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 Estimated reading time: 2 min. |
  Marcelo Sola |
To go on this excursion we must hire the services of Free Bike´s or any other operator offering this kind of cycling excursion.
Julián will be waiting for us in Free Bike´s with an excellent GT bike, a helmet and a bottle of cold water for the ride.
Ricardo Has, a mountain bike racer, guides us around the area and explains the degrees of difficulty of the terrain while he accompanies us. |
We leave from 121 Las Retamas street to the right, ride two blocks and take route 231 to the north to start an intense 12 km. up and down ride.
It is important to find your own rythm on the bike, since the total ride is long. It is also important to drink every 15 minutes so as not to become dehydrated. |
After 1 km. along route 231 we must turn right in Cacique Antriao street and take a descending debris street to the beach of Lake Correntoso through the north area of Villa La Angostura.
As we ride down the street, the guide teaches us the correct use of the speed gear to improve our performance. In descent we must raise the pinions, and even the plates if the climb is too steep. But if we want to climb, we must do exactly the opposite.
Correntoso beach is a beautiful volcanic sand beach where tourists and native people go swimming, rowing or even fishing. |
We cycle along the coast of lake Correntoso towards the old wooden bridge over Correntoso river, which is only 132 m. long and one of the shortest in the world . From the middle of the bridge we have an imposing view of lake Correntoso and the Andes.
After crossing the bridge the road becomes narrower leaving a 3 meter wide trail where we must walk. There are 7 km. up to this point where the old road to Lake Espejo starts. |
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Then we get into a thick lenga, cypress and raulí forest along 5 km. of uneven terrain of sandy ground and fords and avoiding some big fallen trees.
Come on!- shouts the guide and reminds us of the use of gears, which are fundamental at this stage. This is Las Bandurrias area, then we pass by Los Colihues brook, and after some meters we cross an old rustic gate quite deteriorated, which used to indicate the access to Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Then we speed down through "picada Coletti". Here we pay attention to the trai and to the guide who teaches us how to use the brakes in these situations. |
After this high dose of speed and adrenaline we join route 234, known as the Seven Lakes Route, then turn to the left and after 200 meters join paved route 231.
At that point we turn right to Cardenal Samoré International Pass, ride on 100 meters and get ready to receive what nature is about to give us. |
Soon we get to the watching point over lake Espejo, a splendid crystalline water lake of volcanic sand beaches ideal for nautic and recreational activities. From this viewpoint we have a magnific view of the landscape and we can also see routes 231 and 234.
After taking a rest, drinking some water and recovering energy, we go directly back to the village through route 231. |
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The ride back is mostly in descent passing by several panoramic points like the bridge over Correntoso river from where we can see the old Correntoso hotel dating from 1922, now completely remodelled.
As we go on marching we have another fantastic view of lake Nahuel Huapi, its branch Last Hope and the east face of Quetrihué peninsula. Again we drink some water!
The village is only some kilometers ahead and in some minutes we triumphally get there through Av. Arrayanes.
By this time we have ridden 24 km. at an average speed of 15 km./h and a maximum speed of 55 km./h in descent during 2 and a half hours.
After this intense challenge, the best thing we can do is to have a good hot water bath and 30 minutes elongation. |
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Free Bikes
Las Fucsias y Los Notros (8407) Villa La Angostura - Neuquén - Argentina
Tel: +54 2944 49-5047
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