La Quiaca 30-3-12

Made it to the Bolivian border.  Chilling out tonight and crossing tomorrow.  Definitely up on the antiplano, went up over 3800 metres today, that's about 2 miles for those that don't speak metric, and the bike doesn't like the altitude.  Nor do I to be honest, still getting used to it.
Passed the Tropic of Capricorn this morning.
A proper blog post is due soon from Bolivia.

Tucuman, 29-3-12

Second night in Tucuman.  Had to get some work done on the bike so not exactly a rest day.  I noticed that the back end was wobbling, particularly at low speeds.  Giving it the once over, there were cracks appearing around the knobbly bits on the back tyre so I stopped for the day to get a new one.
Turns out my rear wheel bearings were on the way out as well.  Got a new set of Pirelli Scorpions, the bearings replaced and fresh oil and filter.  Getting the bike ready for Bolivia.
Not exactly a rest day so no real blogging, that will have to wait for a few days, I have some miles to do.

La Rioja, 27-3-12

So, a somewhat wonderful weekend in Cordoba with some former colleagues and a few more pictures.  Heading to Bolivia as quickly as I can and some proper blogging next rest day.

 

San Luis

A bolt had worked loose from my cylinder head.  Five minutes, the hole is plugged, job's a good 'un.  Cordoba tomorrow.  Might fill the time doing some laundry.

Bugger. San Luis, 22/3/12

I knew it was a bad idea before I set off. I needed to do a bit of routine maintenance and the bloke at the parking lot was a tad enthusiastic, going through my tools and everything in my panniers and I wanted to get out of there quickly. I checked the oil level with the engine cold and topped it up.

No problems for most of the day but 40km from San Luis, I stopped for a smoke and noticed a puddle of oil under the bike.

I hope it's just something to do with overfilling it; and I do have a complete set of gaskets with me. The mechanic said “manyana” so I'm going back up there tomorrow to see what they can do. Hopefully not stuck again, three weeks in Santiago was too much.

Back on the road. Mendoza 20-3-12

Bike fixed and back on the road.  More blogging next rest day.

In the meantime some pictures.

Santiago 11-3-12

Still stuck in Santiago. I've been here about 10 days now. The rear shock finally gave up the ghost and I'm waiting for a new one to arrive. It's on the right side of the Atlantic now but will still be a few days.

I've been spending the time getting bits and pieces done. I've sent a load of stuff home and had some stuff sent out. I'm now well acquainted with customs and shipping procedures.

Santiago is a nice enough place, there's not a great deal to do and the place closes up at weekends but the weather has been great and the people friendly enough. I even got to see Roger Waters last weekend but things are much more fun with the bike. I'm pretty much crippled without it and I am carrying far too much stuff for backpacking.

Here's to a speedy UPS delivery.