The Carretera Austral Highway // CyclingAbout The Americas (EP.2)

[@justincarlton4807]

Your videos inspire me to do more bike touring 🚵👍

[@Cyclingabout]

Get out there and enjoy this wonderful world! 😎

[@patrickmcdonald6340]

Very enticing video, seems like you have a film crew with you. Good work!

[@Cyclingabout]

How good would that be!? I could then spend more time riding and exploring. 😎

[@denisemartel3352]

I ride a tricycle. Not for me .

[@ManLulupaloop]

amazing ride, you've always brought me to a place where I can see only in my dreams.

[@agmartin2127]

My wife and I, age 56 and 58 respectively at the time, did that 5 mile hike-a-bike, north to south in 2018. Not that bad going south, or so I thought, at the time. Funny story in Villa O'Higgins... our Spanish was not so good, and we found a super nice real deal resort hotel for 60.00 USD a night... or so we thought. A 5 star resort, so yeah, we stayed since the ferry was 3 days delayed (vs. damp tents in the rain like all the other cyclist we had met along the way). So we basked in luxury for 3 nights... wining, dining, all smiles at our find, hot showers, a super nice bed, etc. We went to check out and discovered we somehow misread the rate / exchange rate, etc... $60 a night? Nope. $320.00 a night, yep! Luckily we could absorb it, and they worked with us and we settled somewhere in between. I will say, it was very nice and 100% worth it at that point in the long trip!!

[@jameshoey303]

Wow thanks for share....amazing places

[@petesig93]

Great adventure! The amazing thing is that a young Dutch (?) family (two adults with two kids of about 5 and 8 each on their own bikes) rode/walked along that rough trail to Villa O'Higgins. Really quite amazing that they were touring South America, let alone that track!

[@Cyclingabout]

There are two sections of trail - I'd be impressed if the Dutch family got their bikes and kids across the section you saw me struggling in! The other trail is very easy in comparison.

[@Jace_Roams]

The arms up and loud sound got the job done on my trip down the Pacific Coast, when I was going through the farmlands. Great videos. Thanks for sharing your bike trip. Looking forward to more!

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm hoping the method works all the way up the USA! I'll report back if it fails. 😂

[@Jace_Roams]

HAHA if all else fails, throw Clif bars to distract them! If you haven't ridden up the Oregon coast, you're in for a beautiful treat! Some great hiker/biker sites at the state parks and free warm showers!

[@Cyclingabout]

Can't wait for that section!

[@hoser7706]

Incredible footage all round. But WTF a swimming rabbit? Any flying bears? Perhaps a singing unicorn or two?

[@iann23]

About 10-15 years ago there was a guy who had horses that would help carry all your kit (except bike of course) across that awful border bit between El Chalten and Villa O'HIggins. It made it a lot easier. He did it for a few months every year, I guess he isn't there anymore.

[@Cyclingabout]

It probably isn't worth it for him anymore as you can just use the ferries now. 👍🏻

[@Andy-sj2dv]

Did you see the little insect/ant struggling to get into the picture at 7.12 ? Awesome scenery !!

[@positiivi_teme]

That was so nice contrast with the mountain in the background. 😁

[@janealexander6058]

Your video is getting me very excited for our trip. My husband and I will be traveling on our Salsa Powderkeg tandem on this very route. Leaving in 4 weeks.

[@Cyclingabout]

Have a great time!

[@raffyregahal7667]

Amaizing

[@bikereduardherak8590]

Super dobrodružný biker super video hodně šťastných kilometru 🚴‍♂️👍👍👍🍀🍀🍀💚💚💚😀

[@lifeat10mph7]

One word Beautiful As far as aggressive dogs go, look straight at them and with a firm voice said Summa. In most cases the dog will back down and in some cases will want too become your new best friend. And it works on dog no matter the dogs “native” language.

[@jimsolan3767]

Hi CyclingAbout. Great video. Thanks for sharing. The hike-a-bike section you showed looks awful. Can you remember if it was in the Northern or Southern half? I only have time to ride Puerto Montt to Coyhaique, and am hoping all the Northern half is paved. Thanks in advance.

[@argonk]

I personally enjoyed the southern section of the Carretera Austral more! It feels more remote and the ripio (the harsh, corrugated and dusty gravel road) is its soul. Everyone says hi in that section, including car drivers. The northern, mostly paved section, is still beautiful, but you feel almost in a normal place. Unfortunately, however, within a few years the whole distance is gonna be paved. Happy I did it a month ago.

[@d.kennedy7627]

Absolutely stunning!

[@andyzootie]

so stunning...need to put this on my list now

[@Cyclingabout]

Yes, you most definitely do.

[@MatthewBayard]

Big love from Melbourne. Makes me want to get off the couch and go riding somewhere.

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm missing Melbourne!

