Yesterday (Tuesday) I left Rio Gallegos, Argentina at 8:00am headed to Ushuaia, Argentina. I needed to exit Argentina, enter Chile, cross Estr. de Magallanes in a ferry (with salt spray over the top of the 10 foot high sides), travel 80 miles of hard dirt road, exit Chile, enter Argentina and travel four hours on pavement to Ushuaia. I arrived in town about 9:30 pm with lots of sun still remaining.
Traveling the dirt and through the borders I rode with an Argentinian headed the same direction. We both enjoyed the companionship in the very challenging 80 miles of dirt. This section of road has no fuel, no repairs and the wind is strong and unrelenting. The same wind energy as found throughout Patagonia.
Picture this....the KLR has full throttle lock (max gas), you are traveling at 50 mph in fifth gear, tach is 5500rpm, the bike, and you, are leaning over at 20 degrees and the wind noise is so loud the engine noise is undetectable. Then there is the loose gravel to contend with and wild and domesticated animals to deal with. Certainly the most challenging, mentally and physically, riding I have ever done. I was blown across the road several times. My traveling companion was on a 1200 BMW and also had control issues. He headed off at greater speed once we hit pavement.
The land starts to roll more, not as flat, the further south you go, until 2 hours out of Ushuaia, when trees start to appear and you travel up and over a low mountain pass. The drop into Ushuaia is welcome and has spectacular views of the Beagle channel.
I met three riders who have just completed trips south (AK; MN; WV) and need to decide what to do next. They may ship from here or ride up to BsAs where logistics are a bit easier.
Three nights here to see the sights, rest and then to Pta. Arenas and the start north and start wearing off the other side of my tires.
Hope are all well,
Paul
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Yeah!
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