Leaving Torres was hard, such good times despite me wrecking myself.:huh

Came the time to put on the gloves and gingerly I did it with success.:clap

We did not have far to go which was going to make life easy, we had planned our place to stayed and headed of through Parque Nacional da Serra Geral then out to our acccom.

We were wowed going up the zig zag with epic views and a clear day.

IMG_3629 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3631 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Travelling through Cambara Dol Sul we decided to head to the super market as where we were planning to stay there was no shops or services, Mrs.G kept telling us to turn off but I pulled rank and ignored her heading right into town....ouwh yeah ... such a rebel :freaky

That is when our day took a great turn, we knew of Two Kiwis - Thomas and Tina( their blog: tintomkiwi.wordpress.com, YouTube : TinTomKiwi )sifting around on two BMW’s, they couch surfed at Curitiba at the same place as us the day we left, we thought we might see them on the road but we took different roads.

Approaching the Petro Brasil minding our own business a guy ran out from between the pumps yelling something, I looked over and saw some motos and thought well we will stop anyway …turned out to be the Kiwis …stamping on our territory :eek1 .. will haf ta sort that out

OUTSTANDINGclap, we stopped and talked for a 5 minute chat for an hour and a half, they decided to come to our accommodation as it was near the end of day.

P1210221 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Stocking up on tucker and with only 12 km to go we took the road out of town and what a sweet road it was, twisting and up and down, riders dream for tar seal.

Arriving at the Pousada the owners were not there but soon turned up, lucky we had the Kiwis as the cabins were for the 4 people and the cost per cabin so it worked out economical for all of us, we had a home cook tea and a fire to heat the cabin which was cool, for some unknown reason we dipped out on wine which would have finished the night to the end of a perfect day of fishing in the morning at the beach, some back roads and zig zag travel finished with an easy jaunt to the finish line.

Standingaroundtalkingkiwi :rofl

IMG_3645 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Check it out, a genuine New Zealand number plate, who would have thought our here in Brasil!!! (ouwh and a nice bike)

IMG_3654 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3659 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Discussions, movie and photos, we had a local travelling on a bicycle join us too, he was camping and did not have access to a shower so we invited him in for a hot shower which he was grateful for, he then joined us for a fire and some chats, good times.

P1210224 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3665 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

I am not sure how but we have a photo fail with no more kiwis :cry

When the others set off into the distance the following day we headed out to the Canyon, jaw dropping beauty is the only way to describe it with very abrupt rock faces.

Seeya Kiwis, rubber side down bro and sis :clap

P1210226 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

P1210227 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

The Canyon

IMG_3700 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3676 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3670 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

A few photos hear and there then back to the Pousada to hit the road to Canela and Gramado but leaving the canyon I noticed our side stand bolt was loosening.

Back at camp a quick tighten with some loctite and we were good to go, the world is a workshop and we had a perfect side stand fixing bank right outside our hut.clap

IMG_3709 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Arriving at Canela it was apparent we were in the wrong place, the cheapest room we could find was $210 Reals so +/- $100 USD …. I don’t think so.:eek1:eek1

The towns were strewn with christmas decorations and we felt like we had just stepped into the USA, it was a little weird and not really inviting given it is all commercial driven.

We took another back road opting to stay off the main road, this lead us to a small place called Santa Maria Do Hervel.

We inquired at the Shell gas station if there were any Pousadas (hostels) here, the guys at the gas station saying no, we then asked about camping, they told us of a camping place about 1 km away, at that point the owner chimed in and said just stay here.

So, wifi, toilet, shower and undercover place to put the tent we were in, 5 star camping so that was it for the night…too easy.

IMG_3713 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3717 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3718 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

We inquired at the Shell gas station if there were any Pousadas (hostels) here, the guys at the gas station saying no, we then asked about camping, they told us of a camping place about 1 km away, at that point the owner chimed in and said just stay here.

So, wifi, toilet, shower and undercover place to put the tent we were in, 5 star camping so that was it for the night…too easy.

IMG_3713 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3717 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3718 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr[/QUOTE]

Haha, love it guys
keep up the good work
Wayne

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The Balkans
https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/poi_entity/8417

I have been following your adventure since you have left Alaska. I envy all the expierience you have had. I am a biker and have been filling my on bucket list. ie seeing all of the 48 lower states. Being a few years older, I have to pace myself. However, I am enjoying your adventures and wish you all the best in your future travels.

Heya Wayne

Thanks man, the goodwill of people to travellers is still very much alive

Cheers Andi

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Heya lectron

Thank you so much for your comments and props it is much appreciated.

Good on you for getting out and doing it, you too will realize it is not difficult and there are incredibly good times to be had.