[@christopherseba5191]

Awesome videos, in my next chapter of life i would like to get into this and have no idea where to begin looking forward to more of you tour!

[@Cyclingabout]

On CyclingAbout.com 😎

[@mcbull5000]

So excited to see more. Keep riding!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! I've got no idea where the next video will end up. 😂

[@janikari]

Awesome video, really enjoyed watching that. So true what you said about every ride will have its hard bits. But at the end of it, it's always worth the effort.

[@Cyclingabout]

If it wasn't - we wouldn't get back on the bike!

[@atf195]

Great! Keep cycling and keep posting, please.

[@Cyclingabout]

I should be able to manage one video per month. 😎

[@wizrdlizrd8805]

Dude, your song selection is "off the charts" ;)

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm glad you think so! Everybody else complains about my music selection but I make these videos so I can enjoy them too, and that means picking the music I like. 🤘🏼

[@wizrdlizrd8805]

@@Cyclingabout it blows my mind that people would complain about such good stuff, but I guess we just have similar taste 🤘

[@FernandoAlegre-z6v]

O ciclismo de expedição em Portugal é algo desconhecido. Quando viajo com a minha Worltravel Koga, as pessoas do meu país ficam algo confusas. De onde vem, para onde vai. Explicar que vou para Espanha ou Suíça, simplesmente não acreditam, e ainda menos se eu fizer uma turnê mundial. É um estilo de vida diferente e desafiador.

[@gr8cornholio1]

Awesome video! I just subscribed. Am wondering how do you get food when your out in the middle of no where and what do you eat?

[@francoandreidearaujo8020]

Hello Bro, Your videos are awesome, thanks for sharing! Hugs from Spain

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the support, Franco!

[@oscarejdonovan]

Really nicely shot. Looking forward to the rest of the series

[@Cyclingabout]

Gracias!

[@wildanimals2438]

2012 I was surrounded by 5 dogs in Thailand in the forest. Took me about half an hour to escape them haha. Thanks for your tip! Can be soo scary!

[@bush-radler7326]

Great...looking forward to see more such nice videos... greetings from Barcelona Michael

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Michael!

[@lucky5609]

The dog scene was epic.

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm lucky I had enough time to turn the camera on. 😎

[@TheCossak]

Wow 😍

[@illia_krm]

I had a somewhat similar problem as with your matt. I had punctured my inner tube 3 times before I removed a single sand particle out of my tire. Great videos though.

[@sawomirsliwicki5373]

Fantastic! Here, where I am leaving, temperature is -15 C degrees... Oh I'd love so much to jump on my bike go somewhere. Your film is quite nice substitution. Thx. :)

[@Cyclingabout]

You're welcome, and I hope you can get outside on your bike soon!

[@christofs-a1834]

Look at those pins!!

[@Cyclingabout]

😎

[@RKuit]

I wonder if we crossed tracks!? I rode north to south leaving Puerto Montt mid November, arriving in O'Higgins mid Dec and then I spent 4 weeks in a cabin at Lago del deserto just north of El Chalten. I'm still dreaming of being back there right now!

[@Cyclingabout]

Possibly! Based on my EP.1 video upload time I left El Chalten on the 19th of January.

[@loopylelama]

Nice landscape, I wish to go back there one day. Keep up the nice videos :) It looks like the Koga is handling well those dirty roads.

[@Cyclingabout]

The Koga is great!

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Dog tip. Once i got off my bike because a dog was going yampy, as soon as i did, the dog thought the bike monster had disappeared and was friendly but confused. As soon as i got back on, it went mental... Go figure 😮

[@vukotaninkovic4328]

Amazing. Can you tell me which camera u use it for filming?

[@illiamanushyn4020]

Hey it wasn't so complicated from El Chanten to Villa O Higgins

[@Cyclingabout]

Good to hear. I hope you caught the ferry around the second lake!

[@thevitalityproject]

Good problem solving analysis at 6:25 ;)

[@Cyclingabout]

I would never have guessed that the road would puncture my mat!

[@jolive3743]

have you tried Barking at Dogs before they Bark at you? It doesn't work btw but it feels like a moral victory

[@mrbicycle7735]

Hell yeah. ..

[@Cyclingabout]

👊

[@saadkamil471]

You could post a hardware purchase site on Amazon

[@keraptisblackrazor2658]

Lol, first image, and I'm, "oh man what am i doing here."

[@gregcounts3106]

Great video!

[@Cyclingabout]

Gracias!

[@bugijam]

WOW!❤️

[@gregknipe8772]

I want to know the brand paniers you are using,

[@lifeat10mph7]

The best way to deter dogs is first stop or slow your pedalling, that is the never ending bouncing ball to them. Second look straight into their eyes and with a firm voice say SUMMA, this works no matter what the dogs native language. Third, don't be surprised if the dog wants to become your new best friend.

