Home

Movie Trailer (Click on Picture)

Theses 4 episodes of Latin America can be purchased as a bundle ($24.95) or 3 of the episodes as separate items ($15.95)

Note:

(1) Mexico, is only included in the bundle.

Available Single Episodes

(2) Central America

(3)  Colombia/Ecuador

(4) Peru, Chile, Argentina

($15.95 each)

To Purchase

Click Here

Burro Has Three Wheels, a motorcycle movie filmed through South America, Central America and Mexico, originally a blog, documents driving The Pan American Highway, and has been greatly received by viewers since its availability in November 2006.  This is an amazing feat for someone like me who produces, films, edits and distributes the movie solely without corporate backing.  On the heels of this first movie's success, I released 3 new episodes of motorcycle touring, episode (5) Prudhoe Bay/Dead Horse Alaska from Portland, OR, USA on The Dalton Highway, the Haul Road, episode (6) Prudhoe Bay/Dead Horse, Alaska USA to Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada and (7) Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada to Key West, Florida, USA.     

     "Burro Has Three Wheels" was produced in 2006 after motorcycle touring the Pan American Highway it is a 4 episode, 3 hour, 2 disc DVD reality style motorcycle movie similar to what is seen on The Discovery Channel and Travel Channel.  While riding a BMW styled Ural motorcycle sidecar, I take viewers on my solo motorcycle tour from Portland, Oregon USA to the end of the world, Fin del Mundo, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

     Seldom available through mainstream medias, Burro Has Three Wheels presents true images of the roads, landscapes & peoples of the Spanish speaking Americas.  This motorcycle movie takes those interested in adventure travel & long distance motorcycle travel on the ultimate road trip.  It is a preview to a "journey of a lifetime."  The video motorcycle travelogue begins in North America, driving and touring to Mexico, Central America and South America.  Countries include; Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua,  Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina.

     Ride along in the sidecar, as far south as any road in the world goes, to Patagonia, nearly on-third of the way around the world. 

Motorcycle Story

     Planning began in November of 2005.  With time on my hands, my wife Marilyn suggested I should take Burro for a ride.  This seemed like a good idea except in the Pacific Northwest at this time of year, its cold and the rainy season is in full swing.  All said, I was up for an adventure.  When Marilyn asked where I thought I'd go, my response was naturally..."South". 

     We knew legendary dual sport motorcycles like the BMW, Kawasaki KLR 650 and others had made the journey but we had never heard of a Ural or any motorcycle sidecars doing it.  Many people thought Burro was an antique Harley Davidson.  I tried to correct the Harley Davidson misnomer but eventually gave up and let 'em believe what they wanted.

     Anyway, the miserable weather continued to make it's presence known...I couldn't find a descent day to even walk around the block.  Finally on the 6th of February 2006 we got a break in the weather and I roared out of the driveway weighing 1250 pounds (there will be times when Mar joins me that Burro will be carrying 1400 pounds). 

     Slipping my gloves on Marilyn asked, "When do you think you'll be back?"

     "Heck...I might be back this evening, we'll see how it goes," I replied.

     This wasn't an unexpected response from me because I'd never ridden more than 150 miles from home on any motorcycle before.  However if all went well we'd planned on meeting in Zihautanejo (North of Acapulco) in March.  After that I figured I'd just return home to Portland.  But...I was havin' a blast and before I knew it, one country was leading to the next.  Soon I was making my move into Colombia and the rest of South America. 

     Resting at roadside cantinas, I'd tie Burro to a hitchin' post beneath the shade of tree and imagined myself as a character from a Cormac McCarthey novel.  Just like one of them, I was riding my faithful steed across the Rio Grande along a dusty trail to adventure. 

The Darien Gap was something I really wanted to try with a motorcycle sidecar but this seemed to be pushing my limit.  After 3 days in Panama City, Panama I chose to fly the motorcycle to Colombia.

Today it still makes me smile when I think about the locals referring to me as "El Norte Americano Che Guevara."   I suppose that's because I wasn't runnin' with the pack, just a lone rider.

     After four months on the road, I returned home and began editing my video trip log.  When I thought about it ... I had never seen any video on TV or elsewhere depicting many of the countries I had traveled through.  Unlike other motorcycle movies such as Long Way Round and Motorcycle Diaries, I did not have corporate sponsorship.  There were not any "Hollywood" support or film crews on this adventure.  Burro Has Three Wheels © is likely the first video production of a solo sidecar motorcycle trip on the Pan American Highway offered to the public.    

     The finished product includes my commentary and includes a terrific sound track from musicians; Lightnin' Hopkins, Isaac Hayes, Lloyd Jones, Robbie Laws, Brownie McGhee, Red Garland, Terry Robb, Poncho Sanchez, DK Stewart, Mark Dufresne, Jim Mesi, Benny Velarde, & Pucho and his Latin Soul Brothers.

