Days 96 to 98: Cartagena, COL to Medellin, CO

We took 3 days to cover the distance from Cartagena to Medellin. We didn't take the shortest way to get there, as we were not in a rush and wanted to explore more of the north-western part of Colombia.

Day 96:

Cartagena - Tolu (200 km)

We left Cartagena at 9 am on day 96. Getting out of town was another crazy ride: three bikes swerving through traffic and trying to stay together. This used to be nerve wrecking, but by now I got used to it and don't stress it anymore. There is a lot of motorcycles in Colombia (most are 125cc or 250cc), and fortunately lane splitting is allowed. However, it is a little harder for us than the locals, as our bikes are much wider with the side cases on.

We rode 200 km to a small town on the coast called Tolu. Josh was sick, and we were not in a rush neither, so we called it an early day at 2:30 pm. 

Day 97:

Tolu - Apartado (320 km)

We stayed to the coast as long as we could and then took the most western road of Colombia. Pretty flat dull riding once again, and in very hot weather. Knowing we would be in the mountains tomorrow was what kept us going. We did get a lot of dirt riding in due to road construction and some of the roads just being dirt. No photos from these two days, as there was really nothing that stood out.

Day 98:

Apartado - Medellin (300 km)

We reached the mountains and the riding finally got interesting. There was a heavy military presence along the road. I'm guessing that it had to something to do with the proximity of the Darien Gap (drug trafficking) and the fact that there is still some FARC rebel activity in the region. We got stopped once at a checkpoint, but the soldiers were friendly and just curious about the motorcycles. At some point, we rode all the way up to 2000 m altitude. At about 80 km from Medellin, we descended into a valley, and the temperature rose drastically to something that felt like 35+ deg. C. We noticed several upscale hotels and gated communities. Looks like this is the get away spot for the wealthier residents of Medellin.

We finally rode into Medellin around 6 pm, and navigated once again in chaotic traffic to the El Poblado neighborhood, where we intended on finding a hotel.

On of the side cases on Josh's bike got beat up when he crashed a week ago. He's had to use ratchet straps since then to hold things together. Since the roads were rough, some readjustment was required every once in a while. 

One of the several mud slides we came across on the road to Medellin. Fortunately they were already cleaned up and we were able to make it through.

Not much left of pavement here.. Pot hole fest.