[@zawawiyahya1512]

Great

[@Cyclingabout]

Gracias. 😎

[@batbawls]

7:34 Andean condor. EIGHT to TEN FOOT wingspan on that bird. I would imagine that's why you filmed it. It probably looked gigantic.

[@Cyclingabout]

They're super cool!

[@p1dru2art]

What do you call those handlebars

[@behrensf84]

So, how do you do with the video music? Do you have to license it?

[@swnorcraft7971]

Do you carry alcohol in your Kovea red bottle? If so, do you like it? Does it leak? Do you recommend it? Thanks for sharing.

[@Cyclingabout]

It's full of petrol/gasoline. I like it. It doesn't leak. I recommend it.

[@naisdnb]

Vegan power! Let's goooo

[@jamessheufelt1730]

We’re those paved sections on the Carretera Austral? I don’t remember any pavement except on bridges when I rode it in 95.

[@jamessheufelt1730]

Only saw a few cars the whole time as well.

[@Cyclingabout]

It's paved in the northern section these days.

[@gennarocamper]

Can you please tell me what the handlebars of your bike are called or where can I get one for my Koga? Thank you very much, best regards Gennaro

[@Cyclingabout]

It's the Velo Orange Crazy Bar.

[@Nick.Pelletier]

What do you use for audio recording during a trek to keep it so clear and not have wind interference?

[@RealSpaceHobo]

Good to see ya back on the road, mate - awesome footage, top end.....couple of Q's: - What happened to the missus? - How much did the Koga set you back? - Could you give us some feedback on the Koga performance along the way? Keep em coming, mate and stay safe!.....:-)

[@Cyclingabout]

1. We grew apart and wanted different things in life. 2. I am an ambassador for Koga and got this bike to test for the next two years. 3. I'll talk about the bike, for sure! I'm trying not to make my videos look like a big commercial. 😂

[@RealSpaceHobo]

CyclingAbout Sorry to hear about the growing apart thing. But concerning Koga.....bring it on....awesome footage, awesome bike...☺☺☺

[@Cyclingabout]

All good, that was three years ago now! I'll see what I can do with the Koga. 😎

[@ActualGenius]

10/10

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!

[@DHminaclavero]

the animal at the end is a Mara, some call it a Patagonian hare

[@Cyclingabout]

nacho goldchmidt Do you know if it's common from them to go swimming? This little dude went for a two minute dip while I was eating breakfast, I was hoping it'd be an otter when it jumped out of the water.

[@svenlima]

Against four and two legged dogs that are about to harm me, I have a shortened fibreglass horsewhip fixed at the down tube - just in case ...

[@allanmacbadger5692]

Its not a rabbit that was swimming its more likely to be a hare, they are known to swim.

[@ManLulupaloop]

Hi Sir, your handle bar is pretty good, what type is that? 😄

[@Cyclingabout]

Velo Orange Crazy Bar, but currently using KOGA Denham Bars

[@ManLulupaloop]

@@Cyclingabout wow! thank you, hope we have that here in the Philippines

[@TulaneAve]

I rode this exact route. It looks like you missed he proper trail cuz its very ridable and only one small stream crossing.

[@Cyclingabout]

I did the 6km trail up from the Argentinean border control into Chile too. In comparison, it was 1/10 difficulty... didn't even have to remove my bags. 😂

[@TulaneAve]

we didn't have video ability when I rode it. nice to see it again. not much change

[@mgainzalein]

Would you prefer a montain bike in carretera austral or was a touring bike fine? I have a touring bike and I'm worried it might be too bumpy. Thank you :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Mountain bike is better, for sure.

[@smartwave9]

What concerns me is 2 things encounter with wild animals bears,...etc, and gangs or pirates, whats your say or experience about it.

[@Cyclingabout]

The world is an overwhelmingly safe place. For years I've put myself into difficult situations and am never robbed or have problems with wild animals. You have much more chance of dying at home in a car accident!

[@smartwave9]

Stress is No 1killer

[@Cyclingabout]

I'd be way more stressed if I wasn't so free.

[@jonathanmeehan4400]

I'm a complete novice, but is there a reason you don't use front suspension?

[@Cyclingabout]

Simplicity. Suspension requires regular oil changes with specialist tools - I just want to get on my bike and ride without this need.

[@TheRegor2]

love the video, is if filmed on gopro with a remote audio ?

[@Cyclingabout]

The riding shots are done with a GoPro, and the long-range shots are done on a Panasonic GH4 camera. All with remote audio.

[@TheRegor2]

@@Cyclingabout thanks for that, I have a mirrorless camera I'm thinking of taking on the Tour Aotearoa 2020

[@shuponahmed]

Nice video. Just curious about your panniers ! Are they from koga or brooks ?

[@Cyclingabout]

Koga-branded Ortlieb bags.

