Cycling Buddy - Cycle Tour Latin/South America

I am planning touring South America by bicycle.

I don’t cycle as much as I like, my job has taken over and I am cycling less and less each year. I started a cycling club about 5 years ago ‘The Casual Cyclists’ and we meet every Tuesday night, a mixture of bicycles from a folding bike to carbon road bike. The most riders we had one evening was 13, normally the average is 5 riders and I have only met 3 times this year and also missed out on other rides and Sunday meet’s. So I am looking at taking time out, get my fitness back and see the world.

I am looking for someone to join me in this adventure, non cyclists welcome and have a interest in Latin America, sightseeing/touring.

The plan: To learn (if not already know how to) build/maintain our own bicycles.
Sourcing bikes, the parts, luggage and building up our bikes, with the practical benefit of helping understand the bikes inside and out, and be prepared for any potential mechanical breakdowns while out on tour. I am a bicycle mechanic see http://www.cycletechuk.com/2008/03/mobile-bicycle-repairs-high-wycombe.html There is more to touring bikes than one first thinks and cost! I can get very good discounts on some bikes and parts, I have tools, we can talk more about that and any other issues.

I would like to build up a reasonable level of fitness and tour Europe in the spring for around 3 months, taking in France, Spain including the pilgrim trail and where ever else we fancy and sorting out bike issues before heading to Latin America. I don’t have a time limit, I am happy to camp, lodge with families, stay in hostels, take bicycles on bus back of a lorry. The main thing is to experience the culture and enjoy the ride.
I would like to tour Pacific Cost of Mexico, tour Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru Bolivia.

I am 44 years old easygoing Male.
If interested please leave me a PM, I am 25 miles west of London or can chat on Skype. I will give you my username in a reply message.

Martin