Day 39 to 40 – to Los Andes, Chile

29 to 30 April    Kms travelled – 9,150

Its hard not writing this blog for this part of the trip, but I am still writing about it.  

I´m doing OK, not great, just OK – and still heading upwards.  Idris is starting to complain a bit, so some TLC might be in order soon.

Do you view your bike through rose tinted glasses?

Thought for the day

I never thought this was going to be easy – but have I left it too late?  Should I have done it years ago?  I know others who have done this trip in the same sort of timeframe, or less, and who are much older than me.  But every trip is different because every person is different - I can only count on how I feel, and the strains on my own person, and I am now finding it hard.  So my main thoughts today have been, ouch, ahh, eek, and ouch again!  Still smiling though – but it is starting to look a bit more like a grimace...

Day 36 to 38 – to Mendoza

26 to 28 April    Kms travelled – 8,468

Idris and I are OK, but some big decisions need to be made now about the trip.  I´ve lost more time rather than making some up, so I have to return to my wish list of things to do and reprioritise.  Feeling a bit down about that – but there is so much to see and do, I can´t possibly fit everything in.  Tough choices ahead!

Thought for the day

What a wondrous world we live in.  There is beauty all around - in the people, the flora and fauna, and also in the landscape.  I´ve mentioned before the scale of this country, but as each day passes I am still able to be stunned by the majesty of nature.  I hope that continues, but I just wish I was finding it a little easier to get to.  I suppose the greatest rewards are those we work for. 

You can now read about this section of the journey in Issue 13 of Adventure Bike Rider magazine.  See:  www.adventurebikerider.com  for information on how you can get your digital copy. 

Day 34 to 35 – to Trevelin and Bariloche

24 to 25 April    Kms travelled – 7,152

I´d like to say just a quick thank you to Clare and Victor for their hospitality, and to Iwan for his time.

I´m still moving (but not as quickly as I´d like) – still taking photos – and still writing.  It is almost like this country doesn´t want to let me go!

Thought for the day

I was just wondering as I ride and write whether my thoughts and opinions recorded on this blog and in other writings will end up contradicting earlier posts, or perhaps evolve as the journey progresses.  I will try to remain true to what I feel at each stage of the venture, and to aid in that, not to re-read earlier material too much until after the show is over.  It will be interesting to see if things do change.



You can now read about this section of the journey in Issue 13 of Adventure Bike Rider magazine.  See:  www.adventurebikerider.com  for information on how you can get your digital copy. 

Day 27 to 33 – to Esquel

17 to 23 April    Kms travelled – 6,755

Some of the hardest and most painful travelling I´ve ever done is during this section of the trip.  Also some incredible sights, and great kindness (thanks Hugo and Maria). 

I´m itching to tell you all about it, but I guess we are all just going to have to wait a while longer. 

Needless to say I need your support, but so do the very many kids in each of the countries I´m visiting.  

Those of you who have kindly pledged to support Unicef, but have not yet had the chance to make a donation, might like to do so now.  Go on – give me a reason to keep going - I´m struggling!

You can now read about this section of the journey in Issue 13 of Adventure Bike Rider magazine.  See:  www.adventurebikerider.com  for information on how you can get your digital copy. 

Day 25 to 26 – to El Calefate

15 to 16 April    Kms travelled – 4,332

I´m still safe and on the road – and still writing too.

No, I don´t need a loo break!

I´ve started updating some of the stats for the trip to date on this website.  An interesting variance in fuel economy to date caused by changes to the road and climactic conditions.  Fellow travellers thinking of doing something similar will wish to keep this notable change in tank range in mind.

At least I´ve not had the need to add any more numbers to my mozzie bite count, now that the colder weather has set in.  See, there is always a positive!


You can now read about this section of the journey in Issue 13 of Adventure Bike Rider magazine.  See:  www.adventurebikerider.com  for information on how you can get your digital copy.