In conclusion Mendoza to El Calafate Bike Dream

Why do a group of people put themselves through such a tough trial. Tough both physically and mentally. Answers for myself but each will have their own reasons
– It is the best way to experience the wonders of the Andes range. Moving from rain shadow desert to lush alpine lakes and to the desert wastes of southern Pategonia. Even with the rigors of wind and rough unpaved roads a bicycle allows clear views and the ability to stop to photograph at will. Even to drift another 20m to get a better angle.
– I am a lucky man to have been fit enough to share the experiences with my daughter and that she would want to travel with me. We both cared for each other in a relaxed way and did our own thing. Only one spit of the dummy from me. We shared the laughs, the winds so strong our bikes were blown away from us even whilst walking, the dinners each day, camping and the parties before each rest day and the friendships made in the group.
– a test of mental strength to keep going when the conditions say otherwise. Riding in the rain on unpaved roads when the mud glues up he whole bike. Gale force winds that literally come from nowhere and blow the bike from under on unpaved and right across the road on paved. Either no shower or a freezing one at the end of the day.
– a greater appreciation of the simple pleasures of life. Hot showers, a toilet seat to sit on, sharing experiences with the other riders and crew over dinner at days end.
– learning that as the body ages recovery takes longer. Over the last 9 day stretch without a rest day, stringing more than two full riding days together was almost impossible. In 9 days 5 full days and 4 half days to recover. Those under 40 were able to work hard every day. Peter the race leader had ridden the complete day every day for 96 riding days from Quitto to El Calafate.
– learning new riding skills. On the first day of unpaved I fell off 4 times the next twice. Max speed 20k. At the end 45 to 50k downhill and 35k on the flat. Able to handle corrugations large pebbles soft sand changing tracks at speed, reading the road, taking e high line on bends. Thanks Philippe and Anna for the tips.
– the routine of camping, breaking and making camp every day even when tired.
– no time to think about anything apart from the road, the bike, the scenery dinner, is there more unexpected paved road, rather than the endless vibration of corrugated unpaved, will there be a hot shower, a toilet?
– being positive no matter what happens
– riding with a 50 to 60 k wind on the back, standing on the peddles and flying. On one piece of new road not open to traffic to use the whole road at will in these conditions was thrilling.
– meeting the great fellow riders and admiring those who had ridden the whole distance. Something I don’t believe I could have done.
– and finally thanks to the Bike Dreams crew who made it all possible. Didier who drove the lunch truck and made lunch every day and rescued us when the conditions were too tough for us to get in on time. Wilbert & Rob who organized the whole expedition and were there on their bikes checking for stragglers. Philippe who kept the bike together and who helped me organize a new rear wheel bearing on his rest day. And Derik who was supposed to be riding but changed to drive the truck when they were a driver short. And finally Ellen and Edson who bought al the provisions and every day produced great filling meals so we were ready with enough energy for the next day. . The team helped me achieve one of the hardest things I have experienced.