Chile Road Trip--first few days

Several months ago a friend of mine from LA invited me on a cycling trip to Chile over New Years and early January. At first I had to assess the budget but I could not pass up the opportunity to do the Have Bike Will Travel thing so I pulled the trigger and pulled out the check book. http://www.ecotours.cl/road-cycling-tours/

The trip began in Santiago for a few days and then we flew to the Lake and Volcano district to begin our 9 days of riding. With the exception of Liza, who invited me, I did not know anyone else on this trip so the whole thing would be one of those slightly out of your comfort zone gigs.

After a day in Santiago walking around, sipping coffee, and having dinner in the arts district a good portion of the crew had returned from the Easter Island pertion (I did not go) and we took a day trip to Valparaiso with a stop at a local organic vineyard.

John, Neil, Amy, and Becky sampling the Vino

 After the vineyard we pressed-on toward Valparaiso for a walking tour of this very active port city. Although a bit touristy as we walked amongst the narrow streets on precipitous hills it was fun to walk a bit and have a pleasant lunch with a Cerveza overlooking the ocean.

Lunch with a view

After lunch we continued the tour of the city and even took a Pittsburgh like incline up one of the hills. We were also witness to a local maliente trying to steal a wallet from another tourist but he was caught in the act and took off running!!

Valparaiso Harbor

After Valpo we returned to Santiago and opted for dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in our neighborhood. Well....................the restuarant had French cuisine and although pretty good many of the group had to send the beef back because it was a bit too rare...................

Mote Con Huesillo--a local favorite and Becky's too

We went for a late night cocktail and dessert. The pic above was recommended by our waiter and it is a very popular treat in Chile. It is wheat, dried peaches, and peach syrup...............all of us tried it and it is an acquired taste.

The next day we were off to Temuco and on to Pucon to begin the riding!!