Pace yourself is perfect, you will see far more taking is easy and quietly, we too travel slowly, so much to see, also I am pretty broken up and have Titanium holding my neck together and have Ankylosing Spondolitis so I am decaying too ... but thats ok....I am still out there

When I can't ride then I will hang up my bikers hat remembering the good times.

All the best for your travels to mate, rubber side down

Cheers Andi

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

That was the plan anyway, we had also planned to meet a guy from Facebook for lunch in Novo Hamburgo on our way through, just for a quick stop.

P1210250 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

We went to a local moto shop who rang Jankiel and he came to the shop to meet us, he then took us to meet Hemi a local rider who has been to Alaska on his XT660R and back.

P1210255 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Welcomed in with a celebrities welcome we found ourselves admits proud travelers and excited people to see us and our bike and these guys had already been there and done that so pretty nice to have that welcome support.

P1210260 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Lunch was had and we were TOLD that we were staying, being Wednesday they have a meeting on the Thursday night so that was that, we contacted our host in Porto Alegre (where we were supposed to go) and said see you in two days, it was no problem as they know Hemi anyway so no one was too worried, we were the only ones thinking we were rude and wanted to make sure everyone was cool with the instant change of plans.

We accepted (we had no choice) and unpacked (big day of 23 km) and enjoyed a hot afternoon.

The Thursday night gig was cool with about 30 enthusiastic moto heads coming for a feed, drinks and to watch photos and videos, technology helping us with a big screen.

IMG_3736 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3729 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3734 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Very limited English was spoken so Portugringlish was the winner with photos doing most of the talking.

Luisa (Hemis wife) looked after us very well, a beautiful lady both inside and out with a heart of gold.

The main lady clap

IMG_3731 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Vanessa, niece of Remi works there at the shop, she is an on to chic and knows her stuff, couple with that her warm heart she is a another golden hearted person clap

P1210261 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

We also seemed to be having our own lunchtime celebrity playoff, a local news paper and TV station both taking great interest in the foreigners that had stopped in their town, this coupled with one of their own Remi who is highly respected.

Casal da Nova Zelândia viaja de moto e visita Novo Hamburgo - Casal da Nova Zelândia viaja de moto e visita Novo Hamburgo - Vídeos - Jornal NH

<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/D4cb9DTy2e8" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe>

Novo Hamburgo was awesome for us, the hospitality, meeting fello travellers and moto heads :clap

Next where we were meant to be :rofl

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Finally on our way to Porto Alegre we hit the main drag only to find it blocked, an ambulance trying to get through and police cars lined up on top of the bridge with cars at funny angles so we assume their was an accident, we split and turned off to a dirt road taking us parallel +/- to the main road and returned us some 40 - 50 km further down so we made it safe and sound and took the scenic route.

We managed to sneak through the city just before rush hour hit which was a blessing as it was very hot.

P1210264 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

While out in the car to the supermarket we also went up to the lookout not far from their house, nice viewpoint of Porto Alegre.

IMG_3740 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3738 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Augusto has three push bikes so we took a restful wee ride around and into town and back, very nice indeed.

P1210295 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

P1210284 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Some interesting things around Alegre, apparently this is meant to represent Maté cups from the sculpture :huh subliminally I think the artist was thinking of boobies as they is what I see rofl

IMG_3753 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

A coloured dumpster with nice artwork :clap

IMG_3743 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Augusto rides a white Teneré 12 (moto), I took it for a short ride around the block and he on Maya, I begrudgingly gave the Teneré back …. a little more comfy than the KTM but notably heavier at a stop and back ups etc, the big 12 producing a tonne or torque right off the bottom but I am still a fan of smaller skinnier bikes cos I am not big.

P1210269 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

We also did "pick up the bike" session the Teneré 12 although heavy has a very low C of G so very easy to pick up considering its size.

IMG_3761 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Nice clap

P1210268 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Maya still easier but only because of the lesser weight even though our tank was full.

Somewhere in Porto Alegre we managed to pick up an old split pin with most of it hidden in our tire...I was sure and certain we would have a flat, we have 4 mm tubes so I thought that would be helping mask the hole :eek1

We pulled and pulled and finally it all came out ....:eek1:eek1:eek1:eek1 we were waiting for the hiss that normally follows such a length of steel but nothing.:huh

P1210266 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Taking it down to a local shop to fix it we wrestled the tire off (not to bad) and preceeded to pull the tube dunking it in the water tank to find the hole ... but nothing??:huh

More pressure to blow it up higher and recheck ... nothing???? huh, at this point I realized that I was a lucky guy and the angle of the split pin shallow enough not to hit the tube ....I almost wanted a flatty as I we had everything in our hands ready to go.

