Happy 22nd Birthday my BonBon.
So today we tackled “THE” road and it turned out to be everything we had hoped for, and more. The trek across the border was the usual hour long exercise to complete both sides including temporary importation permits for the bikes etc because the Chilean nor the Argentines recognise Carnets!
again…We have now crossed the Chilean/Argentine border 6 times in 2 weeks.
The road leaving Chile Chico is at the outset quite promising in that although it is gravel, it is hardpacked and easy to ride. This lasted for about 10km of the 400km we had to do today! Thereafter, it was heavily corrugated, potholed, rocky and lots of loose stones and gravel on roads that wind their way round and round the mountain and lake edge for 300 of the 400km we had to do to get to Coyhaique today. To add to this, the wind was howling for the first 100km which proved to be quite harrowing as their was sheer drop offs to the side of the road with no barriers and lots of oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads. This made the outside lane, when we had it, scary as hell.
What adds a major challenge to this road is the scenery. It is so consistently jaw droppingly beautiful that you cant help but want to look at it as you drive by. This is a problem because the moment you take your concentration off the road, any number of challenges can quickly develop with possible fatal consequences. Needles to say, the trip of today took us along the edge of Lake Buenos Aires (as it is called on the Argentine side) and Lake General Carrera (as it is called on the Chilean side) and I have never seen a lake so blue. It is fed by numerous glaciers and it makes for an incredible electric blue turquoise colour that makes everything pop out.
Our ride for the day. The 400km took us 7 hours including an hour lunch stop in Puerto Rio Tranquilo which was fantastic but we are both now exhausted,
We are spending the night at a great place on the outskirts of town called Patagonia house. The environment looks over the Andes, we were given a great dinner and we have our own little house which is great.
Tomorrow we continue with the Carretera Austral up to Futaleufu for the night.
Jackal
January 26, 2013 at 8:07 am
Great pics! looks like you’re really enjoying yourselves. we are finalizing our trip, hope to meet you in the middle.
Jackal & pack
Bon
January 27, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Shhhhhh!!! Dont say my age so loudly it burns , hahaha, Thanks, i missed you loads though!!!
Be safe and have fun
Love you
Afrika Tikkun
January 28, 2013 at 11:41 am
Hi Rui, so after your recent blog post on your KTM/BMW decision, the kids at Afrika Tikkun have tried to help you out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyG0co_RF2c
Iain
January 28, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Ola amigos. I am jealous! The route you are riding looks amazing. How about that blue blue lake. Awesome. Those mountain roads do look challenging. Keep your eyes front boys. Thinking of you both. Happy riding. Best. Iain.
Martin
January 29, 2013 at 9:22 am
Looks absolutely amazing Rui – love the pics and the commentary! Following the trip with great interest! PS – OSH sold!!
Shaun
January 30, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Hi Rui,
I had no idea you were at this again. Fantastic to read your blog and your sharing the trip, life and challenges.
I completely understand the mid-life crisis and purpose of life mind debate and when you finally return, would love to have a chat through that and share over a coffee.
In the meantime have a great life experience and savour every moment.
Best wishes,
Shaun Ascough