Chile Bike Tour, Lago Acuelo0

It is with some serious sore muscles, and lack of motivation to move today that I present to you my photos for yesterday’s bike tour around the Chilean countryside. The 41 mile bike tour around Lago Acuelo, was organized by a really awesome bike group my dad is part of called Chili Dogs Fitness. These people go out every weekend to beautiful locations around Chile and bike their hearts out for one simple reward — fun.

Now, biking for 41 miles might have not felt like much fun or a great idea at times, but  I loved it.  If you know me, you know I’m not in shape or care much for gyms. The most workout I have gotten as of late has been at raves and dance parties. Not to mention last time I was on a bike, it was adorn with some kind of cartoon character, and the bike was most likely a pink tint. Needless to say, I wasn’t very prepared for this bike ride. I decided to go for the challenge anyway because, 1) I had a bus readily to pick me up and 2) I wanted to get out into the adventure.

The group met up at a local gas station at 7 in the morning; and after I was overwhelmed with warm welcomes, hugs and kisses, I got on the bus and was ready for the biking to begin. The bus ride took us about 30 miles south of the city of Santiago where any signage was done by hand, and people sold various goods on the side of the streets. I’m sure we looked like complete aliens to the locals as we got off the bus in crazy bike gear, helmets, and iPods in hand ready to make the road ours.

I started off a bit rocky to be honest. Re-learning to balance myself, getting the hang of gears, and making sure cars didn’t run me over was a bit overwhelming. 30 minutes into my ride, I stopped the bus to pick me. I was tired, and didn’t feel I could go on. I talked to our coach and he helped me out with my gears which seem where not helping my case. He told me to take a break and get back on the road — which I did.

This time it was SO MUCH easier. I think I lasted about 10 miles before I needed another break. This time, I opted to just walk a bit for my break. I wasn’t as much tired as I was in pain from my butt hurting; bike seats are not very nice. I did this on and off about 4 times, but finally made it to the 25 mile mark. Beyond this was the dirt, rocky road around the lake — the pro choice. I was dead at this point and really like my life and would like to keep it, so I opted out. I think about 25 miles or bike riding around some beautiful scenery was a good feat, I was not sure I was going to accomplish — but I did.

Upon meeting at the rally point, we were ready to eat. We went to a very small restaurant whose daily clientel consists for old men rolling up in their horse, ready to drink for a while. So here we were, the city folk asking for 25 dishes of traditional home cooked Chilean food. With some discomposure is her eyes, the waitress tried to get everyone orders and tell us they make food for about 15 people a day. After the chaos of people screaming out “do you have this?”, sheets of paper, and mad shuffling in the kitchen, we ate. And drank. a lot.

After a couple of hours of laughter, food, and drinks, it was time for us to depart. Away from the mountains, flowers. Away from the mounds of cow or horse poop. Away from the  simply life of the countryside. Away from things we after forget exist.

This was truly an experience to remember and really want to be part of this again. I love connecting with nature and being able to do it with other people doing something healthy and fun, I’m all about it.