Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Skipping TDF???!!!

I´m not a big fan of backtracking, and I figure the scenery is comparible to other scenery on the continent?

So am I nuts for just heading down Ruta40 to the Glacier National Park area in and just head back a bit to go into Chile and onto the CA?

We´ve just headed off Ruta 30 onto Ruta 22 toward the mountains, and the dull flats are doing my nut in. It´s like going to Australia and the first thing you do is crossing the Nullarbor so far.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Nov 2008
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Mmmmmmmm...............yes go to TDF

TDF is unique,at least for me! I think your question can be answered by you only.
Now if you are short on money and time and are sitting in la Quiaca.......thats diferent.
Taste is very subjective.
Karl
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: boulder,co
Posts: 116
I did 23,000 miles from Colorado down to El Calafate and back up to Brazil.

I skipped TDF and don't have a problem with it....It is what the trip means to you....(I was also getting snowed on and was sick of tourist towns)

If I had it to do over again, I'd skip Southern Argentina and spend more time exploring Brazil.

Besides, its not that much of a ride, I could shoot on down to TDF any old time.

;-)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: boulder,co
Posts: 116
Course, I also thought all the riders who were gaga over Ruta 40 were a bit nutty....I can ride on crappy roads all day long here in the backwoods....I shot down the highway at 130 mph all day long despite the guanaco and nadu.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
My recommendation is to go as far South as Bariloche and do a separate airplane trip to Ushaia from Buenos Aires.

You are right about the whole Southern half of Argentina except the last 300 miles being a wasteland pretty much. It was not to exciting spending a week riding through Nebraska type scenery.

If you are content in riding all the way to Ushaia then I would say stick to the Caterra Austral, then Ruta 40, and then the inevitable boring Ruta 3. The Caterra Austral and Ruta 40 are very tough gravel roads though.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Belgium, Leuven
Posts: 37
agree

hej guys,

just arrived in Barriloche, coming up from Ushuaia and I definitly agree, would skip Ushuaia, a long way with nothing, just to ride to the ´most southern point´...pfff...and indeed the last 100 km, before arriving in Ushuaia was beautiful. a dissapointment to me. on top...Chili is working on a road next to Ushuaia., i was told, which will be in the future the most southern point..he he he...then we have to do it again...me no way.

on top...the strong winds as soon as you go down..horrible and a hell. had an accident coming from Ushuaia, on the border with Chili/Argentina, broken ambriage handle (not handle but connection). no solution yet to fix that problem. will start riding to Mendoza tomorrow..and go and have that changed overhere, i suppose.

another question : need another backtyre...any suggestions ? have a Continental TKC80...have a spare one (used one, not very good anymore) in Valparaiso, but will first try to find a new one ?

Cheers,
pascale
__________________
New Zealand, Australia & Tasmania - 2003 - 40.000 km on my own
Next: South America - sept 2008-march 2009
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Nov 2008
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Wich size of tire?

What bike also?
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Belgium, Leuven
Posts: 37
bike

bmw F650gs - 2004, so far all going well. tomorrow leaving, for San Martin de Los Andes, by the 7 lake road, part is ripio. lets see. yesterday and today the first 2 days in 2 months we had good weather, could run around in t shirt...what a difference. cheers
__________________
New Zealand, Australia & Tasmania - 2003 - 40.000 km on my own
Next: South America - sept 2008-march 2009
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 166
i'd go

