An unexpected visit(or)

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

We were lucky with the first 100km. The road surface consisted of solid earth and gravel. Unfortunately, the dust and stones flew around us as each car passed. Whether they drove around us with a wide curve or almost knocked our socks off differed from driver to driver. The familiar spray of sand and gravel on the inner roads remains incomprehensible to me. As does the honking. Whether passing from in front or behind, some drivers find it necessary to honk. Often it seems to be their mode of greeting. In some cases, it expresses displeasure at our presence in the lane. Either way, it freaks us out every time! Especially trucks with their deafening horns often sound them exactly at the moment of overtaking (clearly out of envy). During peak hours on the road, I imagine how I would lash out at these drivers in Spanish and make it clear to them that WE CYCLISTS HAVE JUST AS MUCH RIGHT TO A PLACE ON THE ROAD AS THEY DO! If I only had the chance….

Read their full story here.