PowerCycle

01/06 Wicked grades on the hills. There was one today about 11 miles before Rio Tranquilo that was almost a walker. Most have been about 8-9% but this one was probably pushing 11%. Amazing scenery around Villa Cerro Castillo. Mountains everywhere, big waterfalls and plenty of forest. Camping is a little tricky because almost everything is fenced in but some great spots opened up along the rivers when I needed them. The weather has been perfect; not too windy, sunny (except for one day) and warm.

Of everything I’ve ever said I’ve hated in the last 3 years nothing even comes close to my hatred of horse flies. They are just evil little bastards. I’ll be cranking away up a steep hill, gravel shifting around under my wheels, sweat pouring down my face, trucks passing by kicking up lungfuls of dust when all of a sudden a damn horse fly will land on my mouth, fly into my ear, try to crawl up my nose or, my favorite, sit on the inside of the sunglasses lens so they look like giant prehistoric monsters. If you knock them away, which means you’ve just slapped yourself in the head, they just come right back, usually to the same spot. Eventually I’ll stop and go on a mass killing spree until 5 or 6 are flopping around in a pile next to me. Then I have to wipe off the green junk they leave behind. Next trip I’m looking into some kind of electronic gizmo that drives them off. There has to be something out there.

Rode 38 miles to Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo CG after leaving Coihaique. 3765 feet climbing with lots of steep climbs but on a good paved road. Had 2 flat tires that day from a piece of wire (same wire caused both flats; missed the wire the first time).

The next day I did 41.69 miles and camped next to a river. Jasmin and Michael were heading north on bikes and we talked for a bit. I even got an invite to stay with them in Austria if I make it over that way (and I probably will). The road, as expected, was unpaved after Villa Cerro Castillo. 12.6 miles after VCC there was a CG but I kept going since it was early. Couple places to stay and a good restaurant there.

30.55 miles the next day to another big river where I found a good camping spot. Wish I would have bought a fishing rod because not 5 seconds after tossing in a dead horse fly a fish grabbed it. Cloudy skies and cooler but no rain.

32.44 miles got me into the small town of Rio Tranquilo. I was hoping to grab a room in town but the cheapest place that actually answered the door was $23 US. Ended up riding out of town about 1 km to a CG called El Gaucho (after grabbing 3 beers at the little supermarket). It cost 3000 pesos, no hot water or electric. The camping area is a big clearing but it’s OK I suppose. What isn’t good after 3 beers?

GPX track