Tierra Del Fuego
The first day of riding could not really have gone any worse. The plan was to ride to the Southern most point of the main island (the Southern tip of South America is made up of many Islands) from Ushuaia the southern most city in the world then return before venturing north. We set out fully loaded up with the gear we would take also as a test to see if the bikes could take the load.
The scenery was breathtaking, snow covered mountains surrounded us, wildlife we had never seen checking us out as we rode past and bountiful half frozen lakes and bridges frequent. The road was muddy enough to cover us and our bikes and at times bring us to a stop. The wind ferocious, changeable and chilling with steep climbs and descents. We got to the end (our start) ok. Angela’s bike however was all over the road under the strain of her panniers which were actually bending the frame as she rode. After having the official start to the expedition ceremony in front of some locals we peddled off. In the first 10km I was laughing to myself about how I would tell Angela she could not take all those shoes with her. As I laughed my steel front rack I had made in Vietnam suddenly went through my front wheel tossing me into the handle bars and tearing almost every spoke from my front wheel leaving my bike un-rideable. Ange rode off to the Ranger’s hut to see if I could get a lift to Ushuaia. When I got there carrying the (bloody heavy) bike he said he was going home now and we had to wait outside. As he left a snow storm started with an increase in wind and below 0 temperatures. “Bugger” I said, we ended up getting a lift back, though I did insist on riding Ange´s bike behind the car so as to have made sure I have ridden all the way (a bit anal I know). We then fixed the wheel at the local bike shop, put Ange’s rack on my bike and made a very funny video of all the things we were throwing out even the hair dryer and platform shoes!
We have since made some incredible progress!
Our days since the first catastrophic “this is going to be too hard” first 10k very briefly have been as follows –
16/9/05 – Distance104km, ride time 5:40, through the most primo mountains! And above the snow line for most of it camped in Tolling (blink and you miss it town of which I’m sure there will be many).
17/9/05 – Distance 120km, ride time 8:13 Average 14.5 very hard wind 80-100kph lifted off bike Angela pushing bike in ditch next to road.
18/9/05 – Distance 82.62km, ride time 4:38, Average 17.8 stayed in boarder town lucky not much wind.
19/9/05 – Distance 156.61km, ride time 9:19, Average 16.8 very long day undulating gravel road into head wind.
Looking forward to the rest of Patagonia but feel very pleased to have completes the first leg of the trip!
Please add comments as it´s great getting your feedback!
Silas
Silas you can’t fool me, I know the platform shoes and hair dryer were yours!! Hope you are coping OK with out them!
Nice work, keep the epic stories rolling!!
GOOD LUCK and let Angela win a few of the pedestrian crossing sprints it will be good for her morale!
That’s touring!
Just checked out the photos. Is that saddle UCI regulation??
You have got serious mileage out of those bottles. I feel like sending you some newies!!
I would have taken great pleasure in rebuilding that wheel in the snow. Would have gone well with the truing of Matts wheel post bull/bus charge. But alas, the inguinal canal will not wait!!
Another great day in the saddle!!
You’re a couple of animals!! Really wish i was there!!
Do you reckon that dude in Hanoi will do a warranttee replacement on that rack. I mean you would have paid about $15, and he only worked all day in 40deg humidity to make it… Drop ‘im an email man.
Great start guys! The hard part is over now, right?!
But where are the pictures? Don’t go keeping the breathtaking scenery all to yourself…
Hi guys!!
It sounds so amazing where you guys are. And it sounds really tough, but if anyone can do it you animals can!! Can’t wait to check out some piccies when you put some on the site.
Same, same here in London. I just got back from southern Spain- crazy trip. First we missed our flight, then Anna booked car in wrong city, then it got broken into and Anna’s $$ and passport stolen, then almost missed flight home. All good times though, and so good to see the sea again!
Rock on, HANxx
Ok, clearly I’m retarded and have noticed the images link now. Looks AMAZING!!!!
Platforms and a hairdryer - Ange I’m horrified!!
Dave and I have started planning our trip now and are very excited. When you have a chance let us know your rough itinerary and we’ll start thinking about a place to meet up.
Keep it up guys!
Emma x
Hi Team thnks for all the comments keep them comming and will keep you posted.
In my defence there was no hairdryer or platform shoes, but maybe ask silas about the 2Kg passport holder and the speakers for the Ipods(with 12 month supply of batterys !!!) thats really roughing it !!! would love to catch up and have some human (english ) contact as smilling and nodding is wearing thin !!!! when are you planning on trevelling we could look at heading to carnival in Jan if you are around ….. give us some dates Im sure we will be riding some were in south america so should be easy to catch up !!!!!! miss you guys, don´t party to hard without us !!!!! no actually party evey harder you animals xxx bigg huggs xx
Ola chico and hombre locas! Woops — you want english contact, so Id better not write this email in Spanish.
Sounds like a challenging and hillarious adventure so far guys, but I spose you only realise that at the end of the big day when you are all warm and showered and comfy with a vino tinto in your hand. Hindsite is a wonderful thing.
Its amazing how you can actually think that something is essential for your survival. Why didnt you take a car? Hee hee. We wish we had bikes, and after spending the same time sitting in the car as you guys do riding the thought of a blat down the Swiss alps on a bike makes us drool.
Missioned it to Beer fest from Slovinia yest as German friends of Drews have a table like a corporate box in a real German tent. Awesome and its great to now have a few Beer drinking songs under my belt.
Love the ongoing commentary and cant wait to see some pics of you cycling in platforms Silas and you using his airdryer for extra riding power Ang!
Love Kimbo xxx
Hi Guys
I have just read your first few entries and I am totally in awe!! You guys really are an inspiration. Just think about me doing the washing, ironing, etc for 3 kids and remember Ange……Enjoy it while you can………..mmmmm, maybe the trip would be easier!!
Love you mate
Paula xxMiss you meggaxxxx
Hey guys,
Sounds like one amazing adventure. You’d better stop past Sydney ont he way home to tell us all about it!
Stay safe and keep having those incredible times,
Rhi xx
Love your work guys! Getting very excited about coming to SA to catch up with y’all. Especially since it seems our partying career in London has taken a nose dive since you guys left. The infectious energizer bunny symptoms seem to be wearing off so I’m all up for another bout of AngenSilasitus at Carnival in Feb… Will keep you posted once we have dates. GO HARD or catch a frickin bus like I would! See you guys soon! Luv Dave
Wow!! The photos are fantastic!! Looks like your crit skills could come in handy for some of those coners…
I suppose an ipod and speakers end up being a bit lighter than 50+ CDs? I mean what self respecting cycle tourist/rabid animal doesn’t ride prepared to dj a random party in the middle of obscurity… I hope you have 3 piece suit in there somewhere Silas!
Angela, as the crossing approaches, all you need to do is get Silas talking about his customised specifics for a Southland build up. He’ll become so enthusastic that crossing premium will be yours. Works every time!
Tear the cranks off ya animals!!
Look forward to the next update.
Hey Guys,
Well I think every one else has said it all ready! Silas you have steel balls and a passion unparralled and Ang…i haven’t met you yet (Thats a yet) and you must be just as crazy as Silas.
I think the visitors to your website must all take a long hard think about where they can create excitment in their own lives. I sure did!
Can’t wait to sit back at Melting Pot, order a mocha and satay sticks and hear all the great stories in the flesh.
All the best…and take care.