Through the Darién Gap with Helge Pedersen - Lessons from his first ride up the Pan-American Highway
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- Adventure motorcycle legend Helge Pedersen recounts his journey and lessons learned on his first R80G/S adventure motorcycle ride from Ushuaia to Panama, through the treacherous Darién Gap. Not just "off-road" - in the Darién Gap there are NO roads or vehicle trails, just the Cuna indian foot paths. It took Helge 20 days to travel 80 miles, crossing the border from Colombia into Panama.
For more than ten years, Helge and Olga, Helge's sturdy BMW motorcycle, traveled in vagabond style. Their journey took them across five continents and over 250,000 miles, more than ten times the actual distance around the world! Documented and told in the "10 Years on 2 Wheels" hardcover book:
Buy a signed copy directly from Helge with PayPal at info@globeriders.com or from Touratech USA touratech-usa.com/Store/Book-...
Helge Pedersen @ globeriders.com
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if you are looking at going to South America on your motorcycle and you live in North America you have no excuse here's how you do it go out your front door start your bike head south it's as simple as that if you live in Europe do the same. and you can do the same in Africa and you are laughing at me and you're saying oh yeah you're privileged you have a lot of money this and that i tell you anybody can do it it's all up in your head. welcome to MOTOTREK. i'm Helge Pedersen and in 1985 i traveled with this cargo ship all the way from Oslo to Buenos Aires came to Buenos Aires in the fall of 1985 and headed straight down to Ushuaia since my first trip to Latin America I've been back several times I've ridden central America down the Pan-American highway I've been in Ushuaia five times now it's kind of funny to see the picture from the first to the last time but these times I've done it leading tours if you want to see patagonia sit down and it will all blow by you
i was sitting there on my bike and just hanging on for my life but i finally made it down to Ushuaia and everything changed mountains beautiful pine forests lakes and i happened to got the job and the reason i wore looking for a job was i want to learn some language i was very lucky because i got to work with Mario and Graciela and we were clearing a path off to Lago Fungano and we ended up staying there for two months it was tough it was summer January i mean we wake up to like an inch and inch and a half of snow in the morning but the biggest problem we had we worked our way up and we used up all the food we had i was so starved after that experience I've never been that starved in my life but what an experience it was usually for that reason is a very very special place and I've been back many times later and i love it so when you travel in Patagonia you have to go on a Ruta 40 and it's in famous for its brutal gravel roads it was tough with the Patagonia wind and you are going in this deep rooted gravel and the worst is usually when you have a grader coming through because then it's extra deep and you're just dancing there and hanging on plus you've got the wind and then you meet the truck and it's like usually i would then just stop and park myself and head on after in Patagonia you have to go and see mount Fitzroy came there parked my bike picked up my tent couldn't see it couldn't see it three days went by and i said okay enough is enough it was just caked in in fog so the following day i was going to take off and just forget about it was kind of disappointed really i looked forward to it look out my tent i couldn't believe it it felt like i was right at the foothill and there is this majestic mountain just reaching for the heavens it's just like a rocket when you travel the best currency you can have with you is time don't let time press you out of a situation that could be a beautiful experience take your time
This guy is a legend!
no u
@@morqi545 no u
03:41 : "When you travel the best currency you can have with you is time..." Such wise and true words!!
If you know, you know.
I checked the comments to make sure this was here. This is the most important advice. I love the way he phrased it. I will be using that.
Just wanted to write the same thing. Wise words.
This kind of adventure is not for everybody, Jonathan Champagne.
@@jonathanchampagne7683 Not everyone is as materialistic as you are. Or me, for that matter, because I cannot imagine giving up a "home" to travel the world. Quite often it's young people with no strings who dare to do this, sometimes even families.
I admire them, travel vicariously through them but could never do what they're doing ... wife, two boys, cars, house, stuff.
