Bariloche

Monday, 22 March 2010 00:00

It’s been a few weeks since the last update, so I guess the saying, “time flies when you’re having fun” is true.

After soaking in the not so hot mineral waters, we took off for San Martin de Los Andes

and toured the city for a day

Watching locals exercise (or prepare for rude tourists)

and kids play at school

As well as took note of walking hazards for when we return from dinner in the dark

It’s amazing and somewhat refreshing to see hazards like this throughout Central and South America. The attitude here is, you’re responsible for yourself. If you’re walking down the sidewalk at night and fall into the ditch, you should have been carrying a flashlight! Riding through road construction doesn’t require a lead car not to get in front of the bulldozer. You certainly wouldn’t go sue someone, as I’m guessing you would be laughed out of court! People in the USA, wake up!

Next, it was off the Bariloche via Ruta de Los Siete Lagos, 110 kms of paved and dirt road through picturesque mountains, forests, and lakes. Several locals we talked to pointed out other cities there were less touristy than Bariloche. But the idea of good food and chocolate meant we had to visit the place! Los Andes had great food and chocolate, too, as well as tourists, it’s just smaller. Wendy and I enjoyed Bariloche. I’d suggest to anyone going to South America to stop in for a night or two. It is more expensive than other cities, but Wendy and I went to the best steak house in town, had a salad, steak, wine, dessert and coffee for just over $50USD.

The first half of the road is paved and then turns to this

but there is a lot of traffic, so the dust level can get bad

There is even at bit of road construction

Even the locals enjoy this scenic road. Once we reached Argentina (and a bit in Chile) we started seeing a lot more “pleasure” bikes. People seemed to be from Buenos Aires or Sao Paulo. These two were out for a day ride through the parks

on a Yamaha TDM

There were also people just stopped along the road for Mate break

During the last several days, we have started packing lunches so when we see places that need more than just a quick stop, we're prepared. When the sun is out and the scenery is great, why not stop?

Even the Beast had a bit of a glow on this road

More of Ruta de Los Siete Lagos

We road into Bariloche, found a room with a kitchen at Villa Sofia, went to the local supermercado and cooked my first “home” meal in many months.

The next day, I had arranged to meet Klaus of Bariloche Moto Tours. He knew of some tires at a local shop that promised to be more dirt oriented. Unfortunately, they were the same tires I had, Anakee 2's, so I passed on new rubber for the Beast. If anyone is interested in a Patagonia moto tour (or other South American destinations) give Klaus a call as he’s a great guy and runs an awesome tour.

The next day, it was off for a day ride on the Circuito Chico, a 65km road west of Bariloche. There are several highlights on this road like the Llao Llao Hotel

Punto Panoramico

And other picturesque spots

Or my favorite, Blest Brewpub