The Andes? On a Harley?

We are into nonsense but we did learn some lessons on "66". Harleys are great. In the dry. On blacktop. In a straight line.
This trip will be 30% on graded tracks so Compass use proper adventure bikes. BMW GSes. 600, 850 and 1150s.
So I got myself one to practice on. It meant saying goodbye to the Triumph but it is a much better bike for commuting up to London. And anyway, I love a nice bit of kit.

"Short Way Up"

Can't do the whole world this time. Just a bit of it. So might as well start at one end. As far south as you can get - the end of the world in fact. And head North.



View "Short Way Up" 2010 in a larger map

PS - I borrowed the title from a TV programme. Couple of blokes went on a bike trip. Apparently.

Compass: An instrument to show you the way

Bike Show 2008 - NEC Birmingham. We found the terribly nice chaps from Compass (http://www.compassexpeditions.com/). Lots of adventures, packaged for people who want to see the world on a bike but have to fit into real life.

"Bit too packaged? Bit organised? In a group? Is it really us?"
"How much do we actually know about South America? Can either of us fix a broken motorbike in the Andes? In Spanish? How do you get a bike to Buenos Aires?"
"Good point. And they seem like nice people. Lets go"

What's the story this time ?

Scene: Two friends sitting in a bar in California, thinking about Route 66 (see route66.omega-prime.co.uk for details).

Steve: What's next then?
Graham: Something with a clear route. Something more adventurous. But not dangerous. With beds and the odd beer. Somewhere new.
Steve: Have you ever been to Argentina?