chasingsummercomments3

#973

I would like to apologize for getting too wrapped up in my own ride to continue to follow yours. I'm super-duper impressed. And motivated. I've got a month of Wisconsin left before I get back to Panama... and then I'll have a decision: Ushuaia or straight-back-home? Neither decision is going to be easy.

Thanks for the motivation and everything.

#975

You rock!!!! Don't forget to swing through Quito on your return journey!!!

We've got Malbec and grilled chicken waiting.

#977

Physical exhaustion is something all long distance riders must endure. But, as many have already mentioned, after a short time doing it we all adapt. After a week of 300 mile days 500 miles isn't anything like before.

Ride safe, and keep us informed!

#979

Jean-Luc,

The report's title, all the places, people, the way you see them and capture with your camera - all this is so sunny and positive.

Thank you for sharing this breathtaking ride with us.

All the best

Wojtek

#986

Quote: (Originally Posted by slide)

Does the delay mean any difficulties with the projected weather for the last stages of your trip?

Possibly, but to minimize them I've changed my plans: I was supposed to see Cuzco, Bolivia, Patagonia and then fly back home from Santiago. To arrive earlier to Ushuaia (and avoid putting too much stress right away on the ankle) I will head straight to Santiago as soon as I arrive in Lima. Then I will do the 'scheduled' ride but in reverse: Chile lakes region, Ushuaia, the glaciers, then up Ruta 40, San Pedro de Atacama (North Chile), Bolivia, then Macchu Pichu and go back home via Lima again.

That will add about 3,500 km (2,200 miles) - distance from Lima to Santiago - to my trip but it's the only way to 'catch summer'

#992

Great great pics and report

thanks for sharing

#993

wow

gorgeous photos jean luc!

#995

Salut

Just discovered your thread, not all readed, but I will soon.

Regarding your ankle courage, in 2003 ( bike crash also slowly ) I've had 11 screws and a piece of iron (4 tibia 7 peroné) all removed 10 month later, I run I ride and now it's ok so I'm sure you will be on a track again soon.

Ca le fera bientot

#996

I've been reading your report through the weekend, and I must say that I'm so impressed by your adventurous instinct! In a true lesson of courage, you overcame obstacles that would stop many of us... and I'm sure you will prevail over anything that gets in your way in this second stage of your journey that is soon beginning (because you have the support of your fellow AdvRiders!)

Ride safe, have fun, and enjoy this last days of comfort before sitting on your bike again!

#997

3 days left. I was going to wish you a broken leg for the continuation of your trip as we say in french, but since you already broke an ankle on the first part... I am also not going to offer to drive my truck to rescue you way down there this time if needed, but rest assure you can count on me if you need something shipped. I'll keep a close eye on this thread from now on... We'll have another good bottle of wine at your return. I envy you sacrebleu!!!!

__________________

#1006

Here you go again! Good ride, J-L!

Paolo

#1007

Well alllllriiiiiiiight!!!! This is so cool to hear! I'm sure I speak for droves when I say que te vaya super bien

Will be looking forward to photos and rr...

#1008

Salut

Happy to ear you are on "ze rodeugain".

I'm reading your report, just arrive in honduras , I have to accelerate

Bonne route

Eric

#1009

Hmm... Most people end the trip there and then when they crash out. We've all been waiting for 6 weeks or so already. Keep going dude!

You've got my first post

#1010

Safe flight, take it easy for a few days (yeah right! ), keep us posted and holla if you need anything.

Bonne chance amigo.

#1011

Best to you.

#1013

Salut Jean-Luc!!

Je suis bien content de te retrouver sur la route j'ai hate de te lire à nouveau et admirer tes photos!!!

Bon nouveau voyage!!

Bonne route

#1014

Have a great second act J-L! Please say hi to Andy, Teryk, and Dirk for me.

#1015

J-L

Happy Trails

#1016

Best of luck finishing up your trip. I've been following along since the start, but only lurking until this point.

God speed, and keep those amazing pics coming.

#1017

Glad to hear you are about to return.. Bon voyage!

#1018

Glad you're on your way back!

Remember lots more great pics and the continuing Adventure report.

#1020

SWEEEETTT The journey continues!!

Bon Voyage JL!!

#1026

Jean-Luc, I'm so excited for you!

#1030

Glad to see you are back on the road Jean Luc! Enjoy the ride.

I am looking forward to the great pictures and comments that you will provide us!

