Ushuaia, the end of the road? or 1/2 way back to Canada? S2, E23 Life is about exploring & thinking.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Ushuaia, The end of the road (kinda). For sure a massive accomplishment but lots of thoughts to digest. I’ve been on the road a long time and have many many kms on the bike to get here.
Every adventure motorcyclist, van lover, hiker & cyclists have dreamt of entering thru the arches of Ushuaia. Every person’s journey to get here is different and everyone has a story. Some have raced here in what seems like a crazy amount of time and other’s (like me) have taken time to smell the roses along the way here.
For me, this trip has been approx 45,000 kms since I left Kelowna, BC, Canada in July of 2022. I’ve been on the bike for about 20 months of that time frame though (give or take). I just tell people 2 years cause it’s easier to say in Spanish.
I was fortunate enough to cross the Ushuaia arches with a great buddy Brian who I’ve been riding with about 4 times on this trip. We also crossed with Carlos who took only 57 days to get to Ushuaia from New York City (which I think is mental). We’ve only know Carlos for about 15 mins but was happy to share the moment with a fellow excited biker.
BUT first we had to ride from Cerrito Sombrero (where I planned to meet Brian). It’s about 420 kms and you’re fighting the wind about 87% of the time… really fighting it!. We were both feeling great and after an amazing coffee break at the gas station is Rio Grande we opted to go all the way to Ushuaia.
It’s funny cause at the gas station we saw about 25 other bikers either going South to complete their trip or heading North after going to the end of the road. I’ve been wondering how everyone is feeling and what everyone is thinking.
We needed to leave Chile and cross into Argentina one more time though. These border crossing are not like Central America where it takes hours. The Countries in South America are a little more efficient with everyone’s time and the process is generally painless.
Brian & I took a little roadside break about 60 kms from Ushuaia. We’d jokingly told Carlos back at the gas station that we’ll see him when he passed us on the road. We got back on the bikes and after about 5 kms we came across Carlos picking his bike up on the road. He’s had a little crash, spun out and ripped off his foot pegs. He’s super LUCKY to not be injured.
Even though we’d only met him, you do not leave a fellow biker that may require help so the 3 of us limped into Ushuaia. It was a pretty good feeling to cross under the Ushuaia arches after seeing hundreds & hundreds of photos from other travellers. I bet it was nice for Carlos as well to get a hug at the “end of the road”. Well, I enjoyed it at least.
Now the important question, “What does any of this actual mean?”. Have I accomplished anything except ride my bike a very long distance, covering many kms, staying in hundreds of hostals/ hotels and spent a whack of money? Well, I’m not quite sure yet to be honest. I still need some time in my head.
It was sure nice to just hang out in one town for a bit to relax, cook some meals, have some fellow travellers over for dinner, drink LOTS of local wine, do laundry and of course, see some street art.
It’s a weird feeling having to go back on the same road you came in on. Knowing that I’m now headed North. Especially seeing all the excited travellers heading towards Ushuaia.
Another day, another border crossing… oh and some Penguins.
#trippingwithal #motorcycle #adventure #klr650 #ushuaia #travel #livelife
All is good though.
👍👍👏👏. Just put my house up for sale, want to do what you're doing. 🎉🎉
Can't wait to see the SOLD sign!
Congratulations Al! Hell of an accomplishment! So much road to still explore for your ride north, and without the frustrations, it wouldn't be an adventure. Not sure exactly what my feelings would be, but imagine it would be similar to getting home after a long trip with a sense of accomplishment. Then soon after wanting to get back on the road. Looking forward to following your trip North!
Every day is a new adventure for sure. I'm homeless so I'm home every night. It was nice to stay in Ushuaia for 1 week and not have to pack up every day or 2.
All I want to say is I'm proud of you. I remember in Costa Rica when I met you, I asked you if you were going to Ushuaia. You said you had no idea. Look at you! My dream place, the one I want to go to very soon. I'm so happy for you. Well done, man, well done.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
that hostal in Costa Rica seems like years ago! PS: I still have no idea.
@TrippingwithAl ill see you on your way back
I remember watching the first episode of Tripping With Al in 2022 and have been hooked since, and look where you are now, its truly amazing, and the best part is you shared it with all of us. Thanks for all the episodes, travel safe and enjoy my friend.
Rossi, my #1 fan for shizzle! Thanks for being you Legend.
57 days is crazy. I am sure you can do it that fast, but why would you want to. The fun is being in different places!
It is crazy but any moto trip is a good trip I've decided. It's not for you or me, but it was for sure fun for him.