Colombia: A Hidden Treasure
It’s 2:15 a.m. and I’m dancing in the oldest salsa bar in Cartagena with a group of Colombians we met just a couple of hours ago. The music is fantastic, the atmosphere is joyful and the smiles on all our faces sum up just what an incredible, unexpected, and truly wonderful adventure we’ve been on.
We’ve ridden 900 miles over 12 days on amazing trails and sinuous roads. We’d started in mountainous landscapes north of Bogota, dropped down through enormous river valleys and canyons to reach the hot and steamy forests before crossing wide tropical areas to reach the azure water of the Caribbean.
Proceeding through achingly beautiful colonial towns and villages, we’ve stayed at some truly unique hotels and dined like kings every single day. Colombia—we love you!
Touchdown
So, it’s the start of June and I’ve just arrived at the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota. Given the dubious reputation of this country and particularly its capital city, I can’t pretend to be anything but nervous as I pull a large bag of motorcycle kit into the traffic outside the terminal building.
Thankfully, Oscar the taxi driver is holding up a sign with the names of myself and the tour company, Ride Expeditions. Within seconds, we’re loaded up and heading to the hotel, a suitable soundtrack of Gloria Estefan and Shakira blasting through the car’s tinny speakers.
Motorcycle and Gear
2024 Honda 250 Tornado
Helmet: LS2 X-Force Carbon
Goggles: LS2 Aura
Jacket: Alpinestars Enduro jacket with removable arms
Pants: Alpinestars Andes Drystar
Boots: Alpinestars Tech 8
Gloves: Klim Badlands Aero
Luggage: Kriega Trail 9 backpack
The other riders on the tour had arrived earlier. With my bags dropped off in my room, I hotfooted it to the nearby bar where the team is stationed for pre-tour drinks and dinner.
Joining me are Dave and Jesse from the East and West Coast of the U.S., Kare from Norway, Matt from Southampton in the U.K., and our local guide, the irrepressible and endlessly enthusiastic German (pronounced Herman). Also on the trip is Ride Expeditions founder Toby Jacobs, here to catch up with the Colombian team and harvest a load of photos, video, and drone footage of the tour.
I’ve been lucky enough to join many of Toby’s tours, but Colombia has been one I’ve managed to miss out on five separate occasions. I can hardly believe I’m finally here on the Hidden Treasures Tour.