By the way, what is actually meant with the currency quote is that you're better off traveling for a long time with less money than doing a quick trip with a lot of money. Money can't buy you memories.
I had the privilege of riding with Helge on two tours, Himalaya and Southern Africa. Adventures of a lifetime.
I am South African, where did you ride in Southern Africa
You can check on GlobeRiders website for detail. But Cape Town. Botswana, Swaziland, Okavango Delta, Zambia, Namibia and others. Beautiful country and wonderful people.
@@grimsadventures-bikesnpetr7913 Like #stephenbecker says you can find lots of good stories if you go to www.globeriders.com and look under journals where the stories from all of our past journeys are archived. We love Southern Africa and have a 37 days journey and we also have a 63 days journey from Cape to Cairo. We will be back in January 2023 to do another Cape to Cairo.
@@helgepedersen877 2023 Sounds like an awesome opportunity, how fit do you need to be to complete a trip like that?
@@TheRadgeOne Send me an email helge@globeriders.com and we can discuss. We ask all new members to GlobeRiders to complete a questioner before taking one of our tours and that way we make sure that you are a good fit for our journeys.
Hi Helge, watching your video brought back many memories to me as I walked the Darien Gap solo in 1992, likely no motorbike 😁, I walked it north to south. I did stay in Paya for a few days then a couple of local kids guided me over the border and into Colombia, it took me 18 days to reach Turbo. I have never met an other traveler who has crossed the Darien Gap.
I was backpacking then but since that I have been around the world 4 times on motorcycles. My first long motorcycle trip was from Melbourne Australia to Paris in 1997.
Anyway, well done on taking your bike through the Gap, I wouldn’t have done it, just too difficult. Cheers 🍻
#didlermartin Yes, it is not often one encounter another person that has traversed the Darien Gap. In this case very nice to meet you and I would love to meet you in person one day, what great conversations we would have. If you ever are in the Seattle area feel free to contact me and we could meet.
Knowing what I do today I would never again take a motorcycle through the Darien Gap, but I actually went back to hike in the Darien many years later. At that time I did it to spend some time with the Cuna and Embera indians in the Darien and it was a wonderful experience.
Sounds like you have had some great tracks around the world on your motorcycle, good for you following your dreams. I hope we can meet one day.
@@helgepedersen877 , not sure when I will be in your neighbourhood Helge but I’ll keep it in mind, I’m stuck in Australia right now. Cheers mate🍻 .
I want to make it from the Tropic of Cancer to the tropic of Capricorn every June on a 200 or 250 cc adventure bike. If not Utah or Idaho will do if I'm strap for cash.
Itchy Boots got me here
Itchy boots also brought me here. Congrats on your journeys or better saying, on your life. Well done, sir!
Helge is one of the wealthiest people in the world when one considers his experiences as currency. He is a real inspiration for those of us who plan to what he did, "someday".
I can't believe he convinced that German guy to go too.
#rafetizer Both he and I did not really know what we were getting in to and that might have been good.
@@helgepedersen877 I really want to know what happened to the German guy, did you keep in touch after all these years? did you part ways in Panama? Awesome story
@@chrissi.enbyYT alter lachs... its the guy the video is about, did you even read the title😅
@@unknownmovement No Shit , right ?
Right?! Lol
This video got suggested after I had watch Itchy Boots trying to get her Honda past the Darian Gap. God bless the UA-cam algorithm because your story is just as fascinating.
Truly inspiring stuff. This guy imparted more wisdom on me in 15 minutes than I could have imagined possible.
That's a great story. We went through the Darien with motorcycles 4 years ago, January 2018. Took us 7 days and we had a lot of help. It was very difficult. But Helge had it way more difficult than us it sounded like.
Congrats, Alex!
Hi!
Did you Cross with what kind a bike?
I plan to go from Brazil to prudoe Bay, but the darian Gap makes the trip get trouble....
I pretend to Go with a 110cc carbureted, there was a Brazilian that did It, but he flyed over the Gap...
