Two wheel fun!

I have had the new motorcycle for just over a week now. An AKT that is made here in Colombia. It comes complete with helmet, poncho, and baseball cap. It really has been awhile. I have had a few during the working years but never much time to ride. The last ride I remember was to the hospital in Stevens Point when Carly was born on the Honda 500 Silverwing, that was over 11 years ago. Most of my riding was as a teen, first on a Honda 90 then later the Suzuki 350.
Pereira is a challenge for car or bike. Lots of hills, some like Houghton Michigan if you know what I mean, very steep if you don't. There are plenty that 1st gear is all you can do, hoping that is enough. It is only a 125 so it's not over blessed with power, but it is average for here. Loads of mopeds and a big bike is a 250.
I spent a couple days just buzzing around town trying to figure out the streets. The motorcycles here tend to use any space allowed on the road, at a stop light they weave between cars to get to the front. In return, the cars don't offer much respect to bikes. So I just stay back in line at the lights and drive slowly around town, watching my mirrors alot. They do enforce safety here though. From 6pm to 6am you have to wear reflective vests with plate numbers on front and back, and reflective plate numbers on the back of the helmets.
Our first road trip was following a road along the Rio Otún. At first, smooth asphalt and winding, the kind you dream about. Then the asphalt ends, rocks and ruts begin for the last 10-12 miles. The road ended at a National Park with a waterfall a short walk away.
Yesterday we headed south to Armenia to visit the gold artifacts in a museum. A little chilly up in the higher altitudes but the scenery was amazing. Even the main road offered lots of curves so it was fun. On the way back we diverted to a small town Solento with an awesome overlook over the town and some neat local shops and restaurants. Then we went another 10 miles or so to an area with very tall palms, some that are only grown here. The roads to these towns were incredible, even better on the bike. Up and down the mountains with twisty roads all the way and hardly any cars. It was truly a blast.
So after 8 days and 350 kilometers were off to great start and looking for other adventures and a gas station for the first fill up.