Ruta 40

After reading and talking to people about this route over the years it was with some trepidation that we were about to start this lower section of Argentina's main Ruta 40.
Over the 3 to 4 days it took to get to Calafate, Ruta 40 certainly threw everything at us. We had all four seasons in one day on one occasion. Starting early to try and beat the worst of the winds we had sunshine, gale force winds, sleet, snow, freezing sleet and back to sunshine.
The road is gravel, sometimes rough stones with potholes, other times smooth and hard. Soft sand here and there added to the challenge.
The wind was as they say, terrific. So bad at times it was trying to suck our helmets straight off our heads. getting under our jackets and trying to lift them off our bodies. On a smaller bike I could see how people get blown off the road. The only way to combat it was keep moving and keep the speed up. Did I enjoy it? You bet, would not have missed a bit of it, like riding in a Nor' Wester in Canterbury. We will have this wind with us all the way to the bottom and back. Our right hand lean should be countered to a left hand lean on the way back up.
Wildlife was everywhere. You had to look as they blended well into their environment. Have not managed to photo a fox yet, a bit to fast for us. By the time you see them its to late and they are gone. Might have to do a Twisting Throttle and get them  on a still life portrait on the side of the  road
This area is so impressive and vast. Think McKenzie country and Central Otago all rolled into one. At times you could see the curviture of the earth in the distance.
This road will all be tarmac within the next few years. Many times we travelled next to the seal of the new road and could not travel on it. Tried once but was soon told to move off. But it felt like cheating anyway.