Thanks!
@@tucuruicomercioerepresenta2308 We went through with Kawasaki KLRs. It took a lot of planning to go through the Darien. We also had to get permission from the Panamanian Government and SENAFRONT.
@@alexmanne Is there any other platform to see the doc (for non-USA residents)?
@@martinzeddy Revzilla, but you have to pay for the subscription - it's about $60USD. However, they're putting it on youtube soon from what I was told. The trailer is on there.
I wanted to “like” this more than once. I have read of several people’s exploits through the Darian Gap. None seemed to be as cavalier as yours. Thank you for sharing.
It's funny, sitting here in my house with my comfort and ease, and watching people go out and really experience the planet. Stories like this are gold, they are treasure, thank you so much for sharing. I work towards my own adventure and feel inspired by this story.
Right on, Jim!
#jimfrueh Glad that you could get inspired, we all need inspiration in our lives. I seek inspiration all the time and some times it feel good to give back, thanks for your words.
This was the best story in all youtube this month for sure.
What a story , what an experience!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
What a legend! What an inspirational adventure - Thank you.
Helge is the man. So many great stories.
Just found the channel and man every single word he says strikes me hard. This, my friend, is gold.
Thanks for sharing this story, thank you Helge, I enjoyed this interview a lot!.
Wow! 80 miles in 20 days--that's some hardcore terrain. Very inspiring! Thanks for the great story.
What a beautiful and challenging experience! Choosing to see the growth and vibrancy in every moment of a seemingly insurmountable obstacle and conquering it! You’re the man Helge!! I love and share your philosophy! I’m planning a similar trip soon.. just got back from 15 months exploring Southeast Asia on 2 wheels... central & South America are my next adventure... maybe we’ll get the chance to ride together sometime!
What a fantastic adventure, that story about the ticks will stay with me!
Living Legend.
And a man that speaks the truth.
Brilliant, thankyou.
Thought I would see just another video and was blown away by it! For me, personally, this is the sort of inspirational stories that connect well with the more technical ones. I would love to see more of these. Keep up the good work! Cheers from Portugal. Bruno
Wow, thank you!
Helge Pedersen, just want to say thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. "Carpe diem". Greetings from Portugal.
Great story and told as only you could tell it, Helge. Thanks.
WOW, what amazing and inspiring story!! Thank you very much for sharing!! 👍
Wow. What a story! Thanks for sharing
Great adventures, and absolutely beautiful pictures!
You are a inspirtaion for many Riders around the World. Thanks
Excellent sage advice. Probably the best I have ever heard.
That’s the adventure spirit you can’t learn. No big budget, no fancy gear and equipment. Just a will to connect. This guy is the real deal, a true soul
Thanks for sharing your amazing experience!
Great story and advice...thank you for sharing!
Wow! I could listen to you all day. Fantastic, thank you!
So beautiful! Thx, Helge.
08:00 what a picture that is!!
Hats off for what you acomplished, no words can describe...
"Take your time." Thanks for sharing your absolutely fabulous adventure - in spite of what you say, not many could complete it. Congratulations
love his story...definitely inspired to go on my own
You are a inspiration for me. Thank you for sharing this story
This is simply wonderful! Great pics!
#Massimocristaladi Glad you liked the pictures, they are from slide film that I have scanned. Just wished that I had a better scanner. for my book I had the slides scanned professionally and the cost was about $40 for each scan, beautiful, but expensive.
Mr. Helge Pedersen, you are a great man. I admire you so much!
A star. Words cannot do this justice.
Thanks for publishing this.
A true legend among motorcyclists........!!!!!
It would be great to see a video about the bike.......the struggle he faced,the problems and failures he faced!!!!!!!!
What a freaking legend, thanks for your story!
#alexanderseling Thanks for the nice words, but really, I am just another rider that chose to ride the world and make it my lifestyle. I have loved most of it and by that have very few regrets. Not all of it came easy as you see in the video, but I think these events make you stronger. Glad that you enjoyed.