Luc

#1031

Guess I better re-subscribe to this thread...

looks like its got some legs

#1032

Glad to see you back on the trail guy. Have something else to look forward too during my time offshore which starts tomorrow for the next 14 days.

God Speed!

#1033

ankle stuff

Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)

About the ankle, the healing is a tad bit slower than I was hoping. When I arrived last night in Lima it was pretty swelled, not sure if it's from the flight or the walks in the airport terminals. Anyway, it was quite painful to put on my boot today

.

Hello J-L

Even the un-injured have problems with swelling of the lower extremities during long air flights. That said I'd still baby that joint for some time.

I'm (vicariously) looking forward to the rest of your ride.

Thanks and Happy Trails

#1034

ride on brother!

#1035

Happy Trails JL!

#1037

I wish you the best J-L, may the second leg of the journey be better than the first. I will now reposition myself into vicarious traveller mode.

#1039

Jean-Luc wishing the very best for the 2nd stage with lots of fun and adventure. Thank you in advance for taking me along through your RR and really good photographs.

Soto

#1040

Jean-Luc,

I've followed your RR with huge enthusiasm, glad to hear you are back on the bike ready to finish it!

I broke my ankle just like you, a year ago, I'm still suffering from it so do all the therapy you can, use your foot peg to rock your foot while you ride, it'll feel better when you get off the bike (that's what I do when I ride my zx10r....it makes a difference)

Well, good luck on this part of the trip and keep the words and pix coming!

#1041

SORRY FOR MY TERRIBLE ENGLISH

I WOULD LIKE TO START FOR THE SAME TRAVEL

BUT ..in the opposit dairection (from south to north)

It's a pleasure to see the place from your eyes

thank'you very much

#1042

Another lurker responds

I am happy to see that you are on the road again, Jean-Luc! Your adventure continues, and I am ready for the ride...from the relative comfort of my desk of course. The write-up and pictures are terrific. I hope you don't mind that I've borrowed a couple of pics (The horse on a cliff in Ecuador is one!).

Ride Safe!

#1043

Glad to see your up and at it JL. Looking forward to the updates...Enjoy!

Cheers...Steve

#1047

JL as always!

JL all the best on your second leg of the adventure. I just finished watching "The Ride" Alaska to Patagonia which was on the National Geographic channel and it made me think of your trip and what you must have encountered along your journey.

I too wish to ride from Prudhoe bay to Ushuaia some day (when my kids are much older).

I look forward to reading your posts.....safest journey, your ADV friend.

#1048

Looking forward to more rr's...

Fair winds and smooth roads!

#1049

yeah, I know that it's been terribly long but it's been quite impossible to start earlier. Long miles and traveling in 'group' make finding time more difficult. Hopefully I will be able to be more regular in the future...

#1060

Wish all you guys a nice and safe adventure!

#1063

So glad you are back on the road again. Say hello to Andy for me. I had a knee reconstruction done twenty years. It also had a lot of painful swelling. My doctor's advice was to always keep it elevated as much as possible, and try to ice it a bit. Maybe on the bike you could rig up some sort of highway peg to help keep it elevated. I am following your adventure closely as I am planning on doing South America in November.

#1066

Great to see you posting again. I'm so looking forward to jan-mar 09 when I will be in S America (brazil, argentina, chile, peru, ecuador). I will be limited to renting bikes at key spots, but your photos are giving lots of ideas of places to visit.

May your flats be few.

#1068

Makes me wanna ride?

These pics are killing me! Beautiful...Steverinoh!

#1070

JL! Great to see you guys are back on tour

Ride safe.....I look forward to every post.

#1072

WOW, great pictures. Your photographic skills are getting better and better. Thanks for the great read and pictures.

#1073

Salut

Thanks for those pics, what scenaries, a dream riding there.

#1074

All right! You are back on the road. Yea!

Two months seems a short time to me to recover from an injury like yours,but I'm glad you're finishing the ride.

From the pic of your fuel pump it might not be a bad idea to get one in the pipeline for the future. But maybe I worry to much?

Carry on man, YOU ARE A HERO!

#1077

3 KTM's.....in South America??? Charley and Ewan would not approve.

Great to see you 3 together again. I won't bore you with telling you how great your pics are.

Keep it coming!

#1078

It's great to see your amazing pictures back again for our very own pleasure! Ride safe and have fun!

#1079

Holy cow! Fantastic!!! Your RR is truly inspiring...Now I gotta go hop on the ol' paint shaker and tour....ahem.....Hayward. ( with a South American detour maybe???

) Thank you, guys...ride safe!!!

