Tropic of Capricorn
Trip Start
Oct 20, 2008
1
33
41
Trip End
Feb 28, 2009
Copiapo,
Chile
Sunday, January 11, 2009
After a maximum of 3 hours sleep I roll out of bed at 5:00 and start packing up. We fix ourselves a cup of tea. We have a 14 hour ride ahead of us today. We decide to take the more scenic route along the Pacific ocean. It is a cold morning with light fog, and as the sun rises over the mountains itīs beams cut through the fog like a strobe light. My skin covered in goose bumps we stop and bundle up. The road curves itīs way around the ocean and we cross the Tropic of Capricorn late in the morning. We pass a golf course made entirely of sand and also a military zone just outside the city of Antofagasta. We stop for gas early in the afternoon and met a Brazilian Rider who is in Chile to watch the Dakkar Rally. I noticed my chain is loose and adjust. We enter the Atacama desert and the heat is incredible. we stop at the BIG HAND in the desert for a few photoīs, the wind whipping over the mountain top trying to knock the bikes over. We push on and continue playing tag with our Brazilian friend. Itīs getting late and we are about 200 kms from Copiapo we decide to stop in Chanaral for the evening. As we pull into town I can hear a loud, rhythmic noise coming from the rear sprocket. We check into a hotel, unload the bikes and eat supper. I will inspect the noise coming from my rear wheel in the daylight tomorrow.
January 10th
My bum aches this morning from sitting all day yesterday. Over breakfast I refer to the owners manual for any possible causes or inspections required to establish the noise coming from the rear sprocket. I was almost convinced it was the bearings but on a close inspection the bearings are fine. I notice once again the chain is loose. How is this possible I just adjusted it yesterday ? I advance the bike and watch the chain, it has worn unevenly and must be replaced. I packed a new chain but didn't have a chance to cut it to the correct length. We head down to the local gas station and tear the bike apart. I watch the bikes and Mike heads to the garage to remove a couple of links. I reinstall the chain and we then converse with 3 more Motorcyclists from Ecuador who are here to see the Dakar Rally as well. As we ride too Copiapo the rocks have strange holes throughout them, we stop to inspect and find they are incredibly soft and no doubt water has given them ghoulish features.We decide to stay in Copiapo for three nights,our goal is to take in the Dakar rally Monday just 10 minutes from town.
January 11th
We have a day off today and decide to change the spark plugs and check the battery electrolyte level in the bikes. Despite the fact that we are in the driest desert in the world we are already thinking and planning for the cold weather in Ushuaia.We are also debating the possibility of getting new tires in Santiago.
Comments
tea?
Given up on the coffee?
FORE....?
I'm dissappointed Moe. You didn't stop for a round of golf.......? I wonder how much the 'brown' fees were there.?
Cool hand in the desert.
Feel like you're on the home stretch yet.?