I would love to go for a pint with this man! Inspirational! 👍🏻
Great advice Hedge! Life is for living, best to get on with it right away!
Great video and inspirational message! We met in Silverdale, WA a few years ago and I always remember you in my class. Safe travels always!
#rich Glad that you enjoyed the video and I sure had a great time learning sidecar riding from you in your excellent class. That was a good start on yet another adventure, so much fun. Happy trails to you too Rich.
Absolutely Fantastic! So Very Well Done!!!
Such a crazy legend from Norway....kudos!!
Thanks for sharing Helge, and what and adventure...
What an amazing and inspiring adventure! Thanks so much for sharing - can't wait to be able to travel again! (Though not quite as adventurously as in your video!)
So amazing, its great to here story's like this, definitely need to get his book.
#ryanmoore I hope that you will enjoy the book, let me know.
Your the man. Thanks I read your book in the 90's now in my 60's I am readying to go. Thanks for the motivation.
#jackmahones Good for you, you are in a good age for some serious adventures. Happy Trails to you, Ride Far - Ride Safe!
Phenomenal, extremely encouraging to learn about Helge’s journeys and experiences, and providing perspective, thank you so much....watched this in conjunction with Evan McGregor and Charlie Boorman’s super prep & big team production Long Way Up TV series
Hats off to you, sounds brutal hacking through the jungle...
#rockbreaker From your handle "Rockbreaker" I bet you have done some good adventures yourself. Yes, the jungle part was brutal.
"And then we got attacked by bees..."
Especially for 20 days!!
I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR A VIDEO LIKE THIS FOR WEEKS!
Came here for the great video by the Legend Helge Pedersen. I remember the book from the crossing years ago, being so inspired by his travels. Back then crossing continents on motorcycles was not something normally done. Thanks to pioneers like Ted Simon and Helge, and later others like Hubert Kriegel (Google him - he has passed but his website with his world travels is a work of art - you will thank me), long distance motorcycle travel is now commonplace. Thank you Mr. Pedersen. And if you saw this video read all the comments. So positive and interesting too.
#dashford06 Thanks for the kind words and I could not agree more, Hubert Kriegel www.thetimelessride.com, has inspired me to try out sidecar riding and I love it, what a great story he told, go and check it out.
its unexpectedly great stories like this that make youtube great. Well done Helge!
#Efone Thank you and credit goes all to Tim Tyler for doing such a great job with this channel. I am glad you enjoyed the story.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
great story!! thanks for posting!!
Another awesome film. Incredibly inspiring.
Glad you enjoyed it, Marcus.
Absolutely agree with you. Many thanks for your great history ❤
Incredible! My first months out of college I started from Louisiana to California, down through Baja, then on to mainland Mexico, and back up to the states. Next summer I want to drive to Alaska and then start the Pan American. Thanks for the great footage!
Take me with you next time, also a fellow Louisiana native.
Woooooo I found my mostest favorite motorist! My hats off hands and feet up to you, Sir! You are the GOAT!
Wow! What a ride!
Man it's always so satisfying bringing a bike or vehicle in places that it probably shouldn't be, or hadn't been done before.
Inspiring story mate!!! I spent some of the 80's in the jungle also, but carting that bike thru the gap........ wow! 😎😎😎
I bought your book many years ago and it has been such an inspiration to me. As I was planning my own adventure I was involved in an accident that severely injured my spine and I thought riding was done for me. You have been such a positive influence on me throughout my recovery. Seeing what you have gone through and your relentlessly positive outlook on life has helped me fight back to finally being able to ride again. Thank you sir being such a positive influence.
#christopherhughes Sorry to hear about your accident, what a terrible thing to happen to you. I can not imagine what you have gone through, but I am very happy to hear that you have given it all and now can ride again. That is amazing and I wish you the very best on your continues healing and many adventures ahead. You are the inspiration, Ride Far - Ride Safe!
