After learning to ride a motorbike in South East Asia, I'm keen to do the same in Brazil. Yeah, I know it's dangerous, probably just as dangerous as Bangkok, but I tend to keep to the side roads.

So, the big question is, can one rent a bike in Rio, and what sort of cost are we looking at for a small bike?

Harley lets you rent bikes in the US. You may want to try them out in Barra.

No, no, no, no!
A) I have no experience on a big bike.
B) I can't afford a big bike.
C) I can't afford to have a big bike damaged/stolen.
D) I'm neither a bad ass nor a pussy who wants to think he's a bad ass.

But mostly A & B.

Wombat

A buddy of mine lives in Rio and owns a killer enduro/streetbike. He offered to lend it to me while he was out of town. What a great offer.

I had the keys, the helmet, the experience, but not the balls.

Rio streets make 'Frogger' look tame. I'd sooner bareback 1000 street hos than take my chances riding a bike in Copacabana traffic.

I'm only now getting used to keeping my eyes opened in a Rio taxi.

That from a guy who has done two wheel tours of the entire Canadian Rockies, much of the Northwest coast of USA, all of the east coast of USA, and Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI.

I've heard much of the rest of Brazil is far more relaxed for bikers, which is good. If it ain't relaxing, safe and fun, I'm not into it.

I hadn't planned to do much driving around Rio proper, just exploring a few back streets. The main goal is to head South on the green coast and go exploring.

Did you hit the Cabot Trail in (Cape Breton) Nova Scotia?

The Cabot Trail and the Bay of Fundy were incredible. I can still smell the salt in the air.