The Final Leg

The first day of riding and 300 plus miles under my belt has helped wash away the blues that lingered after leaving the family and comforts of Richmond behind. Hot sunny weather in Richmond was matched by the same conditions on arrival in Montevideo, though this shot of early spring heat is about to take a 20-30F drop in the next day or two, but it looks to be mostly dry.

United Airlines with a short hop on Austral Air to complete the journey ferried me to Montevideo, arriving early afternoon on Wednesday. The flights were all punctual and the rear tire I carried over also appeared on the luggage belt, much to my delight. After unpacking I headed to a local restaurant, a carafe of wine and a decent meal that tasted better than it looked. Sleep came easily (as it usually does for me).

     

Thursday rolled around and I headed off to Willi's Motos where the bike had been stored. Already pulled from the store, was in the workshop ready for an oil change and the rear tire to be fitted.

Willi, the owner of the repair shop was a Uruguayan motocross and endure champion back in the day and has travelled widely on the continent on two wheels. He gave me a few tips on where to go once I am in the Patagonia region. Nice guy and very knowledgeable.

As I mentioned the last time I was in the shop with his son Kevin, Willi has a range of antique motorcycles in his shop. Following complaints from some quarters in Connecticut that I didn't post enough photos here are a few more!

 

And El Burro ready for the open road

The journey to Fin del Mundo commenced today, Friday 27th September with a jaunt back towards Fray Bentos, though on a more northerly route, via the nice town of San Juan. A pleasant ride through undulating countryside that eventually brings you into the town of Merecedes, where the video kicks off. Once through the immigration and customs formalities the impressive bridge over the Rio Uruguay lands one in Argentina. A few miles beyond is a National Police inspection area that must be every truck driver's nightmare.

After 25 miles the road turns south onto a well maintained divided highway. It was a little surprising to see a gaucho on his horse trotting along in the median. Not something one will see on Interstate 95 or the M25! Nearing the town of Zarate, home for the night, the highway crosses two rivers with quite impressive bridges. A railroad bridge runs along the side of both (with quite steep gradients). As I crossed the first bridge a train was heading over in the opposite direction, it made for interesting viewing. The second bridge gives a good view of the town of Zarate, where the Kin Hotel is doing me quite nicely!

Thanks for coming back and checking in on the final leg of the adventure.

Cheers. T2.