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9 Jan 2014
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Road to the Dakar
Heading out from here we stayed on the back roads the 392 km to Rosario and stopped in a few of the small towns.
Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 5.55.18 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to Dakar 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to Dakar 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to Dakar 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We met some very friendly locals. Juan Pablo in the white spoke perfect English and all his friends wanted pictures of the bikes.
road to Dakar 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to Dakar 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to Dakar 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
At 4 we were starved, but could not find a restaurant until the coyote bar where we had “tostadas” again.
road to Dakar 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to Dakar 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
road to Dakar 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were also a big hit when we stopped for gas. Dan had this same bike when he was a kid.
road to Dakar 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had finally arrived to Rosario late at 5 pm, and decided on the local place for dinner with fellow travellers Trevor and Nick (driveoverland.com).
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9 Jan 2014
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Contributing Member
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Dakar 2014
In the morning we walked the 3.5 km to the Dakar Village.
Dakar 2014 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There was a photo exhibit at the command center.
Dakar 2014 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We then got in the huge line for entry tickets. The end of the line was about 2 blocks from the monument entry. Orvar had disappeared, but then came back with 4 tickets. He had pulled the “I speak Swedish and where do I get tickets” which got him directed to the front of the line.
Dakar 2014 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 76 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We headed for the village. The first person I met was a volunteer Mirella, who is a friend of Alicia Sornosa!
Dakar 2014 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 79 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 110 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 92 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 109 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 90 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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9 Jan 2014
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Contributing Member
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Dakar 2014
Next we checked out the vehicles of all types.
Dakar 2014 84 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00087 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 107 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 97 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 104 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There were some other distractions for the guys besides the cars and bikes.
Dakar 2014 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 91 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 120 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 121 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Heading out again we stocked up on Dakar goodies and refreshments and staked out a spot on the fence for the parade from the ceremonial start. It started at 3 and ended after we left at 930, just after the motorbike leaders passed and the big trucks had started.
Dakar 2014 78 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 123 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 124 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The Quads were the first group out, then bikes, cars, and BIG trucks
Dakar 2014 128 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 156 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 178 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
A very few of the riders put on a show for the crowd and a couple worked the fans with autographs.
Dakar 2014 137 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 130 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 132 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 142 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 149 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 145 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
One of the crowd favourites, who spent a very long time talking to fans, taking photos, and giving autographs was 11 time Dakar competitor Belgian rider Eric Palante, who tragically dies in the race in the 5 th stage.
Dakar 2014 141 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There were only 3 female drivers that we could see.
Dakar 2014 129 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 138 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_1518 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
One of the highlights was meeting Anni Seel the Swedish 6 time Dakar rider, who is a copilot this year in a buggy. She saw us waving a Swedish flag and made a beeline for us!
Dakar 2014 166 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 160 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The leaders and Dakar greats came out just before it got dark!
Dakar 2014 170 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 174 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 12 Jan 2014 at 01:03.
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9 Jan 2014
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Dakar 2014
We were up at 330 and on the bikes at 4 am to ride the route. The Dakar course is open. You can chase the leaders like us for 150 km! The throngs of fans all think we are in the race and take pictures of us when we stop. This was absolutely thrilling to race along with the leaders.
Dakar 2014 185 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 191 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 188 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 198 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Highlights were pulling in to gas up with the leaders, and then running the toll at 80 km per hour in the dark. After the gas stop we hit traffic and the crowd was very hard to navigate.
Dakar 2014 194 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 193 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 196 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_1598 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After the sunrise we saw some of the big trucks and stopped to let the race pass by us for a while.
IMG_1614 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 211 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 201 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 203 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 205 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 221 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 218 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We saw a few more big trucks leaving town when we got back and one stopped for gas so we pulled in.
Dakar 2014 223 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 225 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 231 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were mobbed with people who wanted our picture. We kept explaining that we were not in the race but just tourists. They still wanted autographs, since we had driven here from Alaska! The funny part is on Facebook I see that Trevor and Nick were given the same star treatment n the same spot. Daniel, Orvar, and Trevor all signed this kids shirt. His mom said she knew we were just tourists, but could we sign it anyway please!
Dakar 2014 236 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 227 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 228 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 238 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 234 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dakar 2014 242 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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12 Jan 2014
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Finally south again, but first there is the fuel pump issue
Daniels bike on the way to Rosario cut out a few times. Now this is very disconcerting on our way south to isolated territory. Well on the way in from the race it was worse in the heat. He diagnosed the fuel pump as the issue, which is a known problem with the 800 GS. Well today we are to leave Rosario and since yesterday was Sunday we still have no fuel pump. We really did not want to go to BMW and pay a fortune if they had the part at all. We stopped at the Fussetti Honda dealership 2 blocks from our hotel to ask advice. Daniel knew a Bosh pump would work. Germán was super helpful and even programmed the GPS with the intersection of the auto parts dealership for us. He also offered to install the pump for us if we could get it.
