In 1999 Emmanuel Gentinetta left Alaska on the Pan American Highway enroute for Argentina. 261 days later he successfully made it entering the Guiness book of world records in the process.
Originally the tour was supposed to be a two person ride but after a couple of days the tour became solo. During Emmanuel's trip south he managed to see lots of wildlife and meet numerous people. I found it especially amusing that he learned how to say "about" the canadian way after just three weeks in the country.
Numerous flat tires and cracked rims caused him some minor issues along the way. Here's a bit of advice that he received along the way accompanied by his comment on his web site about it.
"Careful with the people down there! The bandidos! Is all I heard up to this point. The way it goes is that people “down there” are always bad, but people “here” are no problem. So once you get “down there” and it becomes “here”, you are in safe territory again. Good thing it works out that way. It is like trying to chase your shadow; you can’t reach it."
He also describes an innovative use for huggies diapers to help him along the way and he completes his tour not in Argentina but in Antarctica.
His journal is quite interesting to read. If you are looking for something that discusses motivation, persistence and a desire to succeed then this is a journal that you will want to read. You can find it at the Bike It Solo Official Web Site.
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