Additional comments from the present (Aug. 20, 2019): I want to fill in a bit of a gap, as well as explain one thing before getting back to the actual entries.

My plan was never to document the trip as extensively as I did, so the entries are sparse leading up to an event that really got things rolling. I won’t spoil that here, but you’ll see what I mean. Since I am only sharing the actual entries you’ll miss some of the comments that might fill in gaps, but it should be fine.

I picked up the bike on the morning of Dec. 22, 2017. It was a short taxi trip to Ulrich’s house (RideADV’s base in Pucon) to pick up the bike. Some paperwork, gathering documents for border crossings, (re)packing, and gearing up all needed to be done before I was truly ready to hit the road.

The first goal was to cross from Chile into Argentina, the first of many border crossings for this trip. I was a bit nervous, as my Spanish isn’t good, and I had no idea what to expect. Would I get the third degree? Would things go smooth? I had no idea. The road leading to the crossing put those concerns out of my head. 

It was seriously amazing. Like my own Dakar stage. Pavement eventually gave way to gravel that twisted back and forth along, and over a river. It was so much fun. The perfect opportunity to get acquainted with ‘my’ bike. 

I arrived at the border crossing all smiles. Even the Argentinian’s thought I was like a Dakar racer! They were super cool, and all smiles. It was great. 

After getting into Argentina I rode the Camino de los Siete Lagos, or Road of the Seven Lakes. Absolutely amazing riding to San Carlos de Bariloche, my destination for the day.

Dec. 22, 2017

Argentina!

Follow: https://share.garmin.com/rac

Dec. 23, 2017

Dear people of the internet,

Do not come to Patagonia.

I’ll give you a few reasons not to come.

1) you will crash. Probably slowly while staring agape at a waterfall on the shoulder of a paved road because you decided to attempt stopping on the side of a sloped shoulder. Because of the waterfall. Probably in front of people. That will probably happen.

2) it takes so GD long to get anywhere. At all. Slow. Because you’re constantly stopping. Because amazing things to look at are amazing.

So yeah, don’t bother.

Your pal,
Ryan

Follow along if you’re so inclined: https://share.garmin.com/rac

Me!

Zartan!

Lago!

Moto!

Additional comments from the present (Aug. 20, 2019): Going to end this entry here for reasons that will be clear when you read the next one.