Let’s give the moto a dose of fresh air

Lately, it feels like my motorcycle has spent more time gathering dust than eating up the miles. With three back-to-back trips confirmed in Colombia starting this March, I found myself facing a bit of a logistical headache. Before I could truly settle back into the Colombian rhythm, I had to make a detour to Argentina to handle a bit of unavoidable bureaucracy: renewing my Temporary Importation Permit, or TIP.

I caught a flight down south to Mendoza, where my bike was waiting. The mission was straightforward but a bit frustrating—I had to ride all the way to the Chilean border just to keep the paperwork legal. To be honest, these permits often feel unjustified and far too inflexible, especially when you consider the cost and effort involved in maintaining them. If I could have avoided this trip and the expense that came with it, I certainly would have.

However, once I was back in the saddle, my frustration began to melt away. There is something about the road to the border that captures the soul; the setting is undeniably beautiful, and the winding pavement offers a sense of freedom that office paperwork never could. Even though the trip was born out of necessity, I couldn’t help but enjoy the rhythm of the ride and the stunning vistas that defined the landscape.

With the new permit finally in hand and the formalities out of the way, the stress has lifted. The bike is legal, the paperwork is sorted, and my mind is clear. Now, I can finally focus on what matters most: getting back to Colombia and diving headfirst into the new adventures waiting for me there.