#1080

Some beautiful pics. It's nice that you've chosen certain times to capture the best light - not always so easily done.

#1081

Chile...Moon...Mars...doesn't matter. Those are still some outstanding pictures worthy of any travel magazine.

#1086

#1090

Glad to see that you are back at it J-L!!!

Be well and ride safely mon ami.

#1091

Great pictures and commentary, I've always loved Chile it is a great country and I hope you are planning to spend some time in the lake country.

#1094

Still following this report...keep the everyday life pictures coming....its gives us an idea of just what you see.....everyday!!....

#1095

Every time I begin reading a new RR I keep thinking that the photos I'm about to see can't possibly outdo the ones prior, yet, somehow they do. No, that's not quite right; they just keep adding to the sublime beauty you generously share with us. In a word...

amazing.

#1096

Ah, J-L, I"m smiling as I read your last post. You have found your paradise and the name, Valparaiso, means Paradise Valley.

Several people near me have mentioned that the wish to retire there. Seeing your pix while reading your narrative, I can understand why.

#1098

JL glad you are such great spirit as well the better of your pictures we enjoy immensely, my regards to Teryk and Andy! tuned finally!

#1099

Awesome J-L! I'm glad to see more pics and that you visiting places that I missed. You are making me want to come back south and ride with you guys!!!

I'm glad you met again with Andy when you see him again tell him I say hi.

Ride safe!

#1100

Fantastic photos

Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

This is one of my favorite photos!

#1103

thank you wery much

for the foto

for the map

for your topic

you are

#1107

Beautiful pics as always........

J-L how do/did you manage to "spoon" off the scorpions with tire levers??? You are a better man than I.

#1112

Your RR

This Ride Report has been Fantastic, will continue to follow on a daily basis,, I am hooked. Bill

#1113

You guys rock!!

#1114

Glad you r back on the road again JL. I was having RR withdrawls. :)

#1115

spectacular.

#1121

Great updates J-L, as usual. Looking forward to more.

Best to all of you.

Oh, and no mad 'froading on that leg!

#1122

#1125

you keep riding, photographing, and writing, and I keep enjoying I'm sure this has been asked and answered, but what kind of camera do you use? It takes really great photos. Of course the photographer knows what he's doing too.

#1127

So glad to see you back on the saddle. My wife and I will be checking in nightly after the kids go to bed.

The fantastic descriptions and photos have started again! May you always have gas in your tanks, air in your tires, and of course -- time to update us all on your excellent adventure...

#1128

Happy Birthday JL!

I so stoked for you that you have been able to hook up with your buddies!

How bitchin is that!

Thanks again for sharing!

#1130

As always, your pictures tell there own story. I have travel fever from reading your report.

Ride on, have a blast and tell us all about it.

#1132

#1133

Hey J-L

It makes my day each time you do another update.

#1134

Jean-Luc -

Some day I'd like to swill such a beer, but as for now, I'll just raise a toast (SALUTE!) to you and the fortitude you exhibit to stay on your original course after a major bout of adversity (of course just an excellent local beer).

Thanks for the second effort that goes way beyond the call of duty . . . . .

Keep on with the spectacular pix and narrative -

Thank again.

#1145

Thanks

Keep the great report coming. You give us something to hope and dream about doing someday. I hope you realize how much we appreciate what you bring to us. Thanks.

Lee

#1146

Jean-Luc, I have been remiss in keeping up with your adventure the past few month, as I have been away from home (work sucks)

I am very happy that you are still out there living the dream! Thanks for all the hard work posting all this so we can all tag along vicariously.

#1147

Truly an amazing moto soiree Jean-Luc! Continued safe travels gentlemen.

#1148

All I can say is AWESUM . Thanks for bringing us along on your trip. Much enjoy the work your doing.

#1149

Jean-Luc,

Congrats on making it to Patagonia and happy belated birthday.

What a great place to celebrate a birthday!

Your pictures of Patagonia are superb. What a beautiful area of the world that must be.

It's great to have you back in the saddle, J-L, and seeing those wonderful pictures again

May fair weather be your friend for the rest of your journey.

#1153

Hello JL...

Keep the great report coming.

Ride safe.

Salud!

#1157

Bonne anniversaire!

You are a great photographer, Jean-Luc.

#1158

Absolutely Beautiful!!! We love you, Jean Luc xxxooo

#1161

Woohoo, Bien joue Jean Luc! Felicitacions pour enfin y arriver en Patagonie! And happy belated birthday, hooray for having the same birthday as me! Your trip is an inspiration and keep the fantastic pictures and text coming, as I have not stopped following this thread for the past few months.

