I checked out the local bike dealer here in Bariloche today to chat about road surfaces and best tyres to use further south. A more off-road orientated trail tyre was recommended after Rio Majo I was informed. But it would take 3 or 4 days to get in some new rubber, which is no good as I going to leave tomorrow. Full knobblies do not last long at all on the stones and soon become slicks. (zoom in to the BMW)
Honda Patagonia were very helpful, and gave me some very useful advice, but nothing useful about the surface...... They said the route changes every week depending upon the level of wind, snow and rain. I.e. if it is wet then the lorries that pass create deep ruts. If it was dry the current tyres would be fine (and would be good down to Rio Majo anyway), but if it was wet then it would be more challenging.
They told that if you see a truck coming this way then get out of the way. A bit obvious but he said it is important to stop, as when the truck passes you it takes your wind shadow and makes you uncontrollably swerve either into the truck or off the road. When it then passes, you get hit by the wind in a big gust again. He had a R1200 adventure in his shop with a mangled left side falling prey to this. It had knobblies on which I saw were worn smooth.
They also said do not get impatient with the long distances and try and speed up. The owners advice was always keep at 100 kph or lower on hard, 80 kph on stone, and 60 kph on mud. It takes as long as it takes. Most people who have problems they said are just trying to do it too quickly, and get caught by either poor road surface, or strong gusts.
He said a tent is a must just in case you get stuck to give shelter, although he said you'll have fun trying to put it up. Sounds like a bit of a laugh! I might try doing it on video?
For any bikers out there Honda Patagonia support and service all bikes. They are the last bike shop before entering the remote regions of Patagonia. They are very helpful. My only advice is that I would organise/send any items to them (parts/tyres) in advance if you are not planning a several days in Bariloche.
Hi Mike, Connor's class are joining in on the blog and plotting it on a map, all sounds cool. Blog so far has been 11 yr old friendly but you'll have to remember you've got a class listening in. All sounds like it's going smoothly so far, good luck Dan
ReplyDeleteSounds cool Dan. I am not sure I am all that well versed in 11-year old speak. If I fall off I say "Oh bother that hurt a bit". I would normally say it in fewer words.
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