Seven Lakes

The weather forecast for Wednesday was good, no wind and lots of sun and so it proved. Having missed out on Ruta 40 to the north on Monday because of the snow I decided to take advantage of a nice spring day and take a loop ride of 150 miles, including a section of the areas 'Seven Lakes Tour' along Ruta 40. I retraced my path north on RN237 for about 30 miles before turning west on provincial road RP65.

RP65 is an unmade road that runs for 40 miles, passing through Villa Traful at the 22 mile point. The road was in good condition to the village, after which the road became slick in places from the melting snow fall from Monday. Graders are a necessary tool to maintain unmade roads, filling in the potholes and smoothing out washboard that develops. However, on two wheels a freshly graded road makes the surface less predictable with loose material and sometimes 1-2 foot ridges of dirt on the center line while they work. It briefly added to the challenge today. Ruta 40 for the 80 miles back to town on perfect blacktop.

No need for a compass in these parts, just check out the trees; branches point east.

It was a cracking day for a ride, cold with temperatures only rising to the mid 40's F. I used my heated jacket and gloves having hauled them this far, so no issue for me.

The high point for the day, plenty of snow still around but it had been well plowed.

At one of the viewpoints I bumped into  a group of ladies on a cycling tour. They were interested in the bike and asked to take pictures. I suggested they climb aboard for a photo, which a few did. A few moments of minor celebrity as they asked about my journey! We had a nice chat before they peddled off.

Today the journey continues south to Esquel, unfortunately it is a bit wet, which had not been predicted. Tarmac all the way though, with a gravel option after El Bolson if the weather improves.

Cheers. T2