[@alexleyland]

i find it so difficult to understand what everyone has crammed into those giant panniers? i respect anyone who tours, but myself, i went from an ultralight backpacking background. I literally took of my bag and strapped it to my bike (a long haul trucker), which is heavy enough, but am always looking for ways to get lighter and lighter. I respect seeing all of you guys out there with your 100 litres worth of storage but to me it's excessive and probably makes your riding less enjoyable. further, faster, lighter.

[@Cyclingabout]

I've travelled with everything from 5kg to 25kg, and it's all about optimising the gear for your trip. I'm currently on the road for 2+ years so have selected gear that is long-lasting, multi-season (it's been -10 degrees recently) and provides me with a bit of comfort (coffee maker, laptop, camera gear). As long I use it all, I think it's reasonable to have 25kg in tow.

[@freecatalonianow]

Well it depends on how far from cities you'll be, how many days/weeks/months you'll be out there, what kind of weather, etc... Clothes, electronics (camera, phone, external batteries, cables, GPS?), toiletries, warm clothes, waterproof clothes, cycling clothes, non-cycling clothes, tent/sleeping bag/mattress, cooker, pan, plate, food, First Aid Kit, Toolkit, shoes, it might seem a lot to you, but it just depends on how many pieces of underwear you want to use, how much risk you want to take (Toolkit, First Aid Kit), how much discomfort are you willing to take (weather), etc... Believe me, we all take as less as possible...

[@earthstick]

What is with dogs and bicycles? Stop and they back down, start riding and they chase, stop and they retreat.

[@alkoop100]

great works ! Hi ! from Hokkaido Japan :D

[@Cyclingabout]

You live in bicycle touring paradise! 🗻

[@alkoop100]

thanks , but now 5 feet snow in Hokkaido XD

[@HimmelReiner]

Aggressive dogs, wow. But I usually give em some food and calmly speak to them. They are protecting their area, and scary to see cyclists. Instead as you suggested to shout and wave with a stick ===))

[@Cyclingabout]

Good advice!

[@reggi8820]

what would you say is the perfect time of the year to go there?

[@Cyclingabout]

January or February seems like the best time. I had very little rain. 👍🏻

[@ysaito0825]

Usually 'Highway' is going easy and fast, but this highway is 'High-struggle-Way' or 'High-try your soul-Way'.

[@Cyclingabout]

The Carretera Austral SlowWay. 😂

[@reeceholmes8546]

Hare

[@BenLubin]

Ace video. What camera(s) do you use?

[@Cyclingabout]

Panasonic GH4 and GoPro Hero 6.

[@BenLubin]

are you using a gimbal on the camera?

[@Cyclingabout]

Ben Lubin That's the digital stabiliser in the Hero6. I'm stoked with the results!

[@menoahgunzel8146]

I should change the title to: walking the America's 😉😂

[@randalvonmarttens3124]

hi :) u know what is the best month to cycling?

[@Cyclingabout]

Randal Von Marttens Late December to mid-February for the least rain. But it’ll be dusty!

[@TioYesi]

Chile

[@mgmirand]

Hey, great video, I'm glad you liked my country. May I ask what's the name of your handlebar? I have a butterfly which just won't do for the next trip...

[@Cyclingabout]

Matías Miranda It's called a Velo Orange Crazy Bar. I have a review on CyclingAbout.com!

[@Goodbashop]

DUDE

[@jucasbrasil9144]

Dude, you ride so many trails that I think you need a MTB.

[@Cyclingabout]

It would be nice sometimes, but I am cycling 100,000km+ around the world and need something as strong, simple and versatile as possible. A touring bike works well for that.

[@dcl505]

6:57 The myth about vegans is real, they just can't keep it inside, the entire world must know they're vegans.)

[@Cyclingabout]

OH HEY! I'M VEGAN! DID YOU KNOW I'M VEGAN? 😅

[@bladerunner_92]

@@Cyclingabout hahah, u wrote it on u'r helmet, did u forget? 😅🤭 p. s. cool shoots and editing, unbelievable landscapes and perfect soundtracks 😍👍

[@rdkuless]

Put the matt into a ziplock bag before you put it in the stuff sack..

[@freecatalonianow]

Why do you ride with a shirt?

[@Cyclingabout]

Two main reasons: better sun protection and to look a bit more normal (and modest) in all the small villages that I hang out in. Plus I can use my shirt casually, resulting in less clothing required for my trip!

[@RobertoRem]

Vehicles do not respect the cyclist.

[@SuperJohnfoster]

I love you but sometimes I think you should call your videos carrying a bike on the trail instead of bike touring

[@Cyclingabout]

While there are almost always hike-a-bike sections in my videos, they almost never total more than 1% of the route distance.

[@tropangbikeradventurista3800]

so owsome videos sir shout out please to my small channel thank sir more power bike for life