we are currently trying to decide whether to take the ´navimag´from Puerto Chaccabuco down to Puerto Nateles...or...ride into Argentine from Chile Chico and then down Ruta 40.

we really need a current update of road conditions, availability of fuel, accomadation and food. we are 2 up on a BMW 1150 ´gs´

any advice is appreciated, cheers take it easy.

hi guys
four of us have just rode north on the el chalten to perito moreno (the town) section of ruta 40. the road is generally in good condition. gas can be bought at bayo carocoles and tres largos. this section of ruta 40 is 340kms long. this is the longest stretch between gas stations. there are sections of ruts with gravel piled in between the ruts, but ther are not hard to ride. the only thing that is difficult on this section of road is the wind. if you get a really windy day staying in the gravel ruts is hard. i had a few dodgy moments when i was blown out of one rut and had to cross to the next. none of us however crashed as we chose a low wind day. in high winds it may be a different story. pick the day carefully. the road is not just flat and featureless pampa, there are hills and a few lakes on the way to keep you interested. we also continued up the carretera ausrtal. in good weather this is a stunning road. the section from pt tranquillo to chile chico is amazing. road has it fair share of washboard and potholes but is well worth riding. wind and gas availability is not a problem on this road at all. we hear that both roads will be paved in the next 4 years so its your last chance to ride them as they are. hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do.
suerte
oz
forgat to mention we camped the whole way down. campsites in perito moreno, bayo caracoles and an excellent one in tres largos. on the austral there are loads of place to camp free as well.

[This message has been edited by Oz (edited 22 January 2005).]

Hi

Road conditions change very fast on routa 40. Without wind the road is challanging - but no problem. My suggestion, drive the whole carretera austral, you will love it. Between Cochrane and Puerto Yungay you will find the "real" south of chile - without tourists but lots of wilderness and great places to camp and fish! Then take the very good road up to paso roballos. The road is good until Bajo Caracoles, and you save the boring part of the 40 between Perito Moreno and Bajo C. Between Cochrane and Bajo C. is just the little village Lago Posadas, but there you will find food and gas. Very nice places to camp along the lake - we spent there some days. Very few travellers take paso roballos, but the road is much better (no trucks) then it apears on the map.

Marco

Anyone else planning on the ride down to Ushaia soon? Currently in San Martin De Los Andes and heading to Puerto Montt in the next few days.

When are you setting out Robert?

Get down the Austral you pansy! What can the Andean gales do to a honeymooning bloater on an 1150?

Ch

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Goggstrotters,
I am interested to find out how you went.
My wife & I are planning the same thing 2 up on our 1150 Adventure later this year.
Cheers,
Calds

hi cords and aash,

all depends on the time of year you intend to travel down or up it, i think during the later part of the year it can become washed out from the rains and melting snow, then it can be tricky.

Of course you may have heard of the severe side winds blowing from the west, some people have none, some the extreme. if it isn´t wet then the rutted gravel requires quite a lot of concentration especially loaded and two up.

don´t fret though because it is an amazing part of the world and you will trully enjoy it, don´t forget to visit El calefate and the place about 400 km north of it...the name leaves me.

For sure you should plan this route into your trip, it is legendary and un-forgettable.

if you need more advice then please ask, i am at work now, have no time and i am going back into a state of depression thinking of been on any road instead of here...but somehow 'we have t' put bread ont table' as they say up north.

Hi there Goggsy,

Looks like you finally made it home then. Did you make it uo to Alaska in the end? The last time I saw you, you were finally getting out of Buenos Aires after some bike troubles.

Hope it went well. Are you off to the meeting in June? If so see you then.

Cheers.

Matt

Hi Matt and all the others i have neglected...

Yer Matt we made it up to Deadhorse, loved the ride all the way from beginning to end...25 months for the RTW.

Danielle is back in Saudia and i am here in Germany....both trying to earn some folding...things didn't work out to be employed in the same place, continent even, we are coping with the distance apart, just i think.

We may well be at the travellers meeting in June if all works out, would be good to see you and others again.

till laters

B&D