Shipping the Bikes!

The challenge - we need to get two KLR's to Buenos Aires for February 2, 2010. Following a number of initial quotes for air shipments (some as high as $17,000.00CDN) we were forced to consider a sea shipment, although with a tight itinerary and concerns about potential delays and corruption on the docks in BA, this was not preferred.

Having seen a thread from another rider from Calgary dealing with an air shipment with Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, we gave them a call.

The result - two KLR's in one crate 78"Lx48"Hx50"W (545KG with assorted gear tucked into the nooks) shipped overland from Toronto to Miami, January 26, and then by air from Miami to Buenos Aires arriving February 1, 2010.

 

We custom built the crate ourselves to minimize the volume as much as possible then took the bikes, gear and disassembled crate to Hellmann in Mississauga.

Hellmann gave us space to work in their warehouse...

...where the bikes were mounted to the crate base, ...

 

...gear was loaded,...

...everything was plastic wrapped,... 

 ...and the crate sides were assembled. 

Away they go!

We will update you on how it goes later on, but for now we can say Hellmann has been incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, professional and AFFORDABLE - total cost on the ground in Buenos Aires - $2910.00 CDN.

Introduction

The end of one journey is often the beginning of the next, and so as our journey together as husband and wife comes to a close we embark on a different kind of adventure.

Following months of research, planning and preparation, Petra and I will be riding motorcycles from Buenos Aires, Argentina south to Ushuaia, and from there north to Toronto. Our journey of some 18,000 kilometres will take us through 15 different countries over a 3 month period between February 1st and May 4th, 2010.

The bikes (Kawasaki Dual-sport KLR 650’s) and equipment will ship overland from Toronto to Miami commencing January 25th, and then by air from Miami to Buenos Aires arriving at Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) on February 1st. Petra and I depart from Toronto via Argentina’s National Airline LAN to New York City on February 1st, connecting to Santiago, Chile, and then on to Buenos Aires for February 2nd.

In the next few weeks we’ll be making final preparations and packing, including disassembling the bikes (again!) and crating them for shipping, amongst many other matters.

This journey really is an opportunity for an adventure of a lifetime which is enabled in part by a tolerant and understanding employer, and the support of family and friends for which we are immensely grateful.

In the coming weeks and throughout our travels we intend to use this BLOG as a means to update those interested in our progress and experiences THIS WAY UP!