Oh boy, let me tell you about this incredible adventure I had! 

Picture this: six countries, five months, and five days of pure excitement. From mountains to wind, cold to rain, sand to traffic, I experienced it all. But you know what? The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. And the best part? The people I encountered along the way were simply wonderful. 

Let’s start with Colombia, our warmest country. Green mountains as far as the eye can see, waterfalls, and rivers that will leave you speechless. And the climbing? Oh boy, the climbing was something else. I remember this one climb, a whopping 76 kilometers long! Every day was filled with so many “wows.” And let’s not forget about the vibrant cities of Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota, and Manizales. The mountain bike riders there were incredibly friendly. 

Next up, Ecuador. The Equator, the center of the world, and Quito’s green jungles. It was all so fascinating. Although I have to admit, leaving Quito on the coldest day of the entire journey was quite a challenge. 

Now, Peru. This country is a land of contrasts. From the breathtaking beauty of places like Machu Picchu, Cusco, Ica Oasis, Arequipa, and Lima, to the endless days of riding through huge sand dunes and the lovely coast, Peru had it all. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were areas of poverty, garbage on the roads, and dangerous traffic that made me a bit uneasy. Dust and blowing sand were a constant companion. 

But then came Bolivia, and it exceeded all my expectations. Lake Titicaca was absolutely outstanding, and the women in their traditional clothes added another layer of beauty to the landscape. The massive city of La Paz, the canyons, the high mountains, and of course, the llamas and sheep. And let’s not forget about the incredible joy of riding on the Hugh salt flats. Yes, you read that right, the flats were made of salt! 

Now, Argentina. This country is simply breathtaking. The large, beautiful mountains and national parks, the blue lakes, the glaciers, and the guanacos. But I have to be honest, I ran into some money problems due to the exchange rates and the infamous “dollar blue.” The banks wouldn’t give me any cash from the ATMs. And let’s not forget about the wind, oh the dangerous wind. But as we ventured further, the landscapes became even more stunning, especially as we approached Ushuaia. And the food? Well, let’s just say the wine, large steaks, and affordable cost of living made every meal a delight. Oh, and riding on highway 40, the longest road, was truly something special. 

Chile, my friend, is a modern and beautiful country. Although the weather wasn’t always on my side, with constant rain, cold, and cloudy skies that hid the mountain tops in Patagonia, the abundance of water in the form of rivers and lakes was simply mesmerizing. Santiago, the capital, left a lasting impression with its impressive bike paths. And the pretty towns with their flower-filled yards, and poppies growing in the ditches, added a touch of charm. The seaside towns along the Pacific may not have been well developed, but the cities nestled in the mountains and the inland coastal cities were definitely worth exploring. And let me tell you, the Austral Highway Seven was absolutely outstanding. 

I have so many incredible memories from this journey that I can’t even begin to list them all. I had the privilege of great company with my team and friends, but I also faced some tough times on my own, battling through bad weather. But you know what? I would do it all again in a heartbeat.