Do you think you know motorcycles? Do you think you have an adventurous spirit? Think again, from snowstorms in Peru, civil unrest in Argentina, and getting arrested at Machu Picchu, Eikka Huhtala has you beat!

Eikka Huhtala is the man behind the motorcycles, so to speak. Originally from a small town called Hameenlinna, located about an hour north of Helsinki, in Finland, Eikka has been living in Mexico for the past 8 years. In 1997 Eikka was offered a job with the phone company, Nokia, and it was based out of Puebla, Mexico. He decided to take the plunge, and move half way across the world, and although he only lasted a year in an office environment, the move to Mexico did stick.

After working for Nokia he raced enduro in Puebla for two years, lived for awhile in Puerto Vallarta, and then 3 years ago he found his way to Playa del Carmen. It was in Playa del Carmen that he decided to open up a Harley rental business to share in his love for bikes and adventures. And let me tell not only does he have the knowledge of these monstrous motorcycles, but he can handle them in any situation, any country, any time.

Two years ago Eikka decided to take to the road, and he took off on a Yamaha Super Tenere, dual purpose bike for 6 months of self introspection, and a solo self guided tour of South America. He actually started off with a friend, but when they arrived in Panama they decided to part ways.  They both felt that they would benefit from the solo journey, which enables you to come out of your shell and really get to know the people and country you are visiting. So off he went in search of adventure and experience…..  

From Panama he ferried to Venezuela, and through the Amazon rain forest of Brazil. He ended up in Argentina for Christmas time, but due to a civil war, there were roadblocks everywhere, no access to money or banks, and oh yea, did I mention a civil war. With that he hightailed it out of there and returned to Brazil, and then motored on through Uruguay, where he blew one of twenty tires he lost on the trip. By this time things had cooled down in Argentina, and he stayed at a cool little spot in Azul called Posada del Viajero en Moto, this was a small posada that catered specifically to traveling motorists.

When he finally landed in Peru after New Years, he decided to take on the ultimate challenge; ride the railroad tracks to Machu Picchu ruins. Although it had been attempted prior to Eikka arriving, no one had actually made the journey through to the end. Apparently, one Israeli guy had gotten pretty far, but just before he reached his goal, he and his bike fell into the river! But after three hours of a grueling 20 miles on an active train track, Eikka became the first ever motorcyclist to reach Machu Picchu via this route. Promptly upon his arrival he was arrested, and the Finnish embassy was called. Funny how things work out, the ruins of Machu Picchu are protected by the Finnish government, go figure! While they mulled over what to do with their jailbird, they allowed him to finish his journey and let him climb to the top of the ruins on his own. After careful consideration they decided since there were no signs posted telling people not to ride a motorcycle on the tracks to the ruins, and that Eikka caused no harm to anyone or the environment, that he was free to go. They then assisted him in loading himself and his bike on the next train, and he was back on the road.

By this time he was heading toward the end of his 180 day journey, and he hooked up with a friend he had met 5 months before, and they then organized a 300 Harley run in Colombia. Not a bad way to end an adventure! So after 180 days, 48,000 kilometers, 20 flat tires, and 17 countries in Central and South America, Eikka returned to Playa del Carmen. So putting it lightly, if you want to ride a Harley around our beautiful landscape, Eikka IS the man to see!

 For more information visit the Harley Adventure website at: http://www.harleyadventures.com/  or call toll free in Mexico 01-800-PLAYA HD, or locally in Playa del Carmen 984-803-9080. You can also visit the store located on the Highway and Constituyentes.

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