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**saralou** · #**301** 9 Dec 2013

We headed out of the mountains down some steep stretches. And suddenly we were on the great paved road thru lush valleys.

There were still no cars on this back road thru the desert and at times you worried the road was closed. We did however drive thru a Chinchilla sanctuary. It’s not to often you see a sign saying slow down for chinchillas. No cars means no towns, or crappy towns with by the hours motels, so we opted to head back to the Pan Americana at Los Vilos at 310 km to find a place to sleep.

**Two Moto Kiwis** · #**302** 10 Dec 2013

Cool stuff guys!!!

**saralou** · #**303** 10 Dec 2013

Hey you guys thanks. Finally made it 5500 km from Quito to just under 150 km to Santiago in 20 days. Not that impressive actually I guess since the record from Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia is 21 days. We will be in Vina del Mar for Christmas if your lonely. Also considering the Dakar with Trevor Jan 5. It is a 2000 km detour, but whose counting.

Just got a tip from Nomadic one

Route 40 info. [url=http://www.ruta40.gov.ar]

**saralou** · #**304** 12 Dec 2013

Now we were very close to our goal of Santiago with a day to kill. We opted to stay a night in Limache about 130 km from the city. We toured along the coast and found out where all the rich Chileans live in style.

We did a little living in style ourselves since Dan found this place on line at 70% off! Finally a deal in Chile!

**Hickery** · #**305** 16 Dec 2013

Sarah and Daniel,,,,,,,great pics.....Antonio and I arrived in Santiago on the 9th.
We purchased 2 Chinese Euromots and should have all papers in order by Wednesday. We are holed up in a nice smaller Hotel called Piso 3 at 027 Luis Thayer Ojeda..District of Providencia. It is not far from the tallest building in Santiago in the upscale area of the City. If you want to get together for a drink or dinner email me......haysandy@gmail.com

Bob

**saralou** · #**306** 24 Dec 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickery

Sarah and Daniel,,,,,,,great pics.....Antonio and I arrived in Santiago on the 9th.
We purchased 2 Chinese Euromots and should have all papers in order by Wednesday. We are holed up in a nice smaller Hotel called Piso 3 at 027 Luis Thayer Ojeda..District of Providencia. It is not far from the tallest building in Santiago in the upscale area of the City. If you want to get together for a drink or dinner email me......haysandy@gmail.com

Bob

Emailed you guys!! Happy Holidays!

SP

**saralou** · #**307** 24 Dec 2013

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 157 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**308** 24 Dec 2013

Now for the all night flight to Miami! We had a great week with 40 friends and family to celebrate the marriage of Gillian and Bruno. There was an official marriage ceremony on Friday night in Vancouver. Sara’s stepmother is a Judge so she performed the ceremony and we watched from Santiago Airport, her sister Emma from Tel Aviv airport and her Brother and his family in Ottawa all via Skype.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

After a very long night flight we arrived in Miami along with eventually almost all the other 40 family and guests. Only Sara’s Dad and Barbara were stuck in Toronto because of the weather. Some of the gang with their team shirts and visors.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There was an amazing sunset.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Sara and the Bride Gillian her sister.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Nassau was the first port of call where we strolled the town and the famous straw market.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

No wedding cruise is complete without a stag for the groom and organized by Daniel.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 83 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 107 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The day of the wedding arrived and was sunny and beautiful after we heard it had been raining for three days on St Thomas.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 141 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC04669 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 181 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 199 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 204 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We had a nice day of snorkeling on our last port day.

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 247 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Gillian & Bruno's Wedding 256 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**309** 26 Dec 2013

After another all night flight we arrived in Santiago at 715 am and we took a taxi to drop off our Christmas gifts from Santa (our parts ordered and shipped to Miami) to Ruben at Johnny Motos and then another taxi ride to BMW to get the bikes. We finally arrived back tired at the Johnny Motos shop at 1030.

DSC09575 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Ruben’s shop is very clean and organized. He is a very efficient, competent, and careful mechanic. We have 4 riding friends who have had work here and we were very happy with the job he did for us.

