BMW Motorad Sponsored "GS Trophy Qualifier" 2013

A day spent at the BMW Motorad sponsored "GS Trophy Qualifier" near Santiago, Chile.

Winter Ride To Tongoy, Chile

It's been over fifty years since I experienced a winter here in Chile. The last time I can remember a winter here, I was nine years old. Living in western New York State, the last thing one imagines is being able to ride ones motorcycle the entire winter. Here in Chile it's possible, as can witnessed by the pictures I took a couple of weeks ago on a motorcycle trip to the seaside town of Tongoy a few hours north of Santiago.

The decision has been made. Soon to be in a driveway near me! The new water cooled BMW R1200GS.

Jan. 23, 2013

The trip to the Kunstman Brewery in Valdivia, Chile was a total success. Luis and I left Santiago on Wednesday and headed to his Mother's house in Concepcion. About a six hour trip. On Thursday I was invited to his Mother's for lunch before leaving for his Brother's house in Los Angeles. About a four hour trip. The route we took to Los Angeles was very scenic as it bordered the river. On Friday we headed south to Valdivia with two of Luis' brothers, a trip of about six hours. Saturday afternoon we went to the "Bier Fest" which turned out to be a non event unfortunately. We arrived about six in the afternoon and most attractions were closed until 8:00pm. There was a small classic car show so we took that in, then headed downtown for diner. On Sunday we took a bike ride along the river and then a Ferry to the very quaint town of Corral on the far side of the river before returning to the Cabins for a cookout. Monday, around noon we headed to the Kunstman Brewery for a very enjoyable lunch before starting the long trip back towards Santiago arriving on Tuesday.

Fri. Jan. 18, 2013

Mix the Chilean desert with a bit of wine, music and  song, friends and a Chilean cookout under the stars, and what do you get? A week end at the world famous Dakar Race watching the motorcycles, dune buggies, Hummers, Rally Cars and of course the enormous trucks race by as the ground shakes beneath your feet. Click HERE to see some of the sights. (slideshow button, upper right hand side of that page)

A cookout at Guillemo's house

Some of the locals there

Sorry for the delay in posting any updates, but I really haven't had a lot to report. I've been running back and forth from Rancagua to Santiago a lot, a trip of about an hour one way. Went to a beer fest a couple of days ago and have the "T" shirt to prove it, but up to now that's it. Now, this Friday I've been invited by my good friend Martin to join him his wife and about six other friends of his to go watch the Dakar Race. We plan to camp out in tents along the race course at leats one night, and a big Chilean style cookout is planned for one of the nights. Should be a good time with that large a group. Hopefully I can get some great pictures of the race. The following week January 24 to 28, my good friend Luis and his wife have invited me to join them on a motorcycle trip to the Kuntzman Brewery in Valdivia, Chile via a side trip to Concepcion, Chile then Los Angeles, Chile and ending up in Valdivia for the Beerfest. My "Brother" Guillermo and his wife had planned to go on this trip, but due to work commitments that was not possible. Stay tuned, more to come.