DSC00358 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Today it is hot and in the 15 blocks to the parts place Dan’s bike died 6 times, so now we were really desperate. Arriving at 1230 at Bolita auto supply, but they were closed for siesta, but luckily George was still inside. He came out to ask us what we needed. Dan explained we needed a Bosh pump or bomba. By just looking at the part number we had he said he had just what we needed a Delphe universal pump with all the extra bits and for a very reasonable price. What a nice family!
DSC00339 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00340 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00345 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00341 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00344 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Now back to HONDA!!! Germán quickly and very carefully repaired the bike. The screen had come off the pump so it was sucking in dirt. He did this on his lunch hour and then felt bad he had to charge us for the 1- hour service minimum (380 Pesos) . We were so thankful to him!!! These are honest guys here who are really willing to help you out.
DSC00347 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00350 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00355 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00361 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00364 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
By 2 pm we were done, but it was now 37 degrees and we were sweating in our suits. We drove on the secondary roads to the south and west and ended up in at 126 km in Melincue for the night and opted for a casino hotel with good air con, secure parking and a restaurant.
Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.12.18 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0391 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The morning was 35 already when we left and headed south towards San Raphael. We made our way to the half waypoint at 470 km at Villa Mercedes where we found a small hotel near the highway exit. We had stopped at a truck stop for a huge grilled lunch so ended up with just a sandwich at the gas station for dinner.
Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.13.40 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
malangue mercedes 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0383 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00371 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00370 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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12 Jan 2014
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Pesos
On the way to San Raphael we took the 144 to the south of San Luis, but turned back after the sign said no gas for 250 km. This was lucky as we met Enrique and Paulina from Brazil and Sophie from Germany at the gas station.
Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.17.47 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san raphael 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san raphael 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Arriving in SR after 371 km we found a hotel just off the main park with a great parking lot and very quiet rooms.
san raphael 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is also a great hot dog place on the corner with VERY cold  .
san raphael 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san raphael 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We did a bit of a walk around town to see if we could find a cambio office with guys outside making blackmarket exchange. We found the office, but no “hombres”. Asking the manager of the hotel was the best idea. He directed us just around the corner to the “Doctor’s office” and he called ahead to say we were coming. This guy is doing big business in buying USD$. He gave us 10.3 to 1! We were very happy and like the IKEA ad Dan came out and said, “Start the car”.
san raphael 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Leaving town there was evidence of the recent Dakar visit. We headed south to find the famed Ruta 40. But with the late start today we ended up just going 187 km in Malargue and finding a small hotel just off the highway exit.
Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.19.11 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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12 Jan 2014
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Ruta 40 starts
Now the challenge begins for the RUTA 40. We just had 333km to get to Chol Malal right….
Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.20.58 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The wind here is legendary and there were some pretty strong gusts at times. In typical new to the 40 fashion Dan stopped at the sign to get a photo, I stopped behind him and was promptly blow over by a gust of wind. Dan got off his bike to help me get mine up and while doing that his bike was blow off the stand. Ahh lesson learned. No stopping on the roadside.
chol malal 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The road south from here has a bit of construction, but there are two large sections that are not yet paved or maintained. Most of this is good dirt or gravel road, but there are a few parts with deep gravel and sand. For Daniel this is no challenge, but for me it was a mental and physical one. I managed with “more gas and speed”, but was glad to finally see pavement again. Luckily in the worst parts of the road we had little wind.
chol malal 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
chol malal 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The wind did finally break enough for a photo op.
chol malal 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
I stopped feeling sorry for myself when we saw a ton of these guys! The one pushing his bike in the deep gravel was my hero.
junin de los andes 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We finally pulled into Chol Malal after only 333 km at 730 pm tired and sore. There is one restaurant in town and it was not open today. Luckily the grocery store was still open.
Lining up for gas in the morning we noted the sign that says they don’t sell you gas unless you re wearing a helmet.
chol malal 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
What a difference a day makes. Today it was 420 km of good paved road and almost no wind. The scenery was much nicer and we could stop for pictures.
Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.28.46 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
junin de los andes 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
junin de los andes 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
junin de los andes 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
junin de los andes 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
junin de los andes 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
junin de los andes 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
just joking!
junin de los andes 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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17 Jan 2014
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Ruta 40
The drive on the 7 lakes route is a must do! They have actually renamed the old highway 231 going from Junin de los Andes to Bariloche via Villa la Angostura the ruta 40 to make it look like more of the 40 is paved (signs say ruta 40 ex ruta 231).