DSC09566 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09568 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09570 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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He managed all the work in 2 days and let Daniel use his shop and tools to do the work he needed to do.

DSC09563 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09573 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09574 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09589 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09588 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

WORK LIST

F800GS

Ruben

Replace swing arm bushings
Install new Touratech expedition rear shock
Install new DID chain and new sprocket
Install new BMW chain guide
New wheel bearings
Brake pads
New heated handgrip
Oil change

Daniel

Rewire entire bike with PDM 60 and installation of Ridged Dually lights
(bought from Amazon for 10$ less and with free shipping)

F650 GS

Ruben

Swing arm bushings
New Touratech rear explorer shock which was modified by Alex Martin at Konflict morotsports
New DID chain and new sprocket
New BMW chain guide
New wheel bearings
Oil change

photo by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Daniel

Rewire entire bike with PDM 60 and installation of ridgid dually lights

On top of this he ordered us Sushi on day 1 and made a BBQ for us on day 2.

DSC09581 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09582 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09600 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09606 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**310** 30 Dec 2013

Now to race to the coast on Christmas Eve before dark and more important before the liquor store closes. We did have to settle for empanadas, a bag of chips, and a coke from the corner store for Dinner, but at least the botteleria was open for some wine.

Screen Shot 2013-12-30 at 1.58.33 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Christmas day it was dead quiet in town and we walked to the seashore and past the famous flower clock.

DSC09619 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09618 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09620 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

For Christmas dinner we had planned to meet up with fellow rider Orvar (Kingdom of Sweden) and his wife Anne who flew in to meet him. They will have a great view for the fireworks.

DSC09622 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09631 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09632 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The gang hopped the Metro to Valparaiso nearby. It is a very hilly and colorful city, famous for it’s graffiti.

DSC09635 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09636 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09638 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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There is a church at the TOP of the hill.

DSC09656 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09660 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We thought this was seasonally funny.

DSC09667 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We stumbled upon a nice restaurant with great food and a view over the city.

DSC09698 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09674 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09678 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The trolley busses here look like they are from the 50’s.

DSC09715 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There was a lot of action in the main square with various bands and a fair.

DSC09717 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09746 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09728 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09732 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**311** 30 Dec 2013

The Cathedral was a nice refuge from the heat and humidity.

DSC09724 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09757 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09763 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09759 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Stopping for a

in the local market we had great people watching opportunities.
We also came upon a Christmas concert in another square. I never expected to meet Captain Jack Sparrow and Frank Sinatra today either.

DSC09766 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09767 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09642 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Image by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09773 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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DSC09807 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**312** 7 Jan 2014

Now it’s time for a day trip to Santiago to get some tires for Sara’s 650. We last put tires on her bike in Huston 26,000 km ago. They do still have some life, but since we are headed to Ushuaia now is the opportune time.

Screen Shot 2013-12-30 at 2.02.33 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We had ordered Heidenau K60’s from Motoaventura for Dec 10, but they can not keep them in stock and they were waiting for an air cargo shipment, which arrived last week. They have moved to a new location in Dehesa just 3 blocks down from the new BMW dealership.

Screen Shot 2013-12-30 at 1.57.37 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Moto Aventura has a nice shop here, but I hear the one in Orsorno is huge. They have a full range of gear if you are in need.

DSC09819 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09818 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09820 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09826 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

These are the tires old and new.

DSC09828 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09832 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

They were super flexible for us and fit us in and mounted the tires for us during the holidays.

DSC09823 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

They have a Heidenau display with a new tire and one with 18,000 km from a 1200. They said they are going to add mine now too!

DSC09825 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC09836 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**313** 8 Jan 2014

Well it is finally the last day of 2013. We started it off with a trip to the ice cream shop of course.

New Years 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

For lunch we went to an empanada shop with pitchers that list how much more friendly you get as you drink more of it.

New Years 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The rest of the day was shopping for a New Years Eve celebration. The streets were mobbed with people doing the same thing. We got a whole fish filleted for 6$ and then stocked up on liquids.

