Last week as I prepared to leave Tucuman, Argentina for Salta (en route to Chile), I thought I'd grab some bananas and yogurt for the journey! It looked like a buy 2 get 50% off. I thought I scored a deal. Alas, I somehow misinterpreted the Spanish, even though I'd asked a local if what I read was correct. I ended up paying full price, with 2 - 1kg bags of yogurt! The lineup was huge - so when the young guy at the cash till looked at me, then looked at my bananas, and said 'no' in an I know better than you manner and shoved them under his counter, I was a bit distraught. I insisted on getting my bananas as the people behind me frowned and laughed. He eventually showed me a bar code, so I realized he wasnt just going to refer to a binder (as our grocers would to obtain the barcode). I accepted my fate, knowing I would now travel without bananas. I went to what appeared to be a money counting stall before exiting the store, treating it like it were customer service. I showed the lady my bags of yogurt and gestured for a straw. She politely said it wasnt possible, but then she reached down and grabbed a plastic cup, which I gratefully accepted! Seing how helpful she was, I mimicked my banana dilemma. She had a quick word with the cashier (hopefully I didn't get him in trouble; they were quite busy after all!) And then disappeared, reappearing shortly after with a produce bag around them and a barcode! She gave them to the cashier and then I was on my way!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Sunday March 9th - en route to Ampimpa
A tough ride as expected. A steady climb out of the valley, reaching high temp of at least 36, folllowed by switchback thru the mtn pass with incredible headwinds that could carry me over the cliff! I was on empty; a tamale after my carb/protein drink just wasnt enough to push me through. When I finally reached Observatrio, we discoveredour trout farm destination was a couple miles in, via a steep rocky road. Pretty much everyone walked their bikes up, while i used the very last of my reserves to bike up 30% of it.
The fresh trout and empanada dinner with our host Horhay made it worthwhile, but moreso the beautiful vistas and the fact that we were somewhere no tourist would go or gain access to.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Day 1 complete! Salta to Coronel Moldes. The start of our Route 68 journey.
Subject: Day 1 complete! Salta to Coronel Moldes. The start of our Route 68 journey
Today was our first day riding. It was a pretty tiring 67km especially in the afternoon when the Sun was really strong - it hit 33 degrees. A few in the group headed on an "extra" ride to bike the hills around Cabra Corral and the reservoir. I was grabbing a shower to cool down, and get all that sunblock off, and so I missed them. I decided to be brave and go out on my own - I went probably 10 kilometers through some incredible roads and saw some amazing country residences, but never found them. I turned back early to beat the 8pm sunset and avoid riding in the dark. It was awful - I got chased by numerous dogs while riding it was really scary and made me glad I had my rabies shot! But nonetheless it wasn't the smartest idea to ride alone because I didn't know exactly where I was headed, I didn't have a phone, a map, money, or a watch, lights or any medicine. Oh well, next time Ill carry emergency rocks.
We ride again for the next two days and then we get a rest day!
This may have some relevant pics from my lake ride...
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Attack of the llamas! Windstorm, indigineous infighting, and our 1st day back on our bikes after our well deserved rest day...
Ride 4 complete! 55km with beautiful scenery leaving Cafayete. Entered Tucuman province.
We departed at 1030 since it was thought to be an easy 55km, but we didnt end up getting to our destination until after 4pm, mostly due to flat tires galore caused by cactus needles. We now have to watch where we pull over in the shade, else regularly have to pull them out. We saw a llama en route and it sniffed all of us, but took a particular liking to Kyle, the tallest guy in the group.(see fb pics!) Tried to do an extra ride to the ruins of quilmes with half he group but it was closed due to political tensions with indigenous ppl. Bad windstorm on the way back but it was only 3km so we survived. Will be having llama empanadas tonight and some humitas too.
The next two days will be tough. Hoping to finally get some sleep tonight.
Attack of the llamas! Windstorm, indigineous infighting, and our 1st day back on our bikes after our well deserved rest day...
Ride 4 complete! 55km with beautiful scenery leaving Cafayete. Entered Tucuman province.
We departed at 1030 since it was thought to be an easy 55km, but we didnt end up getting to our destination until after 4pm, mostly due to flat tires galore caused by cactus needles. We now have to watch where we pull over in the shade, else regularly have to pull them out. We saw a llama en route and it sniffed all of us, but took a particular liking to Kyle, the tallest guy in the group.(see fb pics!) Tried to do an extra ride to the ruins of quilmes with half he group but it was closed due to political tensions with indigenous ppl. Bad windstorm on the way back but it was only 3km so we survived. Will be having llama empanadas tonight and some humitas too.
The next two days will be tough. Hoping to finally get some sleep tonight.