Sneaking the bike out of Peru

Finally I did it. Can’t say it was easy, but I did it. And now I am safe, my bike too.
Here’s what happened in a nutshell.
After my crash in Peru, the border officers impounded my bike ignoring all my requests for an extension of the permission for the permanence of the bike in Peru. Yes, this country is very complicated. So, I decide to go back to Peru, steal my own bike and take it out of the Country.
I tried first to take the bike out through Chile but I came across some crocks who tried to steal my money and my bike, I left them in disappointment being much more smarter than them. Nice try guys, but I’m Italian and you are not..
I went then on the north, always careful not to get caught by the police, there was an arrest warrant on my bike, arrived to the border with Bolivia and after three days I found a good smuggler who took my bike on his small boat and cross the Titicaca lake till Bolivia then to La Paz on a truck.

Protests in Peru, 75 people died on various riots,

The bike is out of Peru, first goal achived.
New step was to have the exit stamp on my passport which was also a big challenge because the borders between Peru and Bolivia are closed due to the protests here in Peru. I was noticed by some locals that one small border will be open on Sunday and only for the truckers so I’ve been there the very first Sunday with my best disguise as a trucker (don’t laugh at me) and with the help of some dollars I was able to achieve the exit stamp from Peru then the entry stamp from Bolivia. Bingo!

Now, how to have the bike’s paper? I made some research then I discovered that between Bolivia and Brazil there is an easy border where you can easily cross and have the entry paper for the bike. So cool!
I literally flew there on the bike, always being over careful to the police on the road (in Bolivia my bike has no documents), Bolivian police is so corrupted, they’re really good at scamming bikers, they got the A+ squad on shaking down drivers for money but actually reducing real crime, not so much; I crossed to Brazil, parked safely my bike and walked back in Bolivia.. the immigration paperwork slipped easily then I crossed again to Brazil where I “gain” the paper for the bike! Brazilian are just the best, I love this country.

Guys, let me tell you that this adventure was one of the hardest I’ve had. I came across many challenges where many would throw the towel. Now I’m sipping margaritas in Morocco with my wife and the Peruvian police is still looking for me.. Priceless.

Dear Peru border officers, you will win the next time.
Ciao.

That horrible day in Peru

24 January, I was in a small mountain village called San Fernando at 4.000 meters above sea level, 9 hours from Cusco and 6 from Abancay. Have spent the night in a sort of dirty attic, in a straw bed, right above the restaurant (if you can define it that way) whose owner was kind enough to host my motorbike. Yes, my bike was parked inside the restaurant, between the tables.. this is also Peru.

A frugal breakfast, quick check on the bike and go, following the call of adventure. Another incredible day is heading out. This is just what I thought.

But my destiny has a different plan for me that day.

The last picture before the crash…

Along a mountain mule track, at over 4,000 meters above sea level, I slipped on a mud, losing control of the bike and ruining the ground. A stone under the mud hit my shoulder and broke my collarbone.

Into a Peruvian ambulance with this angel, Sofia, who took care of me all the time since we finally reach the “hospital”.

She was very compassionate and I particularly appreciated that she gave me injections and patiently cleaned the needle of the syringe, they had no new syringes.

Yes, I repeat, this is Peru.

I launched the SOS thanks to my GPS Garmin inReach and after 2,5 hours someone shown up to rescue me. I was totally exhausted, unable to properly walk, I could barely breath.
The first aid was really surprised to see me injured, here people die by falling with the car in the precipices..
After 7 hours in the ambulance on Peruvian mountain paths with very deep ravines (I was terrified on those terrible street) we finally arrived at Abancay where I had X-ray which took 5 hours..
For an européen guy, calling it a hospital was an understatement, I don't know how people in those conditions can be treated. Doctors do not took care of me at all and some chickens in the emergency room helped me make another decision.
I decided to rent a private car and reach a private clinic in Cusco, another 4 hours.

Yes, I’ve drunk some Red Bull..

My poor shoulder, the bone was totally out of his place…

In Cusco I finally found a proper medical staff, they suggested a surgical operation but, after a day of rest of which I was in great need, I decided to return to Italy and undergo the necessary medical treatment at home.

This guy saved my life, never travel in a remote areas like I do, without a tool like this. If you travel out of urban areas, you have to keep an SOS GPS with you. I use Garmin which IMO is the best but there are several in the market.

Take one. It’a a must!

After some very difficult flights with crazy connections due to the f*****g Chinese virus, I finally landed in Venice, Italy, here my best friend was waiting me at the airport.

Tyson ❤️

Thank you to the medical staff in Cusco, you are amazing guys.

You have been understanding, humane and very nice. I hope to meet you again but on more pleasant occasions..

🇵🇪 I still love you

Never waste an opportunity to have some fun…