We set out again as a group, hands firmly grasping accelerators, to make good time in reaching the bridge over Rio Malleo. This distinctive bridge with its wooden base is nothing short of spectacular to cross by motorcycle. The road that opens up before our eyes is a vibrant burst of colour: the reddish earth, looking almost like the surface of the moon, clashes with the light blue of the river flowing to one side, sketching out a series of clear curves. It’s easy to get distracted by such a spectacular road, which can lead to mistakes in riding. At lunch in the town of Alumine, we have a chance to try the famous dish of “pasta patagonica”. Before we set off again, we learn something about the area’s unique characteristics thanks to a motorcycle mechanic in the town, who speaks with words rich in dignity. We reach the shores of Pulmari Lake in the early afternoon, with our collective jaws dropping as we arrive at what is to be one of the most idyllic locations on our journey: Hosteria Piedra Pintada. A recent construction of wood and stone, it sits on a lonely shore of the lake with its rooms offering a far-reaching view of the surrounding landscape. The hotel is extremely isolated, as demonstrated by the fact that its power comes almost exclusively from solar energy and from a secondary generator which is fired up only in the late afternoon. Dinner is served in a wooden structure separate from the hotel, giving us the chance to try the famous “cordero patagonico”, an intensely flavourful flame-cooked local lamb dish. The memories of that evening, and the conversation flowing around that table, remain clear in all of our minds: travellers’ tales, tips and tricks for riding, past stories and experiences. By now, our little group is really starting to feel like a united team sharing in a unique experience. We all understand that we are here for a reason, and each of us believes so strongly in the spirit of the brand we represent that we feel almost like an integral part of it. DAY 7 We leave the shore of Pulmari Lake in the morning without a backwards glance, riding along what will be the final stretch of dirt road on our journey. Our tyres are forced to tackle a new type of terrain: sandier than usual, with deep, pronounced furrows. A road that might have raised apprehension in some of us on earlier days is now second nature to us, standing up on the footpegs of our motorcycles to ride. A stop at the beach by Alumine Lake gives us one last chance to have fun together, before we undertake the final kilometres of our trip to reach the village of Villa Pehuenia, our last stop before the city of Zapala. The road has a final series of surprises in store for us, with a parade of unlikely passers-by: a flock of sheep crossing unexpectedly, a number of farmers on horseback who hold their reins up in greeting, and a procession of ox-drawn carts. DAY 8 The straight road connecting Zapala to Neuquén is almost two hundred kilometres long. We set a steady pace, slowing promptly only when we come to the numerous checkpoints set up by the police, signalled by a series of yellow stripes perpendicular to the road. Our arrival in Neuquén means it’s time to say a final, rather emotional farewell to the motorcycles. Each of us has their own personal, internal way of giving thanks to the vehicle, a blend of spirit and mechanics, that brought them safely to the final day of the journey. Our connection to the San Martin de Los Andes airport, where our return flight to Buenos Aires leaves from, is the final stretch of the journey we will all take together as a group. As we each return to our own countries, every motorcycle we see on the roads — covered in dust, top cases in place — will remind us of this faraway land and the sense of freedom that nothing but a motorcycle tour can bring. AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE HARD TEST IN PATAGONIA, THE TREKKER OUTBACK CASES WERE MADE AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET DOPO AVER SUPERATO CON SUCCESSO L’HARD TEST IN PATAGONIA, LE TREKKER OUTBACK SONO STATE RESE DISPONIBILI SUL MERCATO. 12 Turismo
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