The Prep.

Well the trip doesn't begin till July 18th and here it is the early part of Feb so I have some time to prep for this trip. I have been riding motorcycles for about 10 years now, but only cruiser type of motos and not very long distances. Last time were were in Peru we when to Mancora on the northern coast of Peru. While we were there we rented dirt bikes for 2 days, it was a blast driving around and exploring the coast. It was truly the highlight of our trip. That is the only time I have driven a moto on dirt/sand/rock, so my exprience in driving on such terain is very minimal. I needed some more information on what I would need for this trip. Toby Shannon, a friend of my dads, is leading this adventure. He has been planning this trip for a better part of a year and is very organized. Toby has done a similar trip in 2007 with his son and has been wanting to do it again with MK (missionary kids) from his childhood days. Toby was into motorcross when he was younger and since he has done this trip before, he has a wealth of knowledge of what will work for this type of trip.

My biker gear was very limited since I was more of a traditionalist with attire. Leather jacket, leather gloves, jeans, half helmet and combat boots. What else do you knee if your just doing day trips or just bar hopping right? This may have been ok for the states but it was not going to fly with the climate, elevation and dirt roads of Peru. I would have to gear up.

I am a very savy online shopper and will not pay full price for anything. Plus I had a budget that I was trying to keep. The first item that I purchase was a good jacket, I picked up a Firstgear Kilamanjaro textile jacket, it was the right price and had everything I was looking for in a jacket. Next I picked up some textile pants also made from Firstgear. My father lent be a street helmet, but I was looking for something lighter and opted for a hybrid helmet from Joe Rocket, it is a cross between a street and motocross helmet. Finished off with some shorty Thor boots and a hydro pack and I am set. Just a couple odd and ends left but there is time...