The most difficult day

 Today was the most difficult riding day in my life! We had 145km of gravel to start the day. The wind the prior day made me watch the forecast to time our departure. I decided that we should leave at 7am. The first 40km was east - old Ruta 40, but no wind. Then we started the unpaved section of 73km from outside Gobernador Gregores to almost Tres Logos. Again, all started off work — then came the winds. I’m guessing 50-60mph cross winds while trying to navigate the gravel. It took me 6.5 hours to make the 73km. The wind was so strong that I thought it was going to rip off my windscreen. It was difficult to even keep the motorcycle upright.

Everyone dropped their bike except Matias. Albin fell twice, the second time just 10 meters before the asphalt. The gravel there was extra loose and I rode through it cautiously. The wind was so strong that it would push you left across the gravel paths. Then the wind was behind you and literally pushing you off the road. You must come to a stop, turn the bike perpendicular to the road and cross back to the right side and start again. This happened over and over... My drop happened when I stopped to let a bus pass. I didn't want the wind to push me into his path. Instead the wind knocked me over - I couldn't even pick up the bike because of the wind.  Thankfully the bus driver stopped and helped me pick it up.

We were rewarded with a beautiful stay at Estancia La Estela. We had a fun dinner with a couple we met from Colorado.