     There isn't enough space here to tell the whole story so I have assembled my travelogues and hope to publish the entire story within the year.

     If you enjoy travel, travel films, travel adventure & great music, grab a seat in the sidecar (the easy chair) place a fan so it's blowin' through your hair, turn up the sound ... and ENJOY the ride.  It's a great addition to your motorcycle book library or motorcycle accessories package.  Showing these DVDs to your spouse ... may have you on the road before you know it!

     I hope my DVD's bring you as many smiles as I had making the journey.  

     Happy Trails, Gerald (Gary) Smith 

Consideration

      Because funding for this independent film is limited, it is greatly appreciated if you'd forward or post this web site's address to others you believe would enjoy this "journey of a life time".  http://burrohas3wheels.com or http://motorcycletrips.net

Audio & Video Format

Available in North American (NTSC) and European (PAL) formats.  Filmed in reality style.

2 Discs  Time: 3:00

Camera: Samsung SC-D363 (DVC), Nokia 6620 (cell phone)   

Multi-episode (4)  Disc 1 COLOMBIA / ECUADOR and MEXICO. Disc 2 PERU / CHILE / ARGENTINA and CENTRAL AMERICA.

     Leaving home I was initially armed with only a cell phone video camera, I hadn't planned on becoming a producer of motorcycle films.  So...The first 17 minutes of episode 1 (Mexico) are filmed from the cell phone, at Zihautanejo, Mexico true video camera was acquired.  Somewhat unconventional...the early Mexico video is included because the entire story needs to be told.  The 4 episodes are not in chronological order.  This is due to available space per disc.  Viewer response has been great.

Calendar of Events

February 2009  Book Release: (Pending)

     MOTO-VATIONAL Lectures:  "Traveling South of the Border" & others.  I am available to speak to your club or other forums upon request.   E-mail or call 503-957-2714

Movie Reviews

Jean (Seattle, WA)

"Not since Bill Nye the Science Guy has there been a more "homespun" genuine and enthusiastic guide...This film is way better than "Grizzly Man"...

Tom (Hood River, OR)

On a Tom's Thumb 1~10 scale, I give it a solid nine. Go buy his DVDs and I think you'll enjoy them...

Hack'd Magazine, (Spring 2007 Volume 21/4)

...Gary Smith did a great job of producing this DVD with his personal experiences and thoughts in real time, real life.

James (Sealy, TX)

Wow!!! ...Thumbs
up !!!!

Malcom (Canaan, CT)

...Ewan McGregor with out glitz.  Really great job Gary.  I have already watched it twice.

Read these complete

reviews Plus more

Click Here

Ushuaia, Argentina, The southern most city in the world

Riding in the Carmen Valley, Colombia

High desert in Peru

Resting in the shade, El Salvador

Costa Rica

Honduras

Gonzonama, Ecuador

Mano del Desierto, Chile

(Hand of the Desert)

Temporary Import Permit Information

Model Vehiculo                      (Vehicle information)

Marca                                      (Make)                                    

Modelo                                    (Year of manufacture)

Ano                                          (Year of manufacture)

Tipo                                         (Type of vehicle) a motorcycle is called “Moto”

Placa No./Pais                          (License plate number followed by Estados Unidos de Norte America plus state in which vehicle is licensed)

Fecha Permiso              ( Todays date)

No. Motor                               (Engine serial number)

No. Chasis                               (Frame serial number)

No. Puertas/Color                    (Color of the vehicle)

Datos del Conductor              (Driver information)

Nombre                                   (Name…last name first followed by first and middle initial)

Nacionalidad                            (Nationality…ie Estados Unidos de Norte America)

Pasaporte/Cedula                     (Passport number)

Datos del Propietario             (Owner information)

Nombre / Empresa                   (Name…last name first followed by first and middle initial)

Nacionalidad                            (Nationality…ie Estados Unidos de Norte America)

Datos del Viaje                      (Travel information)

Fecha Entrada                          (Date of entry)

Fecha Estimada Salida  (Estimated departure from country date)

Aduana Entrada                        (Customs border crossing name where entered)

Aduana Esti. Salida                   (Estimated Customs border crossing name where you will exit)

Photocopies You Will Need

Four copies per country

Copy as much as you can onto one piece of paper…front and if possible.

Title, International Drivers License (page with your picture on it and page with official

stamp and number), State Drivers License, Passport (page with your picture and opposite

page).  Also put your vehicle frame & motor serial number plus license plate number on

it.

Insurance

Mexican insurance can be purchased before you leave by joining Vagabundos del Mar

(707) 374-5511.

Insurance through Central & South America can be purchased at the borders.

Home