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Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile
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  #1  
Old 31 Aug 2004
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Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile
Hey Kids,

How is it? After any recent information about Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile. Hard? Easy? Time? I'll be there within the next month, inshallah, so it should be dry.

Ta, Dan Walsh.
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Old 19 Oct 2004
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Depends on the bike and if it rains. It rained the night before we left so we decided not to ride across the salt. We went south of the salt (I think that is what you are talking about). Had my partner been on a dirtbike (XR650L) like me instaed of a BMW, it would have been pure joy. As it turns out, there is no road there like my map said and we had to take a lot of railroad track (with trains) and muddy mess. Most of it was a nightmare with the BMW. Later friends said they rode the salt with the water and it was totally worth whatever damage the salt miht have done.

Bottom line- dont go south of the salt on anything less than a REAL dirtbike. or better yet JUST RIDE THE SALT!

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Back on the road again.

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Old 19 Oct 2004
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Hi,

This is Rupert. Rode from Colcha k, just north of San Juan, halfway between Uyuni and Ollague, to Calama a week ago. The salt all the way from San Juan to near Ollague was fine and hard for me and that was for a 50cc scooter with damaged rings so l guess as long as it stay's dry it'll be good. It's pretty easy to follow the tracks also. The road from Ollague to Calama was also not so bad but the hardened road ripples in the gravel sections pissed me off a bit but no probs for you l think. The road is paved for the last 40k to Calama after Chiu Chui also. There is no gas as such in Ollague but you can try and get some from the Municipality office as l if it's an emergency.

Laters, Rupert Wilson-young
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Old 29 Oct 2004
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The Salar the Uyuni is easy to cross and it is the best road in Bolivia if it is dry! You find your way easy, no need of GPS and Compas.The road down to San Juan is a washboard as soon you leave the saltlake, go beetween 80 and 100km/h and you will be fine. Or go slow and hopple down! We went down to Laguna Colorado there you have a bit of everything, washboard, stones, sand, deep sand and if you dit not drive sand before you will learn to pick up your bike propably. The road to Calama i don't know, but from San Juan to the turn of to Laguna Colorado it is quiet good compered to the part before!

Have fun, Albert
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  #5  
Old 29 Oct 2004
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When do the rains normally hit the salt flats? Is it December?

Cheers, Matt
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