anyone ever ridden the transamazonica in brazil?

[gunner]

Hello,

I am looking to make my first major bike trek in about 9-10 months and am looking at traversing brazil (maybe more) via the old trans-amazon highway. I have read about 2 reports online of others that have done this (a german named Micha, and a guy from south america, cant remember his name). anyway, wondering if anyone here has info, tips, or a direction to look in for more info?

~Doug

[Eric]

This guy's trip I think did part of it:
http://www.woodskunk.addr.com/jbj/Bike/bike_intro_page.html

I've heard its really hard on bikes, since the road turns to mud pretty fast when it rains (frequently).
Let me know what you come up with.

[gunner]

I just finished it!

www.amazonpilgrim.com

[Majcolo]

Oh man. Can't wait to read this when I get home.

[naked indian]

I just finished it!

www.amazonpilgrim.com

I am in the process of reading about your adventure.  Awesome so far.

Some custom bags would of helped balanced that load better I imagine. 

Tell me if you dont mind,  did you feel you packed too much or too little or not enough?

[gunner]

i ended up mailing home alot of electronics i brought to blog while on the road, there were adequate internet connections along the way. i gave away some clothes, my bike lock, and some minor gear to lighten the load. By jacareacanga i had it pared down to the essentials. water was the mainstay of my load throughout the amazon, the dry season really is quite dry and even minor run off is hard to come by.

[cartographer]

Just finished the tale, and thoroughly enjoyed living your adventure vicariously.  Well done, and nicely documented!

[k7]

Great stuff.  I've been to Belem once and Manaus twice - my wife is from Sao Paulo.  I love Brazil and most Brazilians are wonderful people.  Great, great job on your trip. 

My dream has always been to kayak from Manaus to Belem.  We did a short trip this summer on a combination riverboat/kayak trip.   Maybe I'll find time to cycle it also. 

If anyone wants to spend any significant time in the jungle itself, let me know.  I can recommend a guide in Manaus who will be happy to show you the ropes.  Otherwise, there's enough in the jungle to make you regret going in untrained.

Again, congrats on an outstanding trip.