Monday, 5 April 2010
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Reflections in an Andean Lake
All good things must come to an end so that other good things can start.
When Graham and I planned this trip the trade off was between wanting to do something more adventurous than "66" but not having enough knowledge of bikes and Spanish to do it on our own. So we chose Compass. That was the right decision.
Local knowledge meant we visited some great places that we wouldn´t have seen otherwise (Torres del Paine, El Chalten). Mechanical expertise meant that when there was a breakdown, it got fixed. The back-up vehicle kept the weight of the bikes down and provided transport when things went less well.
Like all things in life it is the people who make or break things. The group was great. The guides were always positive and helpful (even when spending the evening in a hospital). The rest of the riders were good company, helped each other and shared tales over a beer or a glass of wine in the evening.
And Patagonia? Astounding.
The only question that remains is "Where next ?"
When Graham and I planned this trip the trade off was between wanting to do something more adventurous than "66" but not having enough knowledge of bikes and Spanish to do it on our own. So we chose Compass. That was the right decision.
Local knowledge meant we visited some great places that we wouldn´t have seen otherwise (Torres del Paine, El Chalten). Mechanical expertise meant that when there was a breakdown, it got fixed. The back-up vehicle kept the weight of the bikes down and provided transport when things went less well.
Like all things in life it is the people who make or break things. The group was great. The guides were always positive and helpful (even when spending the evening in a hospital). The rest of the riders were good company, helped each other and shared tales over a beer or a glass of wine in the evening.
And Patagonia? Astounding.
The only question that remains is "Where next ?"
Sunday - Santiago de Chile
Flying back to the UK tonight so took a tour around Santiago. This is a really nice, very european feeling city. The day is warm and sunny and the people are friendly and helpful to a poor, limping gringo.
The team for the next leg is assembling at the hotel. Leo, Dani and Micho are joined by three more Compass crew including Mick (one of the owners). David and Scott are continuing on to Cuzco with them and there are two other clients. So the level of service should be even higher. Personal mechanics for each bike and someone to open the beers for you guys.
Jeff has left for Perth via BA after one last late night. Bruce and Muffy are Sydney bound. Terry and Pamela caught the early flight to Rio for some R&R before home. And Sigi? Sigi is catching the overnight bus back to Pujon to climb a volcano. Go Sigi!
The team for the next leg is assembling at the hotel. Leo, Dani and Micho are joined by three more Compass crew including Mick (one of the owners). David and Scott are continuing on to Cuzco with them and there are two other clients. So the level of service should be even higher. Personal mechanics for each bike and someone to open the beers for you guys.
Jeff has left for Perth via BA after one last late night. Bruce and Muffy are Sydney bound. Terry and Pamela caught the early flight to Rio for some R&R before home. And Sigi? Sigi is catching the overnight bus back to Pujon to climb a volcano. Go Sigi!
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Los Angeles to Santiago
Chile is a long thin country sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes.There is one main North South road, Ruta 5, which is also the Panamerican Highway.
Today we drove 500km along this straight flat, straight road to Santiago. From time to time there were short diversions to avoid bridges or bits of road damaged by the earthquake. Many of these are already patched up or are being permanently repaired. This is a major toll road. But that doesn't stop the locals riding their horses and driving their tractors down it.
Today we drove 500km along this straight flat, straight road to Santiago. From time to time there were short diversions to avoid bridges or bits of road damaged by the earthquake. Many of these are already patched up or are being permanently repaired. This is a major toll road. But that doesn't stop the locals riding their horses and driving their tractors down it.
Earthquake!
Friday - Pujon to Los Angeles
Winding north through the farming and timber growing areas of Chile. This is a neat, well ordered country. Parts of it could be Scotland, others could be Tuscany. The Land Cruiser is a bit fuller and slower today. Sigi's bike died at a fuel stop so it is loaded onto the trailer, he rides the 1150 and Micho joins Muffy, Dani and I in the truck. Stopped tonight just north of Los Angeles at a motel with rooms overlooking this 50m high waterfall.
Kit-tastic #2.4 - Arai Chaser Helmet
Great helmet. Available on ebay in Bariloche.
Sorry to say that while I was in the hospital someone stole it (and my gloves and riding trousers). So I couldn't have ridden even if I had been capable of it.
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