Done and Dusted

Day 6 - 18 hours left of racing

Day 3 and some wins

Day 2 - first half

Day 1 - Blistering

Who wants pies?

¿Quién quiere torta?

Resumen Ruta Across Andes

Across Andes route overview

As the last plumes of smoke drift off the Villarrica volcano, the tail end of lava trickles down the craggy slopes, the final riders in the 2022 Across Andes make a dash for the finish-line before the horn is blown, signalling the end of the race. Like the well organised Autobus in the professional peloton - where the riders trying to make the cutoff ride together and deploy the ‘conductor’ to make the calculations to ensure they arrive before the cutoff - the remaining group on the road got organised, worked out their ride times and set off for the final push to the finish, crossing it as a group. Making it with 2.5 hours to spare, the elated group bowed their heads and received their finishers medal. 

They’ve been out there the longest, endured the sun, wind and sand for longer and they’ve worked hard to make the deadline to receive their medals. And what a group of friends - the bonds you make on these events with those you’ve slogged the course - you become family and this is the feeling you get from following the Across Andes - it’s one big, very happy family.

The joint holders of the Lantern Rouge, in a time of 5D 13H 56M, are:
__Luis Pires__ - cap 66 (solo men) 
__Maria Teresa Suazo__ - cap 11 (solo women)
__Pamela Suazo__ - cap 12 (solo women)
__Joaquín Lopez__ - cap 67 (solo men)
__Pablo Mendoza__ - cap 68 (solo men)
__Cristian Lagos__ - cap 69 (solo men)

While we cheer on the riders, especially those who were out there the longest, let’s not forget those supporting the race, especially those at the finish-line, who day and night welcomed every rider, filmed them and posted it to social media. The enthusiasm from the first rider to the last was unaltered.

![team](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3eXh85ku4e2XWS1y4bdB2x/2adf555e2aecb5d09c2d9fc53c6d848d/_claudiolguinphoto_D415996.JPEG)
*Across Andes Team*

## General Classification
1. Ulrich Bartholmoes - 29 Nov 7:25 am - 49H 25M
2. Timothy Ruedlinger - 29 Nov 13:26 pm - 55H 26M
3. Andrea de Silvestris - 29 Nov 14:01 pm - 56H 1M

![General classification winners](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7FOzxvdLJxweI1hbI9Xrrw/d0696c2f7f1001dadae926b5a9e3a615/_claudiolguinphoto_D415931.JPEG)

## Women
1. Cynthia Frazer - 30 Nov 2:39 am - 68H 39M
2. Isidora  Solari - 30 Nov 15:59 pm - 81H 59M
3. Lucelia castillejo - 30 Nov 19:56 pm - 85H 56M
![women winners](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1qNSJPeNGf8t9wkeK1ZPep/f4a2e5c3f2da4453e27c1f9dde6eb07b/_claudiolguinphoto_D415956.JPEG)

## Mixed pairs
1. Tamara Santander & Andrés Molina - 1 Dec 17:00 pm - 90H 0 M
2. Josefina Salazar & Jaime Alamos - 1 Dec 21:23 pm - 94H 23M
3. Dulce Sanchez & Esteban Ramirez - 2 Dec 4:18 am - 101H 18M
![Mixed doubles](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2OEFeVy9t4PQ8mGQCyRAKi/6a5b55e5bc1848997e9f75942cdd21ef/_claudiolguinphoto_D415928.JPEG)

## Mens pairs
1. Andrés Tagle & Canuto Errazuriz - 29 Nov 19:39 pm - 61H 39M
2. Manuel Conejeros & Fernando Rodriguez - 29 Nov 23:41 pm - 65H 41M
3. Diego Ortiz & Giorgio Nattero - 30 Nov 00:50 am - 66H 50M
![Mixed pairs](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4zZpVePatPt6PixAg7ZrKT/03244906d14c574a27b62006c23d67b2/_claudiolguinphoto_DSC5307.JPEG)

And that concludes the Across Andes, but also the Dotwatcher commentary for 2022. There’s not much left to say except to celebrate your achievements for 2022, even if they didn’t produce the results you hoped. For the ‘Dotwatchers Only’ - thank you for your support in cheering all the Dots and we look forward to seeing you back for a busy 2023 season.

All the best to you and your family from all of us at dotwatcher.cc, for the upcoming festive season.

