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Ipiales to Pitalito

Evening All,

I've been creating chaos in the campo, out for a dusty spin on my new XT600. Missed all the fuss about Ingrid, although saw some of the footage in Ibague.

Now in Ipiales, (yuk!) and maybe forced to exit Colombia for a night in order to renew importation for the less-than-trusty steed, (even yukker!).

Well... when and if they let me back in, I want to get to the farm in Huila. Normally go via Popayan but as we all know back-tracking is boring, so want to go Ipiales-Pasto-San Francisco-Mocoa-Morelia, Florencia, (Rutas 10, 25, 65, 20) OR howzabout direct from Mocoa to Pitalito? Small road, I think and it's 'orribly wet at the moment. Anyone know the state of the road?

Ta

By Alma del Norte on Jul 5, 2008, 15:52 in Friendly Talkzone.

Alma del Norte says on Jul 5, 2008, 15:55:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=es&geocode=&q=ipiales&sll=53.8006...

La vida es una rutina

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 5, 2008, 16:05:

I don't know the specific state of that road, but I have family and friends in Huila that know that area well, so I'll be glad to ask. I do know that a lot of the roads in El Huila are washed out, especially those in the mountains. How soon do you need an answer?

I'm sure you know this, but the route you have planned is pretty heavy farc area. You will probably be fine, but make sure to ask the locals about any checkpoints(retenes).

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 5, 2008, 16:43:

I asked some relatives and they said that your planned route goes through some pretty scary places, particularly Morelia. They aren't sure about the current state of those roads, but an aunt is visiting Pitalito right now and they will try to ask her. If I get an answer back, I'll post.

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viajero123 says on Jul 5, 2008, 16:51:

I do not have any up-to-date info about this, but I would not venture through those areas. They are traditional FARC strongholds and they probably still have sporadic presence in the road that I wouldn't risk.

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Alma del Norte says on Jul 6, 2008, 10:16:

CG Thanks for that. I was thinking about you as I posted. I knew you had posted on information about this area before. Anything you can find out about the state of the road would be great. DIAN are making me spend a night or two in Tulcan, so I'll be back on the road in a couple of days. Just because it's the rainy season, I don't think on reflection that I'll try the route direct from Mocoa to Pitalito.

I hear what you are saying about FARC, and I think I'm as well informed on this stuff as anyone can be. Indeed many people still consider Purace and indeed my ultimate destination an hour or so from La Plata, FARC country. Sure, there are milicianos but it´s not exactly the FARC stronghold it was 5 years ago.

I'm not blase about these matters, but there are much more dangerous things on Colombian roads than FARC.

CG - whaddya know about Morelia?

Thanks people.

La vida es una rutina

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 6, 2008, 10:28:

Hey Alma, You're right. biggest prob is crime. my bro in law got carjacked on Huila roads by farc bandits not too long ago. will find out more details on roads. sorry for grammar. on my phone. i'll post later.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 6, 2008, 10:29:

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 6, 2008, 10:29:

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 6, 2008, 10:29:

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 6, 2008, 10:31:

ooh sorry. first time posting with this phone. mods please delete dupes.

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Alma del Norte says on Jul 6, 2008, 10:35:

Blimey! Distracted were we! jajaj!

La vida es una rutina

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 6, 2008, 20:13:

Hey Alma, Sorry about the post freakout. I got in touch with the cousin that was in Pitalito. She just got back to Neiva from there today and said that the roads are in good shape and there is a lot of security. She couldn't say anything about the roads due South of Pitalito. However, she added to the chorus of people suggesting you avoid the portion of your trip through the Morelia area.

When asked why, everyone just says that it is a guerrilla town. In reality, your biggest risk is having someone jack your bike. I wish I could provide some more help. You might consider PMing Going South. His wife is from Pasto and might be able to get more info about the roads in Nariño.

Let me know if you need any more info about Huila or Tolima. Good luck on your trip. Be safe.

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Alma del Norte says on Jul 8, 2008, 09:37:

Thankyou for going to the trouble of getting me that info. CG. It's appreciated as are your good wishes. On reflection, I have decided to avoid these routes and I will be going via Popayan afterall. At least I have travelled this road before. I don't think I can afford to take too many chances at the moment - another, braver day.

La vida es una rutina

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