Fantastic adventure !!! Freedom. Challenges ..positive vibrations ! ! -That's the way I like to drive !
Amazing story. Thank you Helge
#mattyh73 You are welcome.
It also helps being a young. Helge, you are one tough dude.
@Gamal Elsayed Very well said, we need to look after our health to stay young and healthy, it takes work and commitment.
Fantastic! Congratulations from Brazil.
Thank you! Cheers!
I am from Colombia and I was sometimes in Darien........this story is absolutely incredible. Respect !!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic, what a powerful story.
amazing accomplishment !! hope you keep riding. your bike and your story should be in a museum. wow !
#peterdonahue The bike ended up in the BMW museum in München, Germany, in 1993 when BMW traded it for a brand new BMW R100GS. I am still riding the world and love it and we, my wife and me, will keep doing it as long as we can. Happy travels to you.
Amazing! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
#markwakefield You are welcome, glad you enjoyed.
Not all men are created equal, & Helge is living proof. This man is a legend.
Wow! I live in Brazil and i've been thinking crossing the jungle safely is almost impossible but unsafely it is. Congrats Sir and thanks for Share this with us.
very inspiring guy, glad you did this video
Okay can I say this... This is the best motorcycling Monologue I have come across and absolutely loved it 😊 Thank you Mototrek.
Glad you enjoy it, Rajen!
Excelente video, la tranquilidad y la paz con la que hablás dan ganas de montarte a la moto e ir, solo ir.
Muchas gracias por tan maravilloso material!
#waltergonzalez Gracias por las amables palabras
The cover of '10 Years on 2 Wheels' hangs on my office wall. Helge, Ted S. and R. Fulton. are my inspiration. There is an '81 R80G/S (mine) and '84 R80ST (hers) in the garage just waiting for the time bucket to fill up so we can hit the road. Thank you for stoking the fire of adventure
Right on, Dan!
Awesome!! Yes, more stories like this!
#jorgeadventure I agree with you. This channel has some great technical stuff, nuts and bolts of Adventure Riding, but as riders we also need inspirations. I am sure that Tim will look for more of this kinds of stories for future videos. If you have suggestions send it to him.
This is what we should be watching on Netflix or whatever. Can't get enough!
Amazing personality and great orator...
As he says its all in your mind
Amazing story, thank you.
Wauw you must be one of the biggest inspirations on UA-cam! Respect and thank you for sharing! Would love to travel the Darien gap
Legendary. Life's about finding your why and following it.
Awesome adventure. Spectacular video. Excellent Darien Gap info. THANK YOU.
You're welcome, Eric!
What a legend, I can't imagine myself pulling that crossing off.
So very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story.
#aspectproductions You are welcome.
Fantastic interview and great philosophy
Gosh ! RG boots Imhad them in the late 70’s when riding my Bultaco Sherpa. Amazing channel ! 👏
Awesome- thank you so much 🙏🍀
Its funny that I just saw this video. I was at a presentation you gave at the "Iron Horse" BMW dealer in Tucson Arizona when I first saw you. It's a fantastic story you have. Now watching a woman "Itchy Boots" doing south America to Alaska. So many adventurous people. Your video was fantastic!
Amazing story. Thanks for sharing! :)
A lot of respect for you! 👍
Couldn't agree more "It's all in your head"!
I never got as far South as you but I'm still dining off the stories I gathered 35 years ago. Got as far south as Guatemala and then went down with Yellow fever - I figured it was natures way of telling me to head back North :) I was always impressed by the few photo's I've seen of your journey through the Gap and it's nice to watch this and see the person behind those photos.
Helge - enjoyed the video. I ride a 1977 BMW r100. Does me proud thinking you tackled the Darien Gap on an airhead. Going to find more of your videos!
My hero! I would never attempt that, so thanks for doing it for us!