tHE BiKEs From Bra Zil - part 4

Day Halfway (50) was a very short 150km. For the first time in a while the road leaving Salta was relentlessly winding and climbing and narrow, unluckily for the newly washed bikes and the rider enjoyment it was raining heavily and very misty so being able to see anything was a real challenge. A servo stop to dry out and have a coffee, then it was via some quickly drying and very picturesque country complete with cacti onto the destination – Purmamarca, or Permanent Marker for those of us who struggled with the Spanish town names.

A picnic lunch out of the truck at one of the tour’s best hotels so far, Los Colorados Cabañas Boutique, and JC asked if we’d like to take a ride up toward the Chilean border to get some nice views. A warning was given – the top was at 4200m so well into thin air, but this didn’t put many off. When I later said that this was one of the best rides of my life I wasn’t joking, it had the trifecta of incredible scenery, a first class and amazing winding road, and perfect weather.

Near the top looking down over a truck drama on the corner

Back down to collectively rave about the afternoon, a wander into town to get the essentials of beer, wine, and giant empanadas to take uninvited onto Rex and Sally’s huge balcony saw out the day. Several trips back to the room to pile on more clothing gave us a taste of the sudden climate change we’d experienced in 150km, and the gasping for air climbing back to the hotel from the town gave us a taste of what we could expect in the coming weeks in the high country. But we were heading into a region that hosts some of the most spectacular sights and the days of long straight roads was mainly complete.

Afternoon’s ride plan

Sun sets early in Purmamarca

The next day, the first of the second half of the trip, 51 in case that wasn’t clear, we left the Argentinian comfort zone and crossed into a new one for us – Bolivia. But you’ll have to wait until August to hear about that.

THE 14th ANNUAL MAGGIE BISCUIT RIDE

Storm King Dam

Near Stanthorpe

SUNDAY AUGUST 6th 10.30 am

PETER TODD IS ONCE AGAIN, WITH MAGGIE, ORGANISING THIS ICONIC EVENT. SOME ATTENDEE’S WILL STAY IN STANTHORPE ON THE SATURDAY NIGHT AND ENJOY A GROUP DINNER AT OMARA’S HOTEL (7pm). OTHERS WILL COME DOWN JUST FOR THE DAY. IF YOU ARE GOING TO STAY ON SATURDAY NIGHT, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO BOOK SOME ACCOMMODATION EARLY AS STANTHORPE IS VERY BUSY THAT TIME OF YEAR. JOIN IN THE BISCUIT FEAST AT STORM KING DAM ON THE SUNDAY MORNING. YOU ONLY NEED TO BRING YOUR CUP, SPOON AND SOME HOT WATER. THIS EVENT IS ALWAYS VERY WELL ATTENDED. DONT MISS IT.

sErviCE daY piCs

JULY 2023

The June Service Day at Rob Wynne’s workshop at Jimboomba was well attended by all accounts with President Tony reporting that some new faces (and BBQ chefs) were in attendance and some actual work on bikes was also carried out amongst the chin-wagging. There is a screwdriver which was left at the previous Service Day if it is yours send Tony a message.