May 2010 Update Ecuador Colombia

Departing Banos we filled with petrol and a strange vehicle that had caused a few highway problems on our way to Banos followed us into the garage. These brightly colored road trains are used in many tourist areas to show off the local sights.

Mini tourist trains travel the highways slowly

April 2010 Update Peru and Ecuador

Thomas and Astrid on the Triumph side-car joined us in our ride north to Huacachina. The road added some interest in the early stages with some ‘twisties’ but straightened out just before we reached Ica. Huacachina was only a few kilometres further on and is a very small oasis village attracting both Peruvians and international tourists. Surrounded by huge golden sand dunes thousands of people arrive here to play in the dunes and swim in the small lake which is surrounded by hotels and smaller forms of accommodation. The sun was warm as we chased a suitable bed arriving at an unmarked hostel advised by another hostel owner. The building fronted the small lake and we were able to park the bike inside. Thomas declared he was happy to lock up the sidecar and park on the street. It was with some relief we had found this place as it was Semana Santa (Easter weekend) and the volume of holiday makers was quite apparent with some places displaying the ‘no vacancy’ sign. V8 buggies rumbled through the narrow streets and bounced along the approach road behind the village leading up into the dunes. Roaring through the dunes in these rough hand-made vehicles was one of the main attractions of the area.

Thomas and Astrid on their Triumph sidecar

March 2010 Update Argentina/Chile/Peru

The 1st March and our trek north began around midday as we said our farewells to everyone on the farm. There was a lot of activity as Nick was organizing construction of a doorway from the second bedroom onto the verandah accessing the pool and asado. The small farm house had received many improvements over the past couple of years plus the farm had also progressed significantly after thousands of hours of hard work despite drawbacks due to difficult weather. Everything from unseasonal snow, hail, frosts, storms and severe winds had battered the farm over the past few years. Kevin and Lorraine were putting in some hours on the farm and Carol had been working the kitchen… Me!! .. Still tinkering with the bike!!!

February 2010 Update Argentina

Preparation for our ride north to exit South America began, commencing with repairs to the bike after the last blow-out crash. Parts were ordered from the UK and Australia. We expected time issues but the customs delays were something else. It appeared the parts arrived in Buenos Aries from their separate International destinations in 3 – 6 days but customs took around three weeks to process the imports and the taxes…WOW… was all we could say.

Damaged jacket from our second blow out

January 2010 Update Argentina/Chile Dakar 2010

Progress was slow…. four days of bike work, physio and rest and we were almost done. The Dakar Rally was already crossing into Chile and we had not left Buenos Aires. On the 5th January we finally made our move after saying goodbye to Ed (USA), Brian & Marie (Can), Tony (Holland) and Ludovit who arrived and left within 24 hours. It was also a sad farewell to Javier, Sandra and Julian from Dakar Motos. At 5.30 pm as we sighted a storm brewing in the west. We departed, determined to cover at least a 100 kms before bunking down for the night. Efforts to dissuade us failed. This short ride was to be a test to our physical well being and our chance to continue the rigors of following the Dakar Rally. Reaching Sarmiento we scrambled into a cozy room just before the heavens opened up. Gusting wind and rain knocked out the electricity in the middle of the TV coverage of the Dakar. Today was our first ride since the accident and other than a little stiffness all went well. Our confidence was not lacking and we were keen to continue, a good sign as the next few days would make or break our resolve. I have to admit though every time the bike ‘wiggled’ due to irregular road surfaces we stopped to check tyre pressures. Paranoia!!!