Cycling The Globe

Distance: 76.90 km
Ride time: 5:08:06
Average: 15.0 km/h
Total: 21859 km

The weather forecast promised gale force winds for the beginning of the day, but from the window at the bakery where I was enjoying my breakfast things didn’t seem too crazy.

For a change I would be cycling east and therefore enjoying some tailwind for the first 33 kilometers. I thought I might as well take advantage and see how this Patagonian wind works when it is in your favor.

I have never tried anything like it! On the hills I would easily be rolling up at 35 km/h. As I hit the top of a hill I stopped turning the pedals, felt the bike accelerate by itself, and the next time I looked at my speedometer it showed 52 km/h. Crazy stuff! I was flying past the backpackers trying to hitch hike their way out of town. I bet the wished they had a bicycle as well.

Of course things couldn’t continue like this, and after the quickest 33 km in Cycling The Globe history the road took a sharp turn and speed slowed to the usual 10 km/h. I knew this would be where things got difficult as the wind was now coming from the front and side. It was a real struggle trying to stay on the road, and I was blown into the dirt several times. At least the scenary was beautiful.

Michael, the Danish cycling I met the other day, had told me about a red house where it would be possible to camp behind some trees. As I saw the house I was relieved. A good place to pitch your tent in a storm is not easy to find in Patagonia.