Those who have been following my blogs for a while know that I always made my previous trips alone. It was a natural instinct for me, that sense of independence. Every decision was mine to make, moment to moment. It was my responsibility to confront or overcome any challenge that arose. In solitude, undisturbed. Yet, I did find great joy in encountering other cyclists on my travels, sometimes even riding together for a while, but ultimately, I always ventured on alone with myself. Just me and my bike, Wilson. 

 Hera & Paul
 Santos Travelmaster 2.6 & Santos Cross Lite

Over 900km of asphalt, sand and gravel has passed under my wheels since I wrote the previous blog. That was in Chos Malal, where on the evening before departure Paul and I decided to leave Ruta 40 and explore the “ruta provincial". These roads are generally unpaved and their condition is a surprise at every turn.

 Hera & Paul
 Santos Travelmaster 2.6 & Santos Cross Lite

Ruta 40 is the road we were looking forward to. The road that will lead us south along the foothills (and sometimes over the ankles) of the Andes. The road we could follow from Mendoza. At 5224km, it is one of the longest roads in the world. It crosses Argentina from the northern border with Bolivia to Tierra del Fuego. We expect to bike roughly half of its entire length. Here you can see the part we covered in the past two weeks.

 Hera & Paul
 Santos Travelmaster 2.6 & Santos Cross Lite

This past year has been pretty different for most and difficult for some because of Covid. But, the bicycle industry is BOOMING and I see roadbikes and mountainbikes flying by on the road and dirtpath past my tiny cabin all the time. I envy them! I'm not riding by far as much as I'd want to. Wonder why?

 Hera van Willick
 Santos Travelmaster 3⁺