Tayrona

Pat Corden February 7, 2019

With the antics of Colombia’s party scene behind us, we were all keen for one last nature fuelled stint in tropical North Colombia.

Medellin

Pat Corden January 15, 2019

Without the motorbikes we were trapped on the tourist trail. But if theres fun to be had, we’ll find it. This time it was in Medellin which turned out to be one hell of a city

The Last Ride: Goodbye Motos

Pat Corden December 21, 2018

After our spiritual journey at the Ayahuasca retreat, it was time for an emotional journey: The last ride with our bikes.

An Ancient Tradition: Ayahuasca

Pat Corden December 8, 2018

Having heard about the ancient amazonian tradition of using Ayahuasca as a healing process we signed ourselves up to see what it was all about. What ensued was an incredibly unique experience we’ll never forget.

The High Life: Mountaineering

Pat Corden December 1, 2018

We were fortunate enough to meet a French legend Ben who for whatever reasons saw enough potential in us to agree to be our mountaineering guide for a few days. We climbed some peaks, learned some things and most importantly have become super stoked on mountaineering.

HUAYAHUASH

TESTING OUR NORWEGIAN IMPORT

Huayhuash Circuit: Testing Our Norwegian Import

Pat Corden November 25, 2018

Being the only anticipated hike prior to leaving Australia, the 7-12 day Huayhuash circuit had a lot to live up too. We nervously got ready to go unguided for up to 12 days through and around 6000m giants, expecting snowstorms, running out of food and getting lost. Somewhat fortunately, the journey was smooth, and filled with unparralled moments of beauty.

The SNAFU: The Road to Huayhuash

Pat Corden November 16, 2018

With Scott set up for a comfy ride to Huaraz on the bus, Pat and I took the bikes on the shortest route we could find to meet him in time. The roads were epic but the adventure became one hell of a story.

The Big Papa Jo: Part 3

Pat Corden November 7, 2018

This third and final leg of our big 24 day hike took us to the infamous Machu Picchu, and then back to Cusco via the Salkantay Trail.

The Big Papa Jo: Part 2

Pat Corden November 4, 2018

With our first section of the trek completed, we were ready to leave the crowds behind. Not that we’d been swamped by them previously, but apparently on our next section from Yanama to Huancacalle and then on to Santa Teresa we shouldn’t expect to see a single gringo and no more than a few local farmers.

Almost as High as We Were: La Paz

Pat Corden September 19, 2018

Having connected with the jungle, we pushed west towards the mountains once again. The riding was tough, it brought its fair share of difficulty but came with some of the greatest hospitality we’ve experienced.

TIPNIS: Part 2

Pat Corden September 15, 2018

We were invited to enter the Isiboro Secure Indigenous Territory and National Park (otherwise known as the TIPNIS) by an Indigenous leader. There are no roads into the park, the only form of transport is on small motorised canoes. This is one of the last remaining wild parts of the Amazon rainforest but its integrity and the lives of the Indigenous people are being threatened by development plans proposed by the government. It was a real privilege to be invited into place so rarely visited by westerners. This is the second part of our 10 day trip into the TIPNIS.

The Dumbest Thing: Salar de Uyuni to Sucre

Pat Corden August 12, 2018

We had good intentions for Sucre, we really did. We were going to lay low and rest after a few months on the road while Lachie healed and we got some much needed Spanish lessons. The reality was somewhat different. Scott and I DJ’ed at the local party hostel and subsequently snagged ourselves volunteering jobs running their parties. We also found ourselves in the role of translators for hikes run by the hostel and got a gig photographing a proposal.

The 'Road': To Bolivia

Pat Corden July 23, 2018

With corrugations rivalling outback Australia and deep sand comprising the majority of the route into Bolivia it certainly wasn’t easy. But we made it and what a spectacular journey it was.

The Long Highway: Ruta 40

Pat Corden June 14, 2018

Ruta 40 is one of two major highways that run the entire length of Argentina. But for us, Ruta 40 was the road where we spent most nights just in our sleeping bags under the stars, frequently ditched the pavement for more exciting closed dirt roads, and met several people who would form our little biker gang

Road Closed: Because We Didn't Learn the First Time

Pat Corden June 5, 2018

With our spirit of adventure still alive and strong, and our intelligence little improved, we headed off on a closed road through deserts and over mountains for the second time in two weeks. Only this time we sought some local advice first – “Don't do it. It's very difficult. It's very dangerous. There are lots of somethings.” Well, it was very difficult. And dangerous. We found out what the somethings were. It ended with Lachie in hospital.

The Longest Shortcut

Pat Corden May 29, 2018

With 8 litres of water, half a kilo of rice and three carrots, we weren't exactly prepared for two days riding across a desert. But in our defence, we had no idea that's what we were getting ourselves into.

Our Secret Cave: Argentina Provides

Pat Corden May 24, 2018

After being stuck in a cold rinse cycle for three days at Pichilemu it was time to put ourselves out to dry in the Argentinian desert. The only catch was that we had no guarantee Scott and Pat would be able to leave the country with their motorbikes.

The Washing Machine: Pichilemu

Pat Corden May 20, 2018

After getting the motos sorted along with fixing Scott's eagerness to listen to literally anything other than reggaetón, we hit the road from Santiago to Pichilemu to suss out a rumoured 1km wave.

Tattoos and Techno: Santiago

Pat Corden May 7, 2018

To be honest, until now we don’t think we’ve really lived up to our name ‘dumbthings’. But don’t worry, this week in Santiago we had a red hot crack at rectifying this problem. We had to have our motorbikes fixed twice, were woken up by the police at 2am, Scott kindly donated his wallet to a stranger, and Pat finished up a nice family dinner by getting a homemade tattoo. But you know, all’s well that ends well.

Sayonara Hitchhiking: The Road to Santiago

Pat Corden April 30, 2018

At a petrol station just out of Auckland, we asked a truck driver if we could hitch a ride with him. His response, “Just take a bus, it’s quicker, it’s safer and it’s not going to cost you much.”

Three months and a few thousand miles later, we've learnt a new language, made friends we'll remember when our hair has turned grey, and been reminded of the generosity that exists in the world if only you’re open to it.