As December began, Stephen found himself in Riobamba, Ecuador, where he spent a couple of nights resting after days on the road. During his stay, he explored churches, monuments, and local attractions, taking note of the unique blend of tradition and modern life. It wasn’t unusual to see office workers heading to their jobs while farmers walked goats along the same road, a contrast Stephen found both striking and charming. Before leaving, he visited a viewpoint overlooking Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain and an active volcano, standing majestically above the city.
After his rest days, Stephen set off on a 200-kilometre ride to Quito, Ecuador’s capital. There, he visited the Equator Park, standing with one foot in each hemisphere, a simple yet memorable experience. Quito offered a familiar atmosphere, much like Riobamba, where ancient traditions and daily routines exist side by side. Stephen witnessed a Christian parade and visited several churches, impressed by the intricate craftsmanship and rich history on display.
As he prepared to leave Ecuador, Stephen’s original border route had to be changed due to local protests, forcing a detour. Along the way, he met another motorcyclist, José from Bolivia, and together they crossed into Colombia. Their paths soon separated, but Stephen quickly found new company, joining two couples travelling by motorbike as they rode through scenic routes together.
In Colombia, Stephen stopped to service his bike, a necessary task after accumulating thousands of kilometres. He later arrived in Medellín, a city that didn’t fully meet his expectations. While visually impressive, he found crime more present than anticipated. Before leaving, however, he took part in a coffee tour, embracing one of Colombia’s most iconic traditions.
Stephen continued on to Cartagena, enjoying a brief visit to the historic city before arriving in Bogotá on Christmas Day. Though far from home, he marked the occasion with a hearty meal at a local restaurant and spent the following days exploring the city’s colourful streets. One highlight before departing was attending a concert by one of his favourite bands, an unexpected and memorable way to close the chapter in Colombia.
With his bike shipped ahead, Stephen flew to Panama, where he explored historic districts, coastal towns, and beaches. He welcomed the New Year in Playa Venao, sharing a meal with fellow bikers he had met along the way — a fitting end to a month defined by movement, reflection, and unexpected connections.
As the year came to a close, Stephen looked ahead to the final weeks of his journey, carrying with him the memories of a Christmas and New Year unlike any other.