New Years 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The meal was a group effort.

New Years 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Then we got on our costumes and headed to the beach. People were streaming there by the thousands.

New Years 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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New Years 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We were lucky enough to get a spot with a family from Santiago. They had staked out a parking spot that morning and they were kind enough to share with us. The fire works show was epic and lasted 30 minutes from barges all along the coast as far as you could see in both directions.

New Years 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

New Years 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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New Years 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**314** 9 Jan 2014

Getting up at 8 after 5 hours sleep was not easy, but we only have 3 days to get the 1300 km to Rosario for the start of the Dakar 2014. Today it’s just the border and 400 km to Mendoza Argentina.

Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 3.42.12 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There is a gas stop in the mountains before the border to which we added our sticker to their large collection.

mendoza 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Then you head UP hill including the 21 switchbacks to the snow sheds and the ski resort.

mendoza 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

After this you will see a “thanks for visiting Chile sign” and then a border control building on the left. Don’t stop here (everyone does) this is the Chile Immigration.

mendoza 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Just keep going thru the mega long snow shed and then the Cristo Redenor Tunnel.

mendoza 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

After this there is a small control building in the middle of the road. Stop here and give your plate number to the police officer and receive a very official scrap of paper with an aduana stamp on it.

mendoza 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Then proceed to the Argentina customs on the left about 15 km up the road. This guy in the truck stopped us to make sure we were going to Argentina, and not Chile, because there is no signage to tell you when to stop and everyone gets confused.

mendoza 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Enter the metal roofed building and get in line with the cars. When you get to the first booth give them your passport, tourist card (that you got when you entered Chile), and your Reciprocity Fee receipt. This must be paid on line and PRINTED before you come to the border. You can NOT buy it at the border. For Canadians it is currently 75$ for 3 months multiple entry from bordering countries or 150$ for 5 years unlimited entry from all countries.

They will give you a new tourist card to fill out for Argentina.

mendoza 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Insurance is mandatory for Argentina, but you cannot buy it at the border. We tried 3 companies in Santiago and none would sell it to foreigners. There is 1 small shack on the way to the border that says “Seguros” or Insurance, but it did not look functional. We were not asked for ours. Others have been recently and turned away. They returned the next day with a photo shopped document, but were not asked for it. We purchased ours online from an agent in La Falda. It is 12$ per month and covers Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Uruguay. Next you are directed to the aduana. They want your title and Temporary import papers for Chile. The agent did all the work for us. The entry and exit stamps for us and the new temporary import permits.

Unlike our 4 hours to get into Chile with the strike here we were out of Chile and into Argentina with the bikes in 45 minutes.

mendoza 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Then we had some great scenery to enjoy on the way to Mendoza.

mendoza 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

mendoza 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

DSC05268 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

**saralou** · #**315** 9 Jan 2014

We had a night here and then we were on our way 483 km to Rio Cuarto mostly using the secondary roads.

Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 3.44.03 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Getting up a bit late today our first order of business was getting Argentinean Pesos. The guys headed to the Cambio office to try and find some black market moneychangers. The official rate here is 6.48 Pesos to 1 USD. The unofficial rate varies from 8-9.5. Asking the rate just for fun at the cambio office the staff openly told us that we should go see the guys on the corner for a much better rate. We did and were offered 9.5 with out question. Now we can stop for a coffee and a toasted sandwich for breakfast.

road to Dakar 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Driving thru the wine country on the 7 we arrived at out fist toll and were thrilled to find motos are free in Argentina!

road to Dakar 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

There were these crazy rainbow clouds in the sky today.

road to Dakar 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Rio Cuarto is a nice town with a good hotel on the square and with a view of the church. We created quite a crown out front.

road to Dakar 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The “tree” in the fountain was made of plastic bags filled with water and was light up at night.

road to Dakar 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We enjoyed our first Argentinean

, but did not enjoy another local favorite Fernet Branca, which the Swedes drink straight, but the locals mix with coke.

road to Dakar 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

road to Dakar 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

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road to Dakar 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr