Sunday, February 28, 2010

Mega Degustacion Vendemia Mendoza, Argentina







Ampora Wine Tour, Mendoza, Argentina




















Ride Report #3: Mina Clavero to Mendoza

After an amazing ride from Cordoba into the Sierras I stumbled across the fantastic Andamundos hostel next to the river. It was the first place I stopped in and proved to be a lucky find. By 9pm the place was filling back up with folks from their day adventures and by 11pm we were all gathered around the table to a delicious chicken and veggie dinner, with live music of course.



I really had an amazing time with my new Argy friends and was able to practice my spanish and embarrass myself on the salsa floor. The tempted me to stay with a trip to the swimming holes of the river, but my long time pal was waiting for me in Mendoza.

Unlike the ride form Cordoba to Mina Clavero, this was flat, straight and un pocito aburrido. But the weather was nice and I was enjoying the day.

State line.

I made it to Medoza around 6pm after 5 hours of pinning it to meet my college buddy, Adam, for a beer then a night out of wine tasting.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Ride Report#2: Cordoba to Mina Clavero


I left cloudy Cordoba around 3pm today headed west in search of some alititude. After cruising through a spot of rain I started to climb up gradually sweeping turns through rolling hills of rock and streams.




The higher I rode the better the view until I broke into the dense and cold clouds that provided me with a surprise in every turn.





After a while without a view I seemed to level off on some sort of plateau, and then just as I was about to decend the clouds broke and my best buddy came to say hello. I'm lucky to have not missed such magnificent views.









As I rolled over the western slope of the small range and into the next valley I began to come across farm houses selling sundries including animal pelts. I circled back around and bought a sheep skin for my saddle from this lovely couple.









Just before arriving in Mina Clavero I came across the pits for a rallye race to be held in a few days! Such a treat! I would like to stay to check it out, but need to get on to Mendoza. Once again, while hanging out looking at cars, I met incredibly kind and inquisitive folks asking about my trip. I very much welcome a chance to practice my espanol and chat with the locals.





After a day like today, every grain of doubt, worry, insecurity or aprehension that I was feeling in BA was washed away by a massive wave of exhilaration! This is what I came here to do!