you will also see plenty of Honda, KTM & BMW bikes there too. A very special thanks to Hector, Carlos, Edson & Camilo for allowing me to work on Buzz in your shop, freely sharing your knowledge and giving me such a great price on your labor. |
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Medellin, Colombia
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Ruta 40 BMW
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| Address: |
Calle 34 #44A-65 |
| Telephone: |
(57) 4262-3059 |
| Website: |
www.ruta40.com.co |
| GPS Coordinates: |
N6 14.091 W75 34.275 |
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| Even if you don't ride a BMW, this is a great dealership. Mauricio is an experienced rider (having ridden the entire Americas with his wife). With the most friendly and helpful staff I've ever met, they've created an incredibly comfortable and supportive atmosphere. Add free WIFI, water, fresh coffee to the cold juice and beer in the self-serve cooler, and what more could you ask for? Thanks to everyone at Ruta 40 for your help with my bike, my boots, and of course for your friendship - you guys are great! |
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Medellin, Colombia
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Darien Moto Tours
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| Skype: |
tiberioj123 |
| Telephone: |
(57) 313-659-0422 |
| Website: |
www.darienmototours.com |
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| Tiberio 'Tiby' Jaramillo is an extremely helpful and knowledgeable rider with many years experience. He's ridden the Americas thoroughly and knows some real hidden gems in Colombia to visit by bike. He kindly shared some of these great locations with me and I can vouch for their quality. He is currently starting a moto-touring business which I would highly recommend to anyone. Thanks Tiby! |
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Cali & Medellin, Colombia
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Luis Jaramillo & Ivan Arango
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| Luis treated me to a nice dinner in Cali and also helped me get a replacement headset for my music system, while his father relocated the audio system on Buzz.
Ivan fed me and allowed me to stay at his home for 3 nights while introducing me to all the finest bike shops in Medellin. Thank you guys. Your hospitality was incredible and it's been my pleasure to know you.
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Cali, Colombia
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Suzuki Super Store
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| Address: |
Av. 6 N #28-48 |
| Telephone: |
(57) 667-1114 |
| E-mail: |
suzukisuperstorecali@hotmail.com |
| GPS Coordinates: |
N3 28.076 W76 31.769 |
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| Juan Carlos provided me with some nice Suzuki shirts, hats and a towel. He also included me in his store's 1st anniversary luncheon and a small, week-long group ride to Cartagena. Thank you Juan Carlos and all your staff and friends, I had a great time! |
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Cali, Colombia
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Randy Hurtado
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| Randy and his Mom Ester opened their beautiful home to me for 9 nights. Having just returned from a moto trip to Buenos Aires himself, Randy knew what life on the road is like. Thank you both very much, it was great spending time getting to know you. |
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Popayan, Colombia
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Fernando Reyes
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| The fact that I spoke only a little Spanish didn't stop Fernando from going out of his way to help me. It was because of Fernando and his generous family that I decided to turn around and visit the rest of Colombia. Thank you for the great shirts and of course all your help Fernando, you're an excellent example of a true motorcycle brother. |
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Pereira, Colombia
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Suzuki Colombia
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| Javier Marin at the Suzuki factory just outside Pereira provided me with a personal tour, shirts, hats and accessories as well as assistance and discounts with parts and service for Buzz. And even though Javier works in the marine division (he speaks English), he has continued to be an invaluable help to me on my trip, no matter where I call or email him from. Thanks Javier, you have not only helped me immensely, but you have also made me proud to ride Suzuki. |
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Pereira, Colombia
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Pereira Suzuki
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| Ramiro Salazar, Alexander Ospina and Guillermo Cortes serviced Buzz at the Suzuki dealership in Pereira, invited me into their homes for dinner, and even presented me small gifts. Thank you all very much for your support and friendship. |
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Bogota, Colombia
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Kozy Family
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| Through an incredible stroke of luck I was introduced to this lovely family. Larry, Tannya and their beautiful children Domenica and Andres who shared their home and lives with me for 5 nights while I got both myself and Buzz settled into Colombia. Thank you for everything guys, you really made me feel at home. It was a real pleasure spending time with you and all the "guys". |
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Panama City, Panama
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Chanis Family
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| In Panama I became a member of the Chanis family thanks to the incredible hospitality of Dr. Gilberto Chanis and his wife Rebecca. I was welcomed to 3 nights at their lovely country home in El Valle and then 6 more in their beautiful home in Panama City. They fed me, took me on tours and helped me with plans for flying over the Darien gap. Thank you all (Totin, Annamarie, both of your parents, and of course Daniel) so very much. Your generosity was overwhelming and I learned allot watching your love and family values in action. |
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Turrucares, Costa Rica
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Darryl & Bernice and Stean & Niki Smith
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| After 11 days with Darryl and Bernice I finally left, only to return for 5 more days with son Stean and his wife Niki. They brought down a few needed supplies from home with them, took good care of me while I was there, and then carried back a suitcase full of 'stuff' I'd acquired along the way or determined wasn't needed. Thank you all so very much, your help was invaluable. My plane wouldn't have been able to take off from Panama with all that 'stuff' you took home for me and it was really great spending time with you. |
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Cuyali, Honduras
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Honduras Outreach Team 2007
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| It's impossible to express my true appreciation to the 16 American men and women who invited me to help them with their project this year. They fed me, prayed for me and worked me - it was an incredible experience. Thanks to each and every one of you: Barry, Bearl, Brian, David & Pat, Eric, Jim & Patti D., Jim & Patti M., Kris, Nate, Ray, Stuart, Tom, Tony. |
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Punta Gorda, Belize
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Coral House Inn
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| Address: |
PO Box 43, 151 Main Street |
| Telephone: |
(501) 722-2878 |
| Website: |
www.coralhouseinn.net |
| GPS Coordinates: |
N16 05.580 W88 48.496 |
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| Rick and Darla Mallory provided me with 4 free nights stay and breakfast at their beautiful little Inn. They're fellow overlanders as well as gracious hosts with a real talent for classy renovations. Thank you guys, it was a real pleasure meeting you. |
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Mazatlan, Mexico
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Victor's Restaurant
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| Address: |
Isla de la Piedra |
| GPS Coordinates: |
N23 11.236 W106 24.342 |
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| It would be a crying shame if you visited Mazatlan without at least having a fresh seafood lunch at Victor's. Besides being a great chef, Victor is an excellent conversationalist. Thanks for allowing me to camp on the beach next to your restaurant and use your facilities for 5 nights Victor. |
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Gilroy, USA
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Dave & Sandy Biasotti
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| Dave is another fellow GTS owner and accomplished long-distance rider who invited me to his lovely home in California back in 2003 at the National GTS Rally in Colorado. He and Sandy welcomed me into their lives for a couple of days and took good care of me. Thank you both, I really enjoyed getting to know you better. |
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Seattle, USA
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Nathan & JacquieSchmidt
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| Nathan and Jacquie shared their home and food with me for a couple of days when my journey began. They also helped immensely with shipping much needed parts from the US. Thanks guys, I don't know how I'd have managed without your help. |
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Greensboro, USA
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Kevin Hawkins
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| Website: |
www.kevinhawk.com |
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| Kevin is one of those people who steps up to the plate to help without even being asked. He's a fellow motorcycle enthusiast and GTS owner who also happens to work with Internet systems at his day job. He generously provided me storage space on his home server as well as some incredible assistance for my website. Kevin really saved the day for me when he offered to help as my departure date closed in on me. Anyone on the GTS forum will tell you that he's a great guy with a lighting-fast sense of humor. Thanks very much Kevin, I would probably still be looking for ways to get this site running if it weren't for your help! |
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