In Santiago I was hosted by fellow I know from one of the internet motorcycle groups, Martyn. He is a Brit working in Santiago as a consultant for a company that does modifications to large diesel motors used on big trucks in the high altitude mines of the Altiplano. Yup, Santiago has snow in October.
We went down to do a little riding with some of Martyn’s buddies around Rancagua, about an hour south of Santiago.
More spectacular scenery and great riding.
Camino sinuoso. That’s Spanish for “really fun road.”
Good stuff.
We found our way to the coast via fun dirt roads. Wow, this reminded me of where I live in California. I could have taken this shot about 15 minutes from my place in SD, but I didn’t. Its amazing how much the Chilean coast reminds me of the coast of Central California.
Stopped off at the port city of Valparaiso. I took one photo.
Martyn and I did some riding in the mountains just outside of Santiago as well. There are several ski areas just outside of town, very scenic stuff.
More of those “camino sinuoso” things. Whatever they are, they sure are fun. However, when its covered with snow in the winter, I’ll bet it takes a while to get to the ski area using this road.
I had a great time in Santiago and really enjoyed my time there. Santiago feels like Europe meets the U.S. with a Latin flavor. Its a very nice city in which to spend some time.
Muchas gracias Martyn!
I headed south out of Santiago on the highway to the lake district. Highway miles are a rarity for me. But, I got a big kick out of this sign I saw on the way down. Poor old W cant get a break anywhere.
In Temuco, I met up with Rob, a gringo loco a Harley Road King. He rides the heck out of that Harley and its great to see someone doing big trips on a Road King. A total crack up that Rob is. Wait, where is his doo rag? He’s wearing a real helmet and riding gear too? He must be a poser.
Yup, I knew there was something not quite right about Rob when I met him, so I liked him immediately. He is not afraid to ride that bike across the Altiplano of Bolivia. Its impressive how well he rides that 1000 pound bike in the dirt.
The one time that someone witnessed me behind a Harley. Careful, that madman driving the KTM is closer than he appears.
Rob and I decided that we would ride together for a while. We hit the Chilean lake district on the way to Bariloche.
The odd couple. You dont see these types of bikes riding together too often.
Moo.
Beautiful lakes. Well, it is called the lake district.
I still think he needs doo rag and a German helmet to look like a proper Harley rider. Also I asked him if he needed to find a bar to ride his bike to.
We went through some stunning scenery on the way to the Argentina border.
Typical bridge crossing.
Rob was tired.
We entered Argentina at this small crossing.
Dammit, I’m ‘merican, lemme in!
The sign below is from Argentinean customs, and it says, “Take this, yes.” Then, over the picture of the fossil it says, “take this, no.” OK, so lemme get this straight. To leave Argentina I have to take one of these beautiful women with me? OK, I’ll do it!!!! I still dont quite understand this public service announcement from the customs people.
……and we headed toward Bariloche.
Saludos.