Ride Pics from South of the Equator

[majl]

Yes, where it's summer and warm!

This is my third year taking the Breakaway to Uruguay. I never get tired of riding the endless network of dirt and gravel roads and the lightly traveled highways down here. So peaceful.

Here's a couple of pics to share and a link to many more (with captions too!): http://majl.zenfolio.com/p418580906

http://majl.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v36/p687246959-4.jpg

http://majl.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v19/p674702857-4.jpg

http://majl.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v36/p300979238-4.jpg

[velotel]

Nice.

[tiretrax]

Nice. Looks like a great place to ride, and I like the Alpha, too.

[Louis]

I think I asked this the last time you posted pictures (I think it was you):

Do you meet any other "serious" cyclists out on the roads there?

Louis

[majl]

I've gotten in 5 rides this trip and have seen a total of maybe 15-20 other cyclists. And half of those were on today's ride. Most have been on MTB, although there was a guy today on a TT bike with deep section rims, aero helmet and the whole works. I just can't figure out why most of them stay on the pavement. I rarely see other riders on the gravel roads and that is where I spend most of my time. No cars to worry about - beautiful countryside...

That Alfa is very cool - actually snapped that pic for my wife because we have the opportunity to get one from her father as a restoration project. I'm not a mechanic though and worry about it being an endless money pit.

[spacemen3]

That place looks fantastic. It's also nice to see a Ritchey Break-Away traveling. Mine hasn't done very much. :| Thanks for sharing. :beer:

[Louis]

I'm not a mechanic though and worry about it being an endless money pit.

+1000

I had one (a "modern" '87 Spider) and you have to be prepared for no end of "issues." Example: cracked exhaust manifold (fixed under warranty) with less than 20k miles on the engine.

[thinpin]

Nice, thanks for posting.

[tiretrax]

The Alpha won't be an endless money pit. At some point, you'll run out of money. Seriously, figure out what you want to do beforehand so you don't go in too deep - i.e. does the engine run or does it need other mechanical work; are parts available; does body have much rust; does the brightwork need rechroming or can you live with it the way it is; how are the seals/trim/other rubber bits?

A car like that will bring you lots of hours of pleasure on beautiful days.

[Louis]

does body have much rust;

The single biggest issue. Years ago a buddy of mine (who had lots and lots of experience on cars) bought an Alfa (can't remember the model). It was to be a small to moderate project. About two years later he had boxes of parts all over the garage and in his basement, the body panels spread out over the house, and the frame and dash being sent out for fixing / refinishing. Eventually the frame came back and the whole thing was sold without being put back together...

[tiretrax]

I bet that happens to more than half of all restoration projects.

[rwsaunders]

Great pics...thanks for posting.

[HenryA]

Thanks for the pics - that area looks wonderful!

[jet sanchez]

Wow, gorgeous shots, thanks for sharing. Uruguay is pretty safe, I take it? it is tempting to leave Toronto behind for a few weeks in February...

[feta99]

Nice pictures and great looking bike. Looks like a great place to visit. I was recently in Argentina(mostly in BA) and the thought of cycling there was scary.

[skreaminquadz]

Thoroughly enjoyed these pics - thanks for posting!

[Matt-H]

Awesome! That looks like a great time.

[soulspinner]

Great stuff. Thanks :beer: