Vallenar

During three grueling days of ten-hour rides, I found myself cutting through endless desert landscapes, & passing groups of motorcyclists heading north. The ride was mostly uneventful but breathtaking, leading me out of the high-altitude desert and through Chile’s sprawling mining industry. Evidence of past and present operations was everywhere tunnels carved into mountainsides, machinery scattered across the barren hills.

I was eager to see the Pacific again, and I arrived just in time for an incredible sunset ride along the cliffs, the ocean stretching endlessly beside me.

Today I set out for La Serena but kept having to stop and tighten my chain. After 20,000 km, it was nearing the end of its life and I knew the whole drive system front and rear sprockets included needed replacing soon. I had also noticed my cotter pin was starting to deform slightly after each adjustment. The cotter pin is a small metal piece that locks the axle nut in place, preventing the rear wheel from shifting. It wasn’t a major issue yet, but I had a feeling it might give out eventually.

Sure enough, during my final chain tightening of the day, the aluminum cotter pin snapped. Annoying, but not exactly surprising. It wasn’t a stressful situation, just an unfortunate one I wouldn’t be making it to La Serena as planned.

With no choice but to limp along the highway, I made my way to Vallenar, a small roadside town. Riding any farther without a proper fix wasn’t an option. I figured I might as well replace the entire drive system while I was at it, but the local mechanic didn’t have the right sprockets. So, for now, I settled for a new chain & pin and hoped it would hold up until I could find parts in Santiago.Read more