Uruguayan urges

I’ve been riding for a year and a half and I don’t know how this trip will end just yet. Around the time I was in Quito (Ecuador) I became interested in riding Africa after South America. The logistics appealed to me at the time but after some consideration I figure I can maximize my travel utility by staying in South America. The extra time here will allow me to explore Uruguay, Brasil, and Paraguay, then return to Bolivia for one last ride of the altiplano. I should be back in Argentina for the holidays and to take in the 2012 Dakar before heading back to the states. Well at least that’s the plan today.

So on to Uruguay. I forgo the expensive ferry ride across the bay and take the longer land route which takes me up rutas 12 and 14, infamous hunting grounds for police looking for bribes. No police encounters today in spite of my attempts to draw them out by riding well above the posted limit. I meet a sport bike rider at a fuel stop who can’t believe I rode my bike here from the states and insists on riding with me. He hangs with me for a while and finally turns off as I make the last turn for the border. I get stamped out of Argentina and get a little reminiscent as I leave my home away from home in South America.

The twisty pavement cuts through the Uruguayan farmland like a hot knife in butter and I roll into Montevideo after what seems like an effortless riding day. I find accommodations in la Ciudad Vieja at the Green Hostal, a comfortable place to chill and soak up the old city vibe. My parts stash needs to be replenished so Montevideo will be an extended stay as I wait on a package from the states. Some of the guys working at the hostal are moonlighting in a band and I enjoy passing the days in the backdrop of music they create. Again, I am humbled by the great people I meet and it’s tough to leave but I need to get north.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *