Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Autogermana BMW

Our first order of business was to find the Bogota BMW dealership in order to get oil changes for the bikes and a new rear tire and possibly a new side case to replace the one that I had destroyed on the previous evening. After a brief telephone conversation with the shop’s service manager, Edgar Gomez, it became readily apparent that our hopes for success in this area would, in all likelihood, be realized. However, when we arrived at the new facility of Autogermana BMW, we found that our optimistic expectations were to be greatly exceeded; we were ushered into the new facility as if we were foreign dignitaries, offered coffee and chocolates, and seated in a nice office for Edgar Gomez to ascertain how he might fulfill our every service need. We were delighted to find that Edgar could have all of the work done while we waited, but we declined the enthusiastic offer to have our disgustingly dirty motos thoroughly cleaned due to time constraints. While our bikes were being serviced, Edgar offered to accompany us to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Harry and I had agreed that we had to pay for Edgar’s meal in light of the service experience, but when we sought the bill from the waitress, we discovered that Edgar had beat us to the punch, which left us shaking our heads in amazement. Once we were back at the shop, the service on our bikes was soon completed. After hearty handshakes, photos, and settling up, we were happily on our way with fresh oil and filters and a new rear tire and side case for my bike.
Most of the motorcycles at the dealership were various iterations of of the GS line old and new.
The dealership opened in this new location only two months ago and have quite an investment in motorcycle and accessory, excuse me, lifestyle products. We met Ralph who offerd us a lot of advise on Bogota and Colombia. A real friendly and outgoing person.
Magarita recommended a route on the way to and from the dealership. She said we would probable enjoy the scenery. What an understatement. Avenida Circunvalar cuts a park like twisty path just above the busy downtown area with spectacular views. Some fortunate souls get to drive the road twice a day to and from work.

3 comments:

Andy said...

Wow. I really enjoy following your trip. Keep on posting! You lost a week or so..For a second I thought you lost your bike in the Atlantic....then went to the other side...the Pacific..then...

Well, keep being safe, enjoy EVERY mile! Keep the spirit alive! Live La Vida Loca! Keep The Two Wheels Up!

Melo

Jeff said...

Forgive me for asking, but was there a reason the bikes had to be shipped to South America? Is it not drivable or ridable?

Harry said...

Thanks Andy.

Jeff, all roads end aout 80 miles south of Panama City ecause of the dense jungle and mountains. Its called the Darien Gap.