The Way We Ride

The Set Up

Once we have decided on the route, its all Nick! Nick checks out the map, memorises our route, I nod and smile and say ta, and off we go...destination ahoy! Nick rides lead, I follow. Generally, its leader a bit to the left, follower a bit to the right - but not always. When we have a riding day, we have been riding for the entire day - starting around 10am and continuing until 6-7pm. And yes, its a long and tiring day! Our longest day so far was the 505km fwe rode in one day, from Pucon to Castro!
After a high five or a smooch or a ´vamos´(Spanish for ´lets go!´) when we first set out, we often dont talk during the day unless we stop at a service station or the occassional set of lights or if we pull over to discuss a decision we need to make. We stop for lunch around 2pm - a hotdog or something quick and easy - and off we go again! We always wear gloves, jacket, helmet - even if its only 100m we are riding, we always kit up! I also wear my riding pants - a hot!hot!hot! (but extremely safe! yay!) look :-D

The Highway and Roads

Chilean roads have been of a good quality....so far...so good! Ruta 5 - the main highway gets you far, and gets you far, fast! The speed limit is 120km-hr. We always ride at 100km/hr. Both our bikes (and me!) do indeed like this speed! Tis quite umbelievable though, the speed and the frequency with which we are overtaken - one lane, two lanes, oncoming traffic, it doesnt matter, the Chileans love to drive and drive fast!!
Whilst the roads have been of a consistently good quality, the road signs have definitely left quite a deal to be desired. It has been a constant source of amusement, bemusement and frustration.....when your destination suddenly disappears off of road signs, or when the road signs that you are following just suddenly...stop! We have followed road signs to the letter many a time, only to end up heading exactly the opposite direction required or to end up at a t-junction and just had to pick which way to turn! Oh the frustration of it all!

The Best Bits

Off Ruta 5, the roads have been BEAUTIFUL! We have ridden through wine country, over rolling hills of green grass, beside patchwork pastures, along cliffsides and through tall conifer tunnels and between rows of wild flowers! We have ridden next to rushing rivers, still lakes and beaches! Ahhh the countryside and the way it changes is always so impressive. The further south we head - the more green and colourful it gets! Under bright blue skies and under grey skies it is just delifhtful! Riding into Pucon, Volcan Villarrica perfectly positioned at the end of the road was certainly a highlight! So too, the big hairy spiders we passed on the road to Constitution! And we cant forget the big fat happy cows in the fields of bright yellow daisies we have passed!

The Suprises

For me, the most suprising thing thus far, has been the smells encountered on a ride. The smell of the flowers and the forests and the beach and the towns as you pass - the smells are always so unexpected and always so unique! The most best and most suprising (it gives me a bit of a homesick pang everytime!) is the smell of the Eucalypt forests that we ride alongside reasonably frequently over here!
The other thing I do love is the birds that have come to race alongside and in between us. They weave and duck occassionally in between Nick´s bike and my bike - just for 10 seconds or so - just a quick hello! - and then off they fly again! Ahhh its so fun to be a part of!

Chileans

Outside of the big towns, our bikes definitely attract attention! Heads turn, eyes stare, waves are offered, and even the odd person comes to talk to us! We are pretty damn cool over here it seems! Hehe! Concerned hostel owners have organised for us the part our bikes inside of stationary stores and police officers have helped us find accomodation and new friends have given us tours of their cities!

...And this is just week two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xSarax