#1163

Jean-Luc - Fantastic pics. I have always dreamed of Patagonia and going there some day. I have always imagined that it is like Colorado was 100+ years ago. Thanks for sharing!

#1164

Simply breathtaking pictures, Jean-Luc!

#1170

...still great pix JL.....I await more...

#1171

Great pictures!

OMG! Those are some of the most incredible pictures I've ever seen.

Thanks again, JL, for the great RR.

#1172

Spectacular pictures!!! (as always!)

#1173

I'm starting to feel like a spammer, always saying the same in the very same thread, but I just can't help it: breathtaking pictures! Keep 'em coming!

#1176

Beautiful images J-L. Thanks for the effort - I'd guess its a little more than what shows in the posted images - very enjoyable.

#1183

I would not think it possible, but I believe your photographic eye has grown sharper lately. A few of these shots are truly breathtaking.

#1184

Great journey J-L et al. I just caught up with the RR.

Thanks for sharing. Some of the pics just take my breath away.

Thanks for taking us along on this epic ride. IMO one of RR's best ever.

#1191

Just keep wiring and posting when you can J-L and Bananaman...

Dont' know about other folks reading this, but I have to wipe the drool off the keyboard frequently. Most awesome pics and reports!

I know I'll never get to most of the places you guys are talking about, but the learning experience from reading your reports and viewing the pics is ..ok, I've run out of superlatives!

Good luck to both of you...

Mary

#1195

Magnifique J-L, as usual!

#1196

All I can say is WOW! It's taken me almost three weeks to go through this thread from start to finish and it's been fantastic. Your photography and story telling are both superb and the dedication you've shown to continue posting regularly while you travel is unbelievable. I will continue to follow you through the rest of your trip.

Thank you JL for taking us along on your incredible journey.

#1197

Wonderful stuff, J-L. Thanks for taking us along on your incredible journey. Truly incredible.

#1198

Excellent RR

Without doubt the best I have ever seen, I can't say any more than the guys that have posted before me . Truly inspirational & the photo's say so much

#1199

Just got caught up again!

Just awesome J.L. what a trip!

I'm having the worst case of the travel Jones thanks to you!

You have inspired me to do the same trip someday.

Thanks again for sharing!

#1200

Keep it coming

Great job JL. Love those pics. By the way belated Happy B-day

#1203

Jean Luc,

thank you so much for the ride report, it has been great following you all along in South America! Thanks to your pictures and great comments, I have now a better idea on how it's like!

#1205

WOW JL!

Sorry to hear about the broken wrist

Good luck on the job search and look forward to your future RR.

All the best,

#1206

Sorry to hear about your crash. I hope you heal up well. I've been following this thread from the beginning and vicariously riding with you. Good luck on your continuing adventure.

#1208

Finally, I get to hear how it happened. So grateful that you were otherwise largely unscathed.

I am impressed that even in your pain, you were taking pics. A true AdvRider!

Your trip has inspired many Jean-Luc. Thanks so much for taking us along.

Perhaps the next time you are headed to Ushuaia I can be there with you. (Seems like having a radiologist along might come in handy.

)

Heal quickly and well.

#1210

My hat is off to you.

JL,

I have enjoyed every letter of every word, and each and every pixel of every picture you have shared in your RR. You are an artist in prose and photography. I have never "subscribed" to a ride report before, but I did yours.

I am a fairly new and inexperienced rider but had a chance to ride in a boyhood dream last November. I spent three weeks in Patagonia. It was not the trip of a lifetime. I am going back.

Five of the ten riders in my group had various mishaps. All on Ruta 40.

There are fine steaks and wine waiting in Ushuaia. You need to go back and finish.

Great gratitude to you and your fellows for taking the time and effort in posting.

I wish you well,

Jed.

#1211

Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)

I'll visit Ushuaia some day but for now I'm looking for a job

A million thanks to the ones who tagged along with me for so long, offering me such great comments and 'company'

No JL the thanks go out to you. You and the boys have inspired and entertained us all for many months now, your adventure has been burned into our memory, where we will continue to enjoy it for a long time to come.

We wish you a speedy recovery, as we know the wheels are turning and the next great adventure is being planned already. We hope you will take us along again.

