The
Fantastic Lake Region:
Training & Cyclotourism
Day
1:
Check in - Shakedown
Transfer from Bariloche Airport to Hotel Edelweiss
in downtown San Carlos de Bariloche. This five-star hotel
is "the hotel" overlooking Lago(lake) Nahuel Huapi
with the Andes as a backdrop. You will soon understand why
this area is called the "Switzerland of South America".
After check in we will have a tour of the facility and orientation.
Cyclists are encouraged to take a 20-40km shake down ride
along the lake. Non-cyclists are free to do a more extensive
investigation of what our fine hotel/spa has to offer, reconnoiter
Bariloche or just relax by the pool.
Dinner will be early this evening. At the end of this long
day we will enjoy our first dinner together and offer a
toast to the great week we have ahead.
Day
2:
Small Circuit Small
Circuit 60 km - This is a spectacular ride heading west
along Lago Nahuel Huapi. As we cross over to and ride around
the village of Llao Llao you will be stunned by the shear
beauty of the Andean Mountains from this vantage point.
This is certainly a great first ride.
Our non-riding guests can also enjoy Llao Llao by hiring
a car. It's a perfect half day trip.
Cerro Catedral Cathedral Mountain - Towering above us today like
a Gothic medieval church is Mount Catedral. This is a gorgeous
ride into the primary ski country surrounding Bariloche.
Day
3:
Lago Gutiérrez y Cañadón de la Mosca
Beautiful Gutierrez Lake, in the south area of the National
Park, on the west base of Cathedral Mountain.
A fantastic ride by Gutierrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo Lake,
with its cristal clear waters.
The highlight of this day, the "Cañadón
de la Mosca" an adrenalinic downhill of 27 kilometers!!!
Day
4: Enchanted
Valley
The Enchanted Valley 110km. Stunning Scenery!!! This ride
takes us well out Route 237 beyond the lake and along the
Traful River. The Enchanted Valley features sculpted rock
and volcanic formations carved by wind and water over the
millenia. With the ever present Andes, again, as a backdrop,
you're sure to be in awe. Support Vehicle for riders and
bikes.
Non Cycling Partners:
Those not riding can take this opportunity to enjoy the
spa, health and beauty services available at the hotel or
maybe arrange a trip to a local riding stable and be a Gaucho
for the day. For the shopper there is always Bariloche "Argentina's
Chocolate Haven" where you'll also find great deals
on leather goods.
Day
5:
Day off - Optional Rafting
Day
on or day off? I guess it depends on your perspective. This
would be a great day for WATER SPORTS! We have included
white-water rafting or kayaking for the non-cyclists in
our party, so why don't the cyclists join them today? Either
option is sure to be a great time. It will give the cyclist
a rare opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and
escape the drudgery of another day of riding their bike
through spectacular country. Okay, the die-hards can ride,
but our ride leaders have the day off.
Day
6:
Villa La Angostura
Departure
for La Angostura and the Andes - Bariloche to La Angostura
90km - No trip to the Lake Region of Patagonia would be
complete without a ride into the Andes. We will start today
on this not too taxing but spectacular ride. That will be
something to remember and your guests will talk about it
for quite a while."
Riders will depart the Edelweiss and ride counter-clockwise
around the lake to La Angostura.
Non-riders have included a sightseeing excursion on private
car. They will join us in Angostura in the afternoon. Optional
Lake Excursions, Available.
Day
7: Riding
up The Andes... Climbing
and descending the Andes. La Angostura to La Angostura Loop,
85km to 150km - The 25km climb to the turnaround will offer
a very nice reward. Today you will work, but after a dry/warm
shirt change and a refreshment you will experience a phenominal
descent back to La Angostura. Don't worry, though. It´s
a wonderful experience and one a fit, recreational cyclist
can accomplish.
Here the non-riders of our group will have a car and driver
at their disposal for sightseeing, trekking, whatever in
the mountains overlooking the lakes. A nice massage may
be in order.
Tonight, sadly, will be our farewell dinner and another
toast. This one to the great week and the new friends we
have made along the way.
Day
8: Tranfer
back to Bariloche Airport: people and bikes to depart from
International Airport to chosen destination.
Our
customers say...
"...I
have been raving to folks over the last couple of days about
how great of a group we had, and how that made really made
the trip great. . . this was my first biking vacation, and
I can't imagine anyone having done a better job with everything
- the hotels, the meals, the bike routes, etc..."
Wesley
King
Tennesee, USA
"That
was just the best trip. Great rides, great food, 'bootiful'
scenery, sassy Pablo and Vivianna and the 'bestest' group
and the 'bestest' leaders."
Barbara
Hulsizer
Massachusetts, USA
"...From
the moment we were greeted at the airport, the continuous
flow of thoughtful and well planned events gracefully unfolded.
Each day was a total experience, guided with a gentile flexibility,
a seemingly effortless orchestration and a relaxed elegance.
The unbeatable combination of breathtaking scenery, challenging
world class cycling, sightseeing, first class accommodations,
fine dining and accouterments and lifelong Friendships are
nearly impossible to surpass. I can say without reservation
Steve, your tour packages are simply amazing and one-of-a-kind,
and I consider myself blessed to have experienced Patagonia
with you my Friend!"