did last year, in fact. down ruta 3, back ruta 40.
wouldn't have missed the trip or the place. loved the vastness of the place (despite being australian). TDF, southern patagonia - the endless corrugations (despite...), the remoteness, the wind, loved it all. besides anything else, the night sky - you just can't look straight up at the southern cross from anywhere else.
of course as others have said, it depends what you like.
cheers,
andy.
__________________
www.outforaspin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Nov 2008
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Quote:
Originally Posted by pslootmans View Post
bmw F650gs - 2004, so far all going well. tomorrow leaving, for San Martin de Los Andes, by the 7 lake road, part is ripio. lets see. yesterday and today the first 2 days in 2 months we had good weather, could run around in t shirt...what a difference. cheers
A good knobie tire is Karoo(metzeler) or MT-21 Pirelli.Both you can buy in any mayor city(mendoza).Maybe even TKC in Santiago.
Yes weather down there(patagonia) is allways like that.My sister lives in Ushuaia and we have most times 20º diference!!!hahahaha and not talking about sun......
Karl
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Quote:
Originally Posted by pslootmans View Post
just arrived in Barriloche,
We must have just missed each other. We´re in Bariloche now coming from SM de los Andes. I think I´ll miss TDF. The cost of Argentina and the crashed Aussie dollar is really hurting us, so we´ll have to heavily reduce our trip. Argentina is not the reletively cheap country I was told it was going to be by just about everybody. The fencing is also a lot heavier than people made out to be. Had the coppers show up somewhere around Neuquen the other day. And you look around at the La Pampa and wonder, what do you care if we´re here for a night. It doesn´t seem to be used for anything.

Bit bored of La Pampa, so much to go still.
Any tires to be found around the start of the Carreterra Austral?
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Quote:
Originally Posted by pslootmans View Post
just arrived in Barriloche,
We must have just missed each other. We´re in Bariloche now coming from SM de los Andes. I think I´ll miss TDF. The cost of Argentina and the crashed Aussie dollar is really hurting us, so we´ll have to heavily reduce our trip. Argentina is not the reletively cheap country I was told it was going to be by just about everybody. The fencing is also a lot heavier than people made out to be. Had the coppers show up somewhere around Neuquen the other day. And you look around at the La Pampa and wonder, what do you care if we´re here for a night. It doesn´t seem to be used for anything.

Bit bored of La Pampa, so much to go still.
Any tires to be found around the Southern side of the Carreterra Austral? Also 17" for a F650
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20 Nov 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Brisbane, Australia.
Posts: 19
nooooo.....

Don't tell us that tmotten!!

We're Aussie too and really feeling the squeeze on the dollar here in Chile. Especially after the cheapness of Peru. We're holding out to get to Argentina where everyone has told us it will be considerably cheaper!!

We're definitely going to ride to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine to do some hiking, but I'm unsure about the final section to Ushuaia. We'll be heading Sth from Valparaiso in a week or so down the CA. My concern is more that my girlfriend who will be riding too is fairly inexperienced, so want to skip any particularly difficult roads if the reward is not sufficient.
__________________
Take it easy!

Nick

www.amigosonmotos.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 24 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: travelling
Posts: 68
Ca

Nick

Are you coming south via Talca and Osorno? I am in Talca, going to Osorno for a service, new bearings, new tires. Would like to hook up with another rider (or two) for the CA. Please PM or mail me. vagamoto@mac.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 26 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: travelling
Posts: 68
Tyres in Osorna

Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
We must have just missed each other. We´re in Bariloche now coming from SM de los Andes. I think I´ll miss TDF. The cost of Argentina and the crashed Aussie dollar is really hurting us, so we´ll have to heavily reduce our trip. Argentina is not the reletively cheap country I was told it was going to be by just about everybody. The fencing is also a lot heavier than people made out to be. Had the coppers show up somewhere around Neuquen the other day. And you look around at the La Pampa and wonder, what do you care if we´re here for a night. It doesn´t seem to be used for anything.

Bit bored of La Pampa, so much to go still.
Any tires to be found around the Southern side of the Carreterra Austral? Also 17" for a F650
Motoaventura in Osorno has a big stock of Metzler Sahara 17 in tyres, plus electronic balancing. And great service, all the parts you need for F650 and 1200 GS. sonia@motoaventura.cl
Chile Motorcycles Rent,Motorcycle Rental Agencies|Ciudad Chile
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:02.