Thanks again,

Jim in Sacramento

#1213

Et merde, quand ça veut pas le faire.........NOTE :" Si ça passait... c'était beau " JBT ( jusqu'à Ushuaia )

Je te souhaite un bon rétablissement et je suis certain que tu seras bientôt de nouveau sur une moto.

Thanks a lot for this awesome adventure, engraved for eternity in your mind ( and your body also )

#1214

Buggah!

Jean-Luc, I am so sorry to read about your "off" so soon after you got back on! Thanks for all the fantastic photos and descriptions and thanks especially for all the time and effort you have taken to allow us to ride with you and experience things that we may never get to do for ourselves.

Heal well and quickly and I wish you the very best of fortune in your job hunting.... I think something involving travel, photography and journalism would be a great place to start

I will be watching for your next posts and any updates. Summer is not yet over!

#1218

Bravo! JL, this is truly an epic ride. Sorry about the injuries; I am glad they have not dampened your spirit for adventure. It is because of your perseverance through these trials that your ride is so amazingly inspiring. Ride on my friend and thanks for sharing!

#1219

DANG!!!! Glad you came out relatively unscathed Jean-Luc...

PS: this has to be one of the best RR's ever on Adv.

#1224

JL

I just made a new (before I die) goal. To sit down and have a beer with my new hero, the legend Jean-luc.

I hope some day our unbeaten paths cross. I'm in eastern Oregon..not too far from your 1st bad muddy encounter of the trip. I am truly thankful for your RR, and if there is anything a total stranger living 1k miles away can do for you just let me know.

Thanks again!

PS

you always have a place to stay here when you are passing through.

#1225

JL-

Im terribly sorry to hear about your second accident. I also have been experiencing a dream-ride vicariously. I wish you well and you are truly an inspiration to me, along with many many others. Thank you so much for documenting this epic ride. I dream that I will follow in your tire tracks someday. Heal well, and thank you so much Jean Luc, for what its worth, you have gained more than the respect from a complete stranger.

#1226

Sorry your trip had to end like that, but I'm sure the pics and memories will last you a lifetime (or at least till you start planning the next trip). Heal up quick, and thanks again for taking us all along for the journey.

#1228

Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)

No need for 'comforting' messages from you, I've already re-read the ones from after my first injury

.

Hola JL: I arrived in Mexico two weeks ago and am just now catching up on your RR. Can't believe the mala suerte, but OK, no sympathy messages, just a huge GRACIAS for all the time spent putting together the RR. It has been very enjoyable. This weekend I'm renting a KLR650 to do a 3 day, 2 night loop trip around San Miguel de Allende, where I'm stationed for the next 6 weeks. Again, thanks for the fotos, etc.!!!

#1232

Thanks for bringing us along on your journey.

It’s been great fun.

Heal well!

#1233

JL, I will have a beer in your honor this evening, because you have been a great inspiration for me. Even though I've been dreaming about a travel like yours since I'm 12, you showed all of us that it's possible and real, that with enough courage and willpower you can overcome all the obstacles in the way.

I hope you heal soon, and good luck with your job searching.

#1234

Quote: (Originally Posted by Jean-Luc)

Oh I forgot to mention a ‘detail’ so let me backtrack a little, to March 30st...

. . . “How could I mess up like that!?!” I already know that my trip is over now. For good \

J-L, I have been reading this thread every spare moment for the last number of days. I have been totally addicted to your story telling and photo essay. Fabulous work, wonderful country side and an amazing adventure.

I am sad that to learn of your crash and serious injury and I am also thankful that it wasn't any worse. like you said the way you positioned your hand likely saved your neck.

I pray that all is on the mend and that your search for work is successful and that you and your family are happy and safe.

All the Best!!

#1235

Sorry to hear of the most recent biff, J-L. Thank you for the time and effort you devoted to compose a most outstanding ride report. Heal fast, interview well, and enjoy your family.

Thanks, again.

Paolo

#1236

I'm glad your ok J.L., Heal quick, thanks for the inspiring report!

Your still the man!

#1237

Wow, J-L. I can only imagine the pain of not getting all the way down probably outweighs the wrist pain. But you can still get there if you want to. You've taken some amazing photographs, and have a wonderful story. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for you to put a book together so we can help you get the money together for a second book's worth of pictures and stories

#1238

Wow Jean-Luc, really bad luck..

I am very sorry that you were not able to finish this adventure on your own terms. But you know what they say, "Bones heal", and "Chicks dig scars!"

Even though your trip ended before you wanted it to, you still stomped on the terra my friend.

Beers to you!

#1239

damn J-L.

thanks for taking us along.