Dave Garces adventure on a motorcycle from Quito to Aconcagua, climbed it and rode back [EP 268]
Climber and Motorcycle Adventurer Dave Garces rode his bike from Quito to Aconcagua, climbed it, and rode back. He tells us about that adventure, his quest to do the 7 summits in this style, and his business Ecuador Bike Rentals.
Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HEREClimber and Motorcycle Adventurer Dave Garces rode his bike from Quito to Aconcagua, climbed it, and rode back. He tells us about that adventure, his quest to do the 7 summits in this style, and his business Ecuador Bike Rentals.
Show Notes Introduction to the outdoorsWell, my outdoor hobby would be motorcycling. Adventure motorcycling and climbing itself started with my dad.
When I was two years old, he basically took me to the highest mountains here in Ecuador, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, over 18,000 feet high. So that's how I started it. Then basically I learned how to ride my first motorcycle when I was 14 and I haven't stopped since.
The Seven SummitsI used to work in the oil business since 2006, which basically allowed me to travel around the world. I've been in 83 countries so far. Basically, by me working in one of these countries, I just decided to start these seven summits when I first heard of it. So I've climbed Kilimanjaro for Africa. I've climbed the Elbrus for Europe and recently in 2019, I did Aconcagua for South America.
I'm missing basically four more summits, Denali for North America. Everest for Asia and the Carstensz Pyramid for Oceania and the Vinson Massif for Antarctica.
Riding a Motorcycle to all SevenMy plan now is basically to start all over again to make it count and to be honest for one thing. The second thing is I really like to take this opportunity. I mean, I have to ride the world on a motorcycle. So that being said, I have very good chances to accomplish what I'm looking for. The first attempt I had was Aconcagua in December 2019. Which is basically the closest.
Still, it was around 13,000 miles back and forth in four weeks. And also included nine days of climbing.
AconcaguaIt was the beginning of the project. If I couldn't have made it, then that was the end of it. It's not the easiest or the hardest either of all seven, but for one it is the cheapest and the second is the closest.
And one thing is physical strength, but the other one is mental strength. It was basically four and a half weeks being by myself, you know, inside of my helmet and then just walking on my own. All of these thoughts, you know, can drive you crazy.
Ecuador Bike RentalsI'm working at the company as a chief mechanic and a tour guide. The company is based in Quito. Ecuador. We have another branch on the coast. So what we do basically is motorcycle rentals, guided tours, self-guided tours, and custom-tailored tours. You tell us for instance, what's your budget and how long you have on the time frame. And then we build an adventure for you.
We have intercoms connected helmet to helmet. So we basically speak with the whole party telling them what they're seeing. If there is anything going on in front of the road. You know, any advice when it comes to riding itself. So that's the guided tour, the self-guided tour we give them a pre-program GPS with all the stops, hotels, and activities are included and the guys just follow the route and just go whenever they want to go and they stop and eat whatever they want to eat and so on.
We'll build a tour for you to go birdwatching. And we have class three and class four-plus rivers and have done some tours for those who want to go kayaking and river rafting.
Advice for getting into the Outdoor Adventure BizThe main thing is, do not procrastinate. That's the worst thing you can do. I was talking to people after March 20th, 2020, and they regretted that trip they weren't able to take. Or that business, they couldn't startup. One of our clients, he was supposed to come and he just kept on the delaying and delaying. The reason he wanted to come and do the trip here in echo was that he had cancer. And unfortunately, he passed away without doing this trip.
Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars Giving backEcuador Bike Rental is also helping Prosonrisa. So we're basically directing 30% of the revenue straight to these causes. Whether it's for educational material or kids who need organ transplants. Whatever you guys can do to help us out. Come enjoy Ecuador, have the ride of your life. And in the meanwhile, you are helping these people.
Follow up with David
Website: ecuadorbikerental.com
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.
2:02 - 2:35 Intro to the Outdoors
22:56 - 23:59 Advice
24:07 - 24:52 Favorite Gear