Tough Times on the Adventure

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Well are we having a bloody adventure or what, it is 11.00 pm all the others have gone to bed and I can hardly keep my eyes open, so I hope this is'int to disjointed, you will have got an idea of what we have been through if you read Charlies comments. We have arrived in San Antonio de Los cobres, well most of us are here. Alec took a tumble yesterday, as far away from civilization as you can get. He was in quite a bit of pain as he brock his colar bone and cracked two rear ribs, now we all know howthat hurts.
Earlier in the day Tom threw his Suzuki over a bank, but was lucky as there was a lot of scrub to stop him cararing down a 100 ft bank, we tied a rope onto his moto and pulled it out with the truck, he hurt his thumb a bit but was OK.
The road has been destroyed buy rushing water coming down from the mountains, leaving bloody great bolder to negoitiate.
Earlier in the day we had major trouble to get the truck over a rock slide. Lance (and Zane) have managed to destroy FOUR truck tyres so far and we are not even in Bolivia yet...Now back to the logistical problems of getting Alec to the Hospital. We had to unload the back seat of the truck and of course the back of the tray for his bike, in the end we put Strings bike on the back as it was a smaller and lighter bike and String rode Alec's bike out to Santa Maria. We transported Alec in the truck towards the approaching Ambulance and we met about half way and transfered him to the Ambulance as they have way more drugs than we carry. From the Hospital in Santa Maria, they transfered him over night to Salta. The group of us that were left, were all knakered as there was no cafe out there and our breakfast wore off along time ago, so we decided to sleep over in Santa Maria. The guy that owned the service station allowed us to store Alex's bike, along with a collection of 1200GS plastic pannier bags.....The big bikes are very difficult to handle in these conditions. It took us 8.00 hours to travel 108 km, including the drama with Alec. We rode to salta early this morning and met the others at the Hospital, soon after the others all headed for here tonight. Alec was in good spirits, just pissed that he will miss Bolivia with us, hopefully he will fly to Cusco and come with us from there.
Some of the riders with the big bikes are finding the adventure very tough, but they are all helping each other and the mood is still good.
I must get some sleep, will update again as soon as I can. Cheers, Rosco

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Photos

What Happened ?
One minute I'm riding along and then this???

Getting High
Chase truck looking for rocks to wreck the tires

BIG Rocks
Makeing way for the truck

The highway
This is the highway that took it's toll

The Transfere
Lifting Alec from our truck to the Ambulance

Comments

[Vicki Vinsen]

Tough going
Hi, I'm really pleased to hear that Alec is ok and may be able to rejoin you later in the trip. Mike texted me yesterday to say Alec had had a tumble and possibly had broken some ribs so it's nice to get the update. Thank God there are so many of you and you have a good support team. It sounds as if the conditions have been appalling and the photos certainly show that. Take it easy for the next few days and hopefully the conditions will improve. Vicki

[Raewyn]

Sympathy for Alec!
We all feel for poor Alec - at least he's able to rest up........ Well, you were all chasing Adventure, weren't you??? Having enough??? Rosco! TURN YOUR SPELLCHECK ON!! I know you're dog tired, and your proof reader is far far away, but a few more misplaced letters and it'll be just like trying to read Spanish! Seriously, you looked great on Skype, and you don't seem that far away when we can talk like you're just upstairs! Love, Bones xxxxx

[Patti]

What a challenging time you are having with lots of surprises! Very sorry to hear about Alec, but I am sure he will be up and about and ready to meet you in Cuzco. Keep safe all of you!

[Bugsy]

Best wishes to Alec and we hope he will be okay and can meet up with the team shortly. It is good to Stringy hasn't lost his influence on the weather, although I am sure everyone on the trip wishes he had! If you had a decent 4WD I am sure you wouldn't have the same problems - Land Rover Defenders are built for all kinds terrain. Our thoughts are with you. Bugsy

[paul Carter]

The curse of string
So it IS RAINING!!!???? take care guys get back in one piece, Carter

[Richard]

Michael and Keith
Sounds like fun you guys - I bet you are glad you opted for the smaller bikes - haven't heard much about you Keith - I guess you haven't had an off yet! How's your leg Michael - remember to fall off on the right side if you are going to! Sounds like it is nothing like our Aussy adventures - maybe you should call and see a travel agent on the way to plan a "recovery holiday" for when you return. Look forward to hearing how you go tomorrow

[David Travers]

well done
enjoying the great reading Rosco what an adventure. Keep up that kiwi can do attitude Hows String coping? weather in the far north is fab tasic stay hard

[Ali]

Bloddy Hell Tom, what are you doing???
Hi guys, this is normally a vacation, not a road to hell tour. We need Tom back on the shift in 1 peace. So take it easy out there. Good luck to everybody!!!!

[Andy Adams]

Looking good.
Sounds like you guys are having fun.

[Anja & Steffen]

hola amigos
hola rosco, esta muy interesante. gracias! donde estas ahora? we hope you guys have heaps of fun. but in your blog it really sounds like you have... :o) i'm still jealous and hope i can explore south america with you the next time. have fun and enjoy your time over there. and keep us updated.

[gerry]

Adventure interuptous
Hey Rosco, it all part of the adventure, (although unfortunately it is shorted for some) and makes more stories at the end ay. Taking notes for next year. Think i will renew my first aid cert just in case. can we up grade to a 4wd vehile? lol Loves Tigger