A few have asked how I plan such a long odyssey. First, I started with a dream or a vision of what I wanted to accomplish. Then I looked for others, people, and companies who have ridden the same general route. Once I had gathered this information, I selected my route based on my research and what I wanted to see or have my team see.

I had a list that included all the great cities, like Cartagena, and wonders of nature, like the Bolivian Salt Flats, the famous peaks in Patagonia, the Pacific Coast, and the wine regions of Chile and Argentina. I also eliminated places I had been on past trips, like the beautiful historic area of Machu Picchu and Cusco. I selected roads that avoided a lot of climbing and as little gravel as possible.

Next, I Lay out a day-by itinerary keeping in mind that the distances should be between 80 and 120 kilometers. Sure some days I have to go further just because there is no place to stop. Then I check to see if there is accommodation in each location I selected to stay for the night. If there is no place to stay or I can’t find one, I look for the closest place keeping in mind the distance required to the alternate town or village.

I attempt to include a weekly rest day in a lovely city or location. Sometimes this means that I have to cycle for up to eight straight days. At certain times I take two rest days in major cities to spend time exploring the cultural highlights of the area and purchase supplies or do maintenance on the bike or support vehicle. I also can use the second rest day to make up days if I get delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Lastly, I check the distances to the border crossing as I want to arrive there early, as it can take up to three or four hours to do the check-out and check-in. I need to leave time to get to the next destination before darkness sets in. I don’t want to ride at night. This lesson I learned on the North American section of my journey.

While doing the above planning, I am also writing to various companies to find sponsors for the upcoming ride. This is very time-consuming, writing the letter, finding the email address, and deciding who should receive the letter, the CEO, the VP of Sales, the Marketing manager, or someone else, always hoping that the person is a bike rider and appreciates what I am attempting.

Another decision is who will accompany me. I often go solo, but for this upcoming trip through South America, I will have four people providing support. I am also opening up two positions if anyone wishes to ride the route with me. I am charging $100; a day. This rate is very reasonable when you compare it to tours organized by tour companies. One company charges $25,000 for the North American trip I just completed. For the $100 a day, they will receive support, accommodation, breakfast, lunch, Gatorade or similar, energy bars, and gpx files.

This represents some of what I attempt to do.

Don’t forget to use the coupon code OO42 to receive your discount on my book which will be available in about two months.

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