Page 3: - Dominican Republic 2024'
Tom Junkans (cavebiker) - A Motorcycle Ride Report -

The goal today is to take the old road over to the other side to Samaná Bay. Heidi and I rode this a few times 2-up on a 125cc two-stroke bike, sometimes in pouring rain, it's just a hoot! I look for a back way out of town.

Normal DR moto traffic, all good all clear to out of town, perfect route. I super love the moto culture here. When I’m on a bike like always, I fell one with the community.

I didn’t know what to think about this bike, it’s a dual sport and it’s a Yamaha, both are really good things for an adventure bike in the DR. Yamaha is not some unknown brand. I like the beefy rear tire and the dual sport treads, better on the twenties than dirt a bike knobby. Once I got use to the road performance, not like a dirt bike not like a road bike, I dig it big time.

The engine is a little small, maybe 200cc if lucky. I can hit 100kph easy on the flats, good for a single traveler. 2-up would be a little slower but similar or faster than most other bikes. I think Heidi would like it, just wish it were a 250 or more.

Bottom of the hill I always stop here for coffee at least, the meeting of the roads and often the meeting of the minds is great here.

I enjoy chitchatting always in Spanish. Coffee black & fried cheese (es poseblie café negro y queso frito?) I ask if a photo is OK. “permiso tomar una foto?” Se! I'm not good at Spanish but thats all I speak, out of respect, this is the DR not the USA. Road coffee always tastes great on the island, usually it’s just a half a small cup preloaded with cane sugar.

I feel comfortable at places like this, I’m not sure why. Everyone is so upbeat and pleasant, you can’t look at anyone without a greeting, everyone greets each other. I remember in 97’ after 2 years in the DR coming home to my old job, I immediately kiss my boss on both her cheeks, normal right! Ha! It’s a way of life here.

Tooling West along Samana Bay I go through cool little Caribbean villages with lots of food options. I look for activity like people and lots of food behind the glass, not just a few things, it’s part of the fun - the hunt.

Perfect timing the counter is stocked full. Fried eggs y mangu my favorite and a number one DR breakfast. Protein and good carbs are essential for motorcycle adventure travel. DR rules!


I connect up with the new highway to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Fast double lane road I make the island interior by midday. At the first turnoff to Punta Cana is a large travel center, tons of people inside and out. Drinking coffee latte in the parking lot is perfect, studying the map verifying position with the off-line DR phone maps, this is great. I turn inland right here so all is good.

Not sure what this guy’s issue is, it’s a wide shoulder! Cell phones could be a problem here:|

I dirt bike the back roads and fire lanes of norther Wisconsin. The chilli places I pull over here feel the same, all good muy tranquilo. Drink some water, read the map, eat a snack, check position. This is adventure maximum no matter where you are, the activities are the same, beautiful fun and renewing. Not that I feel the need to be renewed but it just happens. I like this type of travel, it feels good…


I like this more every k. The roads are good and using the smartphone for position I know this is the correct road. Not sure where I will stay tonight, all depends how it goes today.
Hang on, more is on the way!