Putting her all back together I was appreciative of not having a flatty so my lucky stars bucket has not run dry just yet.

Breakfast one morning ... we will need a 1200 soon at this rate rofl

IMG_3758 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Our Mac Charger had died and given we were at a good place and time to change it we took the opportunity, this is about a 7 - 10 day affair here so we turned around and headed for the hills for more of a look around, first stop back to Torres our favorite beach place in Brasil to see Déborah and Humberto clap ...some place you like, some place you love and some places you just can't leave....the bastid part of travel :cry

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Having 7 to 10 days spare waiting for our new charger we made the most of heading off again to explore more ….and a good explore it was, thank you apple for our mini break away :rofl.

Back to Torres to see Déborah and Humberto for a couple of nights before wandering our way inland through the hilly section.

Taking a back road we attempted to find a large waterfall, we ended up taking a mountain biking scenic route which was very nice, at one stage of about 5 km turning from gravel road to dirt track to neat wee off road section ordering some extra skills from me.:clap

P1210322 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

We had accidentally extended our trip into the mountain and completed a road zig zag down that we were going to do in the following days, talk about efficient.

P1210329 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

P1210331 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Back at Torres was like arriving home, the coolest beach place in Brasil for us and somewhere I reckon I could live easy enough.

We had a good catch in the net for fishing so we had another crack at it with the rods, this time was …well …just as well we Chinese dumplings lined up and didn’t need to catch them first.:rofl

Good times again with food, drinks, portugringlish, its called living.:clap

Final good byes and some small tears we headed off, Rod Do Sul (Road To The Sun) ….and it was, a great day and nice temps as we took on elevation to the inland, a cool breeze just enough to take away the heat and some ominous clouds looming I put my wet jacket on …turns out mum nature was just ****ing with me and it came out hot and still ….arriving in Caixas Do Sul I couldn't wait to get the jacket off and I was getting wet underneath.

Not much to photograph on the way except my jacket stop and some flowers

P1210343 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

We found Dudas and Elles easy enough, amigos of Humbertos, they had offered to put up with us for a coulpa days which was cool, Duda took us out for a small lunch and local tour in the car.

The next day a ride was planned in the afternoon, including a boat (barge) ride, taking in some local backroads and view points as well as a small waterfall.

Coolas bridge, many in this region

IMG_3788 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

The people powered barge

IMG_3834 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3846 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

The waterfall

P1210397 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3823 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

From the mirante (lookout) the waterfall above on the left hand side where you see the rapids and the gravel road in the bush you can see

IMG_3851 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Perfect afternoon cruising around and taking the place in, Duda on his shining red F8 Adventure getting dirt from muddy puddles and Maya looking … we'll normal being a dirty girl.

P1210391 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

P1210394 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Got a fear of spiders .... don't come here, this one was small and about the size of your hand, although not venomous they do look daunting :eek1

IMG_3849 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Onya Duda really enjoyed the cruise around and exactly what we wanted to do with this part of our trip.:clap

The evening arrived as did his amigo Mauricio … and he speaks English which is great.

A plan was formulated to go away for their weekend in some places with Maurico and his wife, they too have a F8 … very popular bikes here.:clap

Caxia Do Sul ... more to come

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

While staying at Caxias do Sul Duda and Elle in typical Brasilian style did a beautiful churasco, if there was ever a chance from dying of meat overload poisoning you will find me dead in Brasil with a huge smile on my face.

IMG_3762 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

In true Asian form Ellen treated them to dumplings and geauser which were welcomed, with Mauricio coming over there was only two left so he got the short straw but enjoyed them all the same.:clap

Duda and family planned a beach trip for the weekend which we were invited however we said for them to enjoy their family time without the third wheel kiwis, Mauricio asked if we would like to stay with them and do rideouts to some of the local places we had on our list, this turned into a great plan.:freaky

On arrival at Mauricios

IMG_0141 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Friday night was a dinner out for his work place, we were invited to come along and join in which was so cool (we cover ours) and what great pile of pizza, everything you could imagine including pudding pizzas …WOH HOH …fud!

P1210415 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Mauricio is new to the adventure riding scene having come from a road bike mob, he is no dummy on the tar but learning on the gravel road and offroad and doing it well on an F8 of the military brown colour, well cool in my books.:clap

Rides up next

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

The riding day started right here, get the F8 out of the lounge.

P1210417 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

P1210418 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Much to our surprise we spotted a KTM Adventure, a rear beast in this neck of the woods.

