Trans Americas 2009 - The Blog

With a very short day of just 240 miles on straight roads I was determined to have a lie in and a relaxing start. Unfortunately Jim had arranged for an early morning wake-up call for 6am, so that put paid to that idea, although I did snooze until 7am before finally getting up. I did pack very leisurely, though, ditching some of my older t-shirts as I lighten the load ready for the flight home. I then ate a very leisurely breakfast, which was quite hard as there was very little on offer from the buffet, just the usual ham and cheese or toast. By the time I was ready to go it was getting on for 10am, and most of the group had gone. Nigel was having trouble getting his bike to start, as it's developed a fault whereby the onboard computer thinks the engine is already running when it isn't. Jeff soon sorted it out by waggling the wires on the gearbox sensor, though. Just as I was getting ready to leave a cameraman and young woman holding a microphone appeared and spoke to Ozzy Andy, who doesn't speak a word of Spanish and passed them off to Chris, who was sat waiting for the van to leave (Danielle and he are back riding in the van after Julia lent him her bike to get to Ushuaia). Whilst he was being interviewed I left, revving the engine a little more than usual just for the camera....

Riding alone again I easily found my way out of town and back onto Ruta 3, the road still very straight as it cut through yet more mamba country. With a perfectly clear blue sky stretching from horizon to horizon all around, and some good tunes playing in my helmet, I was as happy as Larry (whoever he is!). With an empty road ahead I rode quickly, enjoying the freedom from the oppressive speed-camera obsessed traffic-congested UK. So quickly in fact that after just 160 miles I had to stop for fuel, having used up 23 litres in such a short distance. I put the poor fuel economy down to a strong wind as well as my heavy right wrist... When filled up I popped into the café where Gerald, Tony and Phil were busy tucking into double-egg and chips. Without further ado I ordered a plate and a bottle of water and within minutes was stuffing my face with culinary delight. It's amazing how such a simple meal can be so pleasurable when you've been eating in restaurants for 19 weeks...

Back on the road I continued my rapid pace and before long was heading towards the hills and the final hotel before Buenos Aires. I arrived much earlier than planned, around 1.30pm, having covered the full 240 miles in under 3.5 hours, including a stop for lunch. My room was ready so I unpacked and showered, then did the usual blogging before going outside for a wander when I heard the sound of other bikes arriving.





I joined Ed in the restaurant where he was enjoying a salad and a beer, and we chatted about his collection of classic motorcycles whilst enjoying a beer or two. I did manage to drag myself away to the room briefly to drop my laptop off before returning ready for the final “Gold Star” award ceremony which was to be held before dinner. If you recall, this was introduced by Nigel as a counter to the Prat Hat (which died a death in Futaleufu when it got burnt) and is awarded to any group member who does something “above and beyond”. Nigel as the instigator of the award was master of ceremonies, and having collected in the nominations in a secret ballot proceeded to read them out...





My favourite was the nomination that said the whole group deserved the award for all the little things we've all done for each other that has meant we are the first Trans AM trip to get everyone who started to Ushuaia (albeit with Danielle no longer riding). But as they say there can be only one winner, and (drum roll, please) the winner of the Trans Am 2009 Gold Star Award is....


… Chris – for without a second's consideration offering his bike up to be cannibalised so that Ozzy Andy could once again ride (he used Chris' rear swingarm and front wheel), Pertti could replace his knackered rear shock and Nigel could benefit from a fresh tyre when his was damaged. Whilst I think Chris would much rather his bike had been repaired following his crash, there is no doubt that his generosity helped other riders get to Ushuaia, and so he was a worthy winner.





With the ceremony complete we assembled for dinner, ordering a second bottle of wine to follow the one we'd drunk during the ceremony. The food was excellent, even if I did swap the steak I ordered for Aaron's stir-fried beef as he wasn't keen on it and I love stir-fry. There was also another bottle of wine at some stage, perhaps even 2 more, as I proceeded to continue the tradition that has developed on the trip of drinking way too much the night before a long ride. And with 370 miles into Buenos Aires and an early departure (7.30am) it didn't occur to me to break the tradition. After all, this was the last night before a ride as tomorrow is the last riding day... even the two very large whiskies we had as a nightcap couldn't take away the sense of occasion....