Collecting Ourselves and the Motos in Bogota

We arrived in Bogota and found the cargo and customs area within walking distance of the passenger airport. After some false stops at the DHL and Customs office, we got the process going. Unfortunately DHL released our motorcycles to a transfer holding company that was about a mile from customs. That was a problem. We were both a bit exhausted and with headaches from the high altitude and heat. The nice people in the customs office, sensing our problem, summoned a guy that would drive us over and back. Jorge Sanchez, started as just a driver but turned out to be a helper that actually provided a useful service because of his car. We gladly paid him for his services. We have his mobile if anyone needs it for their trip.

It was inauguration day back in the United States and to our surprise every TV was turned to the US coverage. Large crowd gathered around rivited to the TVs. There was a genuine excitement in the air but we had business to tend to and we could watch the coverage later.

At the holding company we had to pay an extra $60 USD to extract our motorcycles from the shipping dock. Once we settled all of the customs and shipping paperwork they brought our motorcycles to the edge of a shipping dock and asked us to pull our truck up so they can load them. They were dumbfounded when they realized we planned to uncrate them and ride them off. The next problem, of course, was no ramp. After some negotiating with the workers, the foreman organized sending a second forklift truck on a mile trip through the airport to the parking to lower the Motorcycles. One worry was the 80 degree list of one of the motorcycles on the pallet. Fortunately it stayed upright as the pallet almost broke apart from the lifting. Those extra shipping straps Mike gave us at Southwest BMW, were a trip saver. It was a real heart in mouth moment for everyone until the motorcycles reached the ground again.

After about 45 minutes to unstrap, reassemble, reload, refill the tires and get suited up, we were off to Bogota city proper. Phew! ...but the excitment was not over.