P1210421 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

At the first bridge for a quick stop to see the KTM that was coming above (xray vision) and to do some dancing, Mauricio practicing solo tango and I was having a crack at the moon walk :rofl .... just a well we can ride ok :eek1

G0011679 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Taking in a short ride Mauricio and I headed for the hills on a mix of tar and gravel, the gravel road surface hard under with marbles on top so pretty much the worst but undeterred he took this in his stride bearing in mind he is on the standard factory tires which are way more road orientated than our Mitas E07s.

P1210429 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

We found a neat bridge in the middle of somewhere, with no traffic on the road it was a nice photo spot, just as we got our shit sorted out a car came along and parked in our photo spot….ya shitting me :eek1 :rofl

Once the car had moved it was game on....then a truck appeared from nowhere…serious!!!. :huh :huh :rofl

Ok, wait for the truck then make a quick move, no …..lets wait for the newly arrived tractor now...turned out to be the new 1290 KTM....so a road in the boonies, no cars for half an hour either side and the bridge which is the congregation point

IMG_0194 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Yeap a new 1290 :rofl

IMG_0198 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Finally it was our turn, I needed to get across the bridge to come back across, turning Maya around I was on an off camber.

I lost my footing, Maya stood up as I unloaded the seat trying to reach the reach the ground and she went over center. My next attempt at footing it failed, down she went sending me rolling off in an embarrassing Bridget Jones manouver much the amusement of Mauricio.

Watdidyadothatfor

P1210461 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

P1210460 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Help arrived to pick up miss piggy :lol3

P1210463 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Our photo shoot interrupted by my act of unprofessionalism we managed to snap a few pics before the onslaught of more stray traffic.

Two hot lusties on the bridge :clap

IMG_0163 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

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At the end of the dirt road a wee town, quick stop for a breather and water in the face of evolution, not sure which way it evolves so you will have to decide Left -> Right ... or ... Right -> Left ... at least the panniers where the right colour :rofl

P1210484 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

It had been organized to meet Laticias her uncle at a rodeo, he is the head chef at the churasco so again we were treated to gob loads of fine beef open grilled and smoked, no poofy forks and knives here, they had about 4 or 5 sharp boning knives which was simply slash off a chunk of meat and pass the knife on to the next caveman, back to the primal days of standing around a central table with the meat for the taking .....bloody awesome, they did however spoil it with a salad and some tomatoes, sum rum and hookers would have finished it off perfectly :evil.

IMG_0227 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_0233 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

A man with a grin hidden by good fud, see the churascoria rack behind, 10 minutes prior that was laden with meat :freaky

IMG_0225 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

The smoke from the cooking wofting around teasing nostrils and the little rays of light coming from above.

P1210489 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Two fat bastids then jumped back on the motos and rode home to met up with the girls. :clap

What a great part day playing

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Next day, Sunday, two up with the girls on a round the blocker to waterfalls and local places, switching bikes on a road section we took the F8 for a spin which was very smooth but did not feel animal like the KTM, different bikes altogether but both perform well.:clap

First stop a waterfall, only a short distance from town.

Selfie :clap

IMG_3889 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

IMG_3897 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Stopping at a local lake we took a breather, nice place too.

The back road to it

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IMG_3915 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Some hard core offroading on mowed grass ... doin it :rofl

IMG_3901 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Nice road out

P1210541 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

We also went to a local road loaded with twisties to a cafe where the bikers go, at the cafe it was icecreams all round as it was very hot, some local riders taking great interest in us and the bike then inviting us to stay with them when we go back to Porto Alegre.

P1210571 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

The owner of the cafe as well thought we were a bit interesting and gave me a t shirt.…probably because I smelled bad more than anything but even so the two girls wanted their photos so I can’t have been too bad.:evil

Heading back to town was torment, stinking hot and bumper to bumper traffic all he way Mayas radiator fans staying on for most of the way keeping her cool but toasting me, I was dripping wet underneath and clearly in need of more meat.:lol3

Rolling on to Monday it was a relaxing and walk day for us while Mauricio and Letica went to work, Ellen had a crack at making the famous local pudim here in Brasil, first attempt was a real winner, the competition has become very hot.

IMG_3930 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

Ellen and Leticia lookin pretty happy

IMG_3931 by twomotokiwis, on Flickr

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Hi
Are you planning to cross to Europe after it?

I was one of those welcoming people on the front desk .,anyhow see you next HUBB.

Nice to have a day off today to catch up on your journey .so much beautiful country you have traveled through ,Photos up to you usual standard .cheers for now YDF Noel

I've been keeping an eye on you two, I'm still enjoying your ride report and travels, but enough with falling off already. ha ha.


My boys still ask about you two and were surprised that you are still on the road.


I told them you were living off Ellen as she is rich and didn't need to work, that's how you get to travel for so long.


Bye for now.


David