Ben
Name: Ben Slavin
Hometown: Hooksett, New Hampshire
When did you start your travels? October 2009
Reason for taking this trip:
I worked at the camping stove manufacturer, Jetboil. Everday users would send in photos of them and their Jetboil on adventures around the globe. Meanwhile I was making mac-n-cheese in my Jetboil for lunch everyday. I knew it was time to have my own adventures.
Why did you decide to drive?
I chose to ride my motorcycles for the freedom. I make my own route on my own time. The moto has so much freedom in Latin America - go anywhere and do anything, it's completely accepted.
What type of car are you driving? 2001 Kawasaki KLR650 Motorcycle
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?
A few but the most important are the $5 plastic inline fuel filter, Corbin seat and Micatech panniers.
How did you save up or finance your trip?
You can have anything you want in life... But you can't have everything! I lived cheap and saved my cash. Save save save.
How long do you plan on traveling?
I did 6 months from NH to Ushuaia, Argentina. Then another 2 months through Mexico the next year. I'll be back in Colombia in January to film www.TheNewWorldRide.com
Where do you plan on driving? South
What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?
YOU'RE CRAZY! They hear about all the bad stuff on the news. I thought it was funny that Mexicans told me I was crazy for going to Colombia. Yet, Colombians told me I was crazy for going to Mexico. However, at home people tell me I'm crazy for riding in Boston. Who can you trust???
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country?
I studied French for 6 years in school. I don't know any French... 6 months before my trip I started listening to Pimsleur Learn-to-speak Spanish CDs in my car during my commute to and from work. It was the perfect time to do it and it gave me a great foundation. My Spanish is still terrible, but I love to blabber on and make mistakes. The locals really appreciated my trying.
Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip?
Before leaving I was really excited for Bolivia. However, I had really bad altitude sickness my entire time there so I couldn't really enjoy the country. Mexico and Colombia really stand out in my mind as amazing. They are both very diverse in the food, people, culture, landscape, roads. And the people were always incredibly hospitable.
What was the weirdest thing you experienced on your trip?
There was a food in southern Colombia / Northern Ecuador. I can't remember exactly what it was but it was something like a hard boiled egg, inside of deep friend potato covered with cheese and yogurt. Tasty!
What was the worst border crossing?
Nicaragua to Costa Rica. About 5 hours to get out and then in! Oh well, it's all part of the adventure. It could have been worse... I could have been at home, working!
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?
If you wait until you're ready, you'll never go. The hardest part is leaving the garage. You don't need the best vehicle, impeccable Spanish, or tons of cash. After a few days in Mexico you'll be kicking yourself for not leaving earlier!
Would you do it again?
In a heart beat. In fact, that's why I went back to Mexico and made a how-to-guide for motorcycling in Mexico www.MotorcycleMexico.com to get others educated and inspired to ride south of the border.
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip? www.AFewMoreMiles.com
