Traces of Freedom
Exploring the Sierras of Córdoba
Córdoba, May 2024– There’s nothing quite like that anticipation, that spark of excitement that arises when a new two-wheeled adventure is about to begin. Not long ago, I found myself in that very moment, preparing everything for the unique experience that only a motorcycle journey can offer. I wondered what gear to bring, whether it would be cold, hot, or if it might rain. All these questions only heightened the excitement when the moment finally came to put on my helmet, engage first gear, and launch into the adventure.
Whether riding with longtime friends, casual acquaintances, or people I’d never met, they would all become part of our circle of friends in just a few days of sharing this passion for motorcycles. A motorcycle trip represents so many things that it’s hard to put into words… emotions, freedom, passion, preparation, and… sheer enjoyment.
And you could also say… a lot of therapy! The moment you get on your bike and fasten the helmet strap under your chin, as soon as you engage first gear, everyday problems fade away. You focus on riding your trusty companion, taking it to dreamlike places that are hard to reach, or simply following the asphalt ribbon as far as your passion will take you. The destination doesn’t matter, nor the engine size of your bike or its value. What matters most is getting out there and enjoying the passion for two wheels with friends, acquaintances, or even solo—why not?
Equipment and Expectations
For this adventure, I equipped my KTM 790 Adventure R with some excellent products from Giant Loop. I started with the Mojavi Saddlebag, where I packed all the essentials for the bike: a tire repair kit, air compressor, tow rope, a roll of tape, and more. Next was the Klamath Tail Rack Pack, which was easily accessible, where I stored frequently used tools, an extra pair of gloves, a clear visor for my goggles in case I needed to ride at night, and there was still room for a bit more. Then, the Bucking Roll Tank Bag, with just 1.5 liters of capacity, proved indispensable for small items that needed to be easily accessible; it also had a transparent visor on top for my phone and a convenient opening to pass a cable through, allowing me to charge my devices while keeping them protected from the elements. It’s worth noting that this tank bag never interferes with my standing riding position off-road.
Finally, but no less important, the Rogue Dry Bag, a waterproof bag that sits on the seat. I stored my camera and extra layers for the chilly mornings in the mountains in it.
I chose the ST-7 2L Gore-Tex Jacket and Pants by Alpinestars for my clothing. This set provided the versatility I needed to handle the weather conditions during the trip. The Gore-Tex membrane, integrated into the jacket and pants, offered adequate protection against rain and cold, ensuring I stayed dry in case the weather turned. Fortunately, we didn’t encounter any rain on this trip, but knowing I was prepared for any event was reassuring. Additionally, thanks to the jacket and pants’ integrated vents, I could regulate my temperature throughout the day, keeping comfortable no matter how the weather changed.
My faithful companions on my feet were the Tech 7 Enduro boots from Alpinestars, which provided excellent support and protection on challenging terrain. Of course, no ride would be complete without a brain bucket: this time, I wore the Alpinestars Supertech M10, a helmet I trust completely to keep me safe.
With this gear, I felt protected and incredibly comfortable, allowing me to fully enjoy every moment on the bike, regardless of the terrain or weather conditions.
Córdoba: The Mecca of Motorsports in Argentina
Córdoba is one of Argentina’s provinces with the richest motorsports tradition. For many years, it has hosted one of the World Rally Championship (WRC) stages and the Dakar Rally during its South American stint. Several South American editions of the Dakar crossed Cordoban lands, drawn by its mountains and winding gravel roads that offered a unique challenge. And if these world-class competitions chose Córdoba for its roads, what better place to enjoy its routes and landscapes on our bikes!
Routes and Legends: Meeting Camille Chapeliere and Alejandro Patronelli
One of the highlights of this trip was having Camille Chapeliere as a special guest, a 30-year-old Frenchman, a Red Bull official rider, and a sand specialist. Camille has been crowned champion in the French Sand Championship, won the legendary Le Touquet in France, and achieved podiums in the counterpart of Le Touquet, the Enduro del Verano held on Argentina’s beaches, as well as participating in the Dakar, where he finished 22nd overall in his debut. Despite all his accolades as a competitor, he quickly became one of us in our adventures through the Cordoban sierras, full of friendliness and humility and adapting swiftly to Argentine customs.
And as if Camille’s presence, or “Chape” as we quickly nicknamed him, wasn’t enough, Alejandro Patronelli also joined us. Alejandro, a quad category rider, is a two-time Dakar winner with three victories in the Enduro del Verano. But like Chape, far from being someone you might think is on another level, Ale was just one of us. He delighted us with his racing stories, entertained us with countless anecdotes, and had us laughing non-stop with his jokes.
In addition to these well-known figures, we were accompanied by the Marelli brothers: Pablo, Guille, and Pato, the creators of Big Trail Argentina and now great friends. We were also joined by Luchi and Franco, Guille’s sons, and we couldn’t forget the incredible character of Machi Romanelli, Big Trail’s official photographer, and another dear friend.
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Photos: Corner Pics – Words: Mike de la Torre
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