Image: Alfonse Palaima
When everything is perfectly organized—routes mapped, fuel stops planned, meals and beds guaranteed—it feels effortless. But the truth is, no matter how tidy the plan, the real world always gets a vote. On short rides, those small interruptions are easy to patch over. Stretch the miles across countries and weeks on the road, though, and the little things start to compound. That’s when the first casualty is usually the plan—and what comes next is called the adventure.
In this 2017 story, a dozen experienced riders set out to cross South America from Cartagena to Ushuaia, equipped with skills, support vehicles, and a clear plan. But tropical rain, border red tape, shock absorbers that cried uncle, and Patagonian winds forced them to adapt. The journey didn’t unfold the way they mapped it—but that’s the point. What carries a long trip isn’t a perfect plan; it’s the flexibility to rewrite it.
Image: Alfonse Palaima
Colin Evans: Author of Journey to the End of the World
"Though he may have come late to biking, Colin Evans has fallen hard for it, with an enviable collection of iconic sportbikes and a very worn-out BMW R1200GS to show for it. He has ridden and written about his adventures on four continents to entertain and annoy his friends (colindotpdx.tumblr.com) and currently resides in Portland with his wife Rosine and daughter Claire." ~~ Octane Press
Alfonse Palaima: Journey to the End of the World Photographer
"When he's not in Los Angeles hiding from society, Alfonse is collecting passport stamps. Photography and travel are his biggest passions, and motorcycles always get him to the next location. Rounding the world one region at a time, Alfonse has racked up hundreds of bylines while crossing 23 countries and six continents as an industry journalist with 14 years under his belt. Follow his journeys at MotoInsider.com or at Octane Press." ~~ Octane Press