Screen%20Shot%202014-01-12%20at%201.21.14%20PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The 235 km is paved except about 25 km of very good gravel road in the middle, but with all the stops (and Saturday summer traffic) it takes about 5 hours.
san carlos de bariloche 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the way to Bariloche there are a couple of towns that make you think you are in Sun Valley, Idaho.
san carlos de bariloche 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The drive around the lake into San Carlos de Bariloche is stunning. This is a tourist town, where there is a chocolate shop in every block. We had a couple of down days here to rest up on the way south.
san carlos de bariloche 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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17 Jan 2014
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Ruta 40
Walking along the lakeshore we came across the teleferico so took a ride up.
san carlos de bariloche 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had the best ice cream we have ever eaten here in Rapanui in Bariloche. This is the line up at midnight.
DSC00438 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The day started with almost no line at the gas station unlike yesterday, a bit cool at 13 degrees, but sunny.
san carlos de bariloche 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
san carlos de bariloche 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There was almost no wind today and when there was it was 80% at our back!!! We kept south until Esquel and got gas again with almost no line. The old ruta 40 goes south from here but reports of very bad road conditions there kept us south on the “ruta 40” to Gobernador Costa, Chubut Province at 444 km where there was finally a hotel and a very long line for gas.
Screen Shot 2014-01-15 at 4.29.26 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1006 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1013 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Setting out early we were braced for wind and gravel today. About 100 km south there is about 5 km of gravel that is a bit deeper in spots, but no real issue. The Desvio near Rio Mayo is good road but can be tricky when the wind is gusting, the gravel is deeper, and there is oncoming traffic. We were glad to see it was only about 40 km and not the entire 135 we had left to get to Perito Moreno.
Screen Shot 2014-01-15 at 4.35.25 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1021 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We met these three Argentinean guys on the gravel driving with street tires!
DSC00442 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The last 60 km the wind was WOW strong. It was pressing our helmets so hard on one side it was painful. The shelter at the gas station was just enough to keep the bikes from being blown over on the stands. Luckily the hotel had 1 room left and a courtyard to store the bikes. Walking down the street to the laundry was even a challenge.
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17 Jan 2014
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Detour to meet a friend
We have had a 2 -year friendship with Clive from Toronto, but we have yet to meet outside of skype. He is one of those guys who knows everyone. He has been very helpful with places to stay and his friend in Argentina brokered the almost impossible to get mandatory bike insurance for us. He of course has a connection in Ushuaia who is a biker who will store our bikes for 2 weeks. He is headed north to la Falda from Ushuaia so the only place we can meet him before he heads out of South America is to go east to the 3 on a bit of a detour.
Screen Shot 2014-01-15 at 4.39.27 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the way to Fitz Roy we had a nice sunny day with the wind at our backs. We spotted several herds of Vicuna (a wild relative of the llama) and several flocks of flightless Rhea. We also came across a few gauchos out on the range.
FILE1033 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00448 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00453 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00458 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00460 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1136 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Dan trying to get the picture involves some off roading.
FILE1072 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1109 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
They have the funniest sign here stating the obvious. At the bottom of every hill the sign says hill and at the top “you guessed it” it says down hill!
FILE1150 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Since we left on our adventure on June 22, 2012 everyday people have been asking us where we are going. When we say Ushuaia the reply is always “ Wow that is a very long way”’ but today at the YPF when I answered the gas attendants question his reply was “ you are almost there!”
DSC00461 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Arriving in Fitz Roy after 310 km we did find the 2 places to stay listed on base camp and opted for the one on the north side of town as it looked better and was a block from the only restaurant in town. Clive had a lot longer ride from El Califate and finally showed up at 7 pm. After a good dinner, lots of great stories, and 3 bottles of wine we did not get and early start in the morning.
DSC00465 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00466 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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23 Jan 2014
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Peurto Julian
Heading south on the 3 we again had almost no gusting wind issues. There were more problems with drivers passing too close on our left so you get sucked over towards them when the wind is blocked. There were again tons of Vicuna and Rhea on the side of the road. It’s funny on the isolated parts of the 40 we saw no wildlife, but here they are everywhere.
Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 5.25.24 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The next town south is Puerto San Julian, which has been visited by Magellan in 1520, Drake in 1578, and Darwin on the Beagle with Captain Fit Roy in 1834. It is a huge natural harbor. It was strategic in the 1982 Falkland’s war as it is one of the nearest points of land to the islands and was used as a base by the Argentine Air Force. On the waterfront there is a replica of Magellan’s ship the Victoria, which was the first to circumnavigate the earth.
Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 5.27.51 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 5.28.10 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00471 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC00468 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Now for a good Argentinean steak for lunch.
DSC00472 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Having a siesta late in the afternoon we heard a bike start up outside. Dan says “ that’s an 800!” He looked out and sure enough it was a bike from Ontario. Daniel went outside to say hi. As he walked up to the guy he said “ Hi Dan”! Daniel was looking very confused when Wei replied, “ I know Sara”. It is so funny how you meet people by pure chance. Wei had been to two places already where there were no rooms, and he drove further into town and ended up meeting us! If you want great advice on where to eat and what to order check out his blog.
DSC00473 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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23 Jan 2014
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El Calafate
We were making for El Calafate and decided with the wind getting stronger today we would go on the paved road and not the 230 km of gravel of the highway 9. The first stage was to go south to Rio Gallegos.
rio gellagos 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are several spots on the way where you can see flamingos and other birds. The wind was again not too bad today, strong but not gusting. There were a few sprinkles of rain as well. We were very thankful for our heated jackets today, as the temperature was 10 degrees.
rio gellagos 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
rio gellagos 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The big thing of the day however was seeing the first road sign to Ushuaia!
rio gellagos 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We saw a ton of bikes today, but not as many as at the first gas station in town. The rain really started by 4, but we were tucked into a small hotel by then.
rio gellagos 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Getting up the next morning the wind was already stronger than yesterday. The first 80 km west it was strong, but not gusting. Most of the way it was manageable. There was only the last 45 km to El Calafate where it vas very strong, but with minimal gusting.
el calafate 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calefate 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
They have these silly wind blown palm tree signs here. Like Wei said, “ There are not even trees here let alone palm trees!”
el calefate 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Stopping halfway at the only gas station where there was a pretty long line, but at least there was gas unlike when Trevor was here.
el calafate 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There was again a lot of bike today heading east and south to Ushuaia.
el calafate 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is an amazing view spot of the glacial Lake Argentinio on the way into the city.
el calafate 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We have a great view from our place as well.
el calafate 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the way into town for lunch we stopped for gas and I spotted a KTM with a British Colombia plate. It was actually Roberto and his friend Mateo from Italy. I have actually followed their blog as well.
el calafate 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had diner at a place recommended by Wei and enjoyed some great lamb and steak Daniel’s favorite Argentinean wine.
el calafate 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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23 Jan 2014
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
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Glacier Perito Moreno
One of the things we have been looking forward to since we left home was seeing the glacier at Perito Moreno. It is a 80 km drive from town along several lakes and snow topped mountains.
el calafate 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
You hit the gate to the national park about 30 km before the glacier.
el calafate 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are several view spots along the way, but save your battery in the cold for the viewing decks.
el calafate 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The glacier is 5 km wide at the end and 14 km long.
el calafate 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We did not have a great day with clouds and some rain, but it was still spectacular. The cracking of the ice preceded large pieces falling off. With huge booms when they hit the water.
el calafate 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the way back we headed to the port at Punta Bandera to check it out. WOW was there some wind there! You could barely stand up.
el calafate 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el calafate 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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23 Jan 2014
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
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El Chalten
Another day starts with a gas line, but thankfully they are pretty fast. The road heads back east and then north on the Ruta 40 to El Chalten, which is the town at the entrance to the northern part of the Glaciers National Park and with access to Mount Fitz Roy.
Screen Shot 2014-01-18 at 5.37.45 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had the wind at our backs for a while, but that did not last. The wind was pretty strong, but not gusting much.
el chelten 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We felt really bad for the people on bikes it must be hellish at times. We even saw a couple riding their fully loaded bikes in the ditch to try to get out of the wind.
el chelten 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The only issue was stopping for photos at a Mirador because the wind picked up and it was very hard to get a photo and hold onto the bike. Riding into the town the views are really something and photos just can’t do it justice. We did a bit of a walk about the town, which is packed with hikers.
el chelten 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el chelten 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el chelten 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el chelten 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el chelten 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
el chelten 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We opted to take the shuttle around to El Pillar and walk back over the mountain pass to El Chalten, which is about 5 hours.
el chelten 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
You don’t have an up and back route this way and there are more views of the glacier.
fitz roy hike 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is as much of Fitz Roy (spire on the far right) that we ever say in this bad weather. It was really cold and even snowing for part of the day.
fitz roy hike 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The last 2 hours is downhill and got warmer finally.
fitz roy hike 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
fitz roy hike 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
A well deserved treat after a long hike!
IMG_2500 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 24 Jan 2014 at 22:23.
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Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
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- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
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Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
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What others say about HU...
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
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Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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