Friday, 5th February, USHUAIA!
We made it.
The Clears and the Russian pulled in to the southernmost city in the Americas at 7.35pm on Friday, February 5th after 31,591km, 15 countries and 207 days. Not to mention 116 couples interviewed and over 400 hours of footage…
I can’t really believe that we’re here. All those dark days of wishing that I could be back in a world with a roof and routine are suddenly distant memories as I contemplate life without the bike and feel not only real sadness about it, but almost panic.
Mike confessed to camera that it feels like the bike is the third (and most reliable) member of our marriage. It’s been the three of us the whole way down (bar a couple of weeks in Bolivia which was not the bike’s fault but our own). The bike has made this trip – it’s started conversations, broken down barriers, got us interviews – got us noticed! The thought of all that being taken away is currently so hard to consider that it feels like a weight on our chests, and the planned elation at making it to the end is considerably more muted than we could ever have expected.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Wow! You really made it! Many congratulations on the grand journey!
It seems so very long ago, your beginning here in Anchorage. I was at Mickey’s garage today and we talked of you and your travels. I am still wondering how you will be able to return to the normal life…
Now I have to go get caught up with the blog.
Many regards!
February 7th, 2010 at 5:32 am
Goodonya, great to see you made it finally
Cheers
Richard
February 8th, 2010 at 4:16 am
from the top, aaaaaaaaaaall the way down. You are the only people I know who need a map of the whole gigantic world to show what they got up on their travels.
amazing, amazing, amazing.
can’t even imagine what sort of emotional whirlwind you must be going through right now, but do not despair – there’s many many many people back in Blighty who will make for at least as good a conversational companion as the Russian.
looking forward to having you back!
February 8th, 2010 at 10:18 am
I am full of admiration for what you have achieved. It will be with you for the rest of your lives. Despite having circumnavigated South America all those years ago, I only saw various seaports, coupled with the odd few days up country. Peanuts compared with your experience. Many, many congratulations.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:54 am
Well done guys! Finally! Now come home so we can mourn the armadillo and get the beers in.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
My wife and I hope there is a post script to your adventure. How will you get home? What is to happen to your trusty Russian stead? What is happening to get your story on television or movie? I loved the ride! P. S. I signed for a three day sidecar motorcycle class in Oregon.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Well done Team Clear! Hugely impressive. Let me know when you’re back in London – would be great to see you.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Awesome.
Joe in San Jose CA
February 14th, 2010 at 5:45 am
Well done you two on the trip of a lifetime. Your record of the trip has been both humerous and inspiring and I hope it inspires you to do more motorcycle and sidecar trips. I look forward to reading the book/ watching the DVD of the trip. Keep us informed.