Photographers:
[Nils Laengner](https://www.instagram.com/nils_laengner/)
[Pablo Ramirez Arias](https://www.instagram.com/ramias_photo/)
[Clemente Day Pavone](https://www.instagram.com/cdiazphoto/)
[Claudio Olguín-Parra](https://www.instagram.com/claudiolguinphoto/)
[Julen Gallastegui](https://www.instagram.com/julen_gallastegui/)

As the race enters its sixth day, riders are making their way across the line. The finisher’s banner is strung across the road for every rider completing the event, day or night. It’s a party atmosphere, riders get their finishers medal hung over their necks, a spot on the podium with an interview, beamed over Instagram to followers watching at home. An alcohol-free beer offered up to replenish parched riders.

![Yasna](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4F5anfPJFGeu5pqNGExntw/a6b0630aadd96fd11dd2d166f5cf8b39/IMG_8578.jpg)

Others on are hand to take care of those just arriving, warming them in blankets, feeding them and shipping them off to warm accommodation.

![Finish line](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4FBTJe64d8rm2MqWheCVNI/9d19721ac8028a5d9ede14f4a8fcfffa/bc46e08a-5670-41e9-970a-8f6a6d1e519e.JPG)

## Check Point 3 closed yesterday (Thursday 1 December at 6pm CST)
CP3 - Rio Tolten - Quillhuafilo - 789 KM
An accident near the town of Valdivia (680km)on Thursday diverting traffic onto the race route, making it much busier than riders would normally face, it came before CP3 so those riders chasing to get to the check point before it closed would be up against the clock and facing additional traffic. There were a good handful of riders way off the mark for making CP3 before closure, so it’s no surprise to see the number of scratched riders jump to 31.

![Fatigue](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7uHv0LH29UGPs8xfGwMWvn/c1fbeec401e31d9f5f5b7e41a6c691eb/_claudiolguinphoto_DSC4871.JPEG)

# Views
From sunsets across the ocean to an active volcano, dust and night riding offer some spectacular scenes. The black beaches, didn’t disappoint, gritty black micro-stones filled shoes, penetrating socks, buffing any rough skin off the feet. The deep sand forced riders off their bikes, giving them a chance to glance across the ocean or back towards the volcanoes that dot the Andes. 

Volcano Villarrica is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. At 750km, it stands tall against the surrounding flat lands, it’s scorched top covered in snow. An active lava lake in the crater is intermittent, thus to catch lava being tossed out of the crater or drifting smoke must be a sight to behold for those who don’t live near an active volcano.  __David Logrippo__ and __Simón Tello__ captured some stunning night time photos.
![Volcano 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6XyEqsOjOWJXCKIzvrUJRh/4cf402a1e9a4963f20b3da37b7c2f6b0/350a0c06-e036-45e2-b756-b114d3aacf02_2.jpg)

![Volcano 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7lv3Gs1mPqyskQoVR7lqgN/380f29ef6e5e24e911977eb4df05adab/45e868d1-0a3d-4e4a-963d-4bc5f6511dfa.JPG)

# Tyres
Volcanic rock and tyres is never a good combination, even if the tyres are running tubeless. The sharp flints work their way into even the most robust tyres, creating a slow leak which will eventually lead to a pinch flat. Sidewall repairs to tyres can be tricky and if a rider isn’t careful, tyre sealant is easily lost through the cut in the tyre. In these conditions and with that much volcanic rock around, preserving a tubeless set up is a good idea because any inner tube will suffer multiple punctures.

![tyre issues](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4HulRCHOCbrxxnURM0BoST/2903900a89d87a71e03c2e412f29cd82/IMG_8434.jpg)

# GPS issues
From vanishing trackers, to illusive check points, navigating and being tracked proved to be more than a task for some. One tracker managed an Houdini escape, breaking free from it’s ziptie which remained intact on the seatbag. It stopped pinging it’s location, so the chances of locating it will be pretty tough. Obviously the rider only discovered the Houdini trick once he stopped for a break. Spot trackers generally only like to run on Lithium batteries, those unfortunate to put in normal batteries found them last around 24 hours. The newer ones have an usb charging point, but with this underneath the tracker, where it would normally rest against a bag, charging the tracker was a little more challenging, especially over rough gravel terrain.

![IMG 8561](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6v4YYovgO04ivKXMdpDI4l/f548958c42b4e38c10e633cf96acfe6f/IMG_8561.jpg)
# Scratched and Lantern Rouge
Among those who scratched, our rider of the day Paola Martinez was caught out by the closing of Check Point 2, she wasn’t alone and Lantern Rouge rider Holgar Theisen also fell to the closure of the check point. This leaves Pablo Meddozaolding the Lantern Rouge, he’s at marker 795km, he has 18 hours to complete the remaining 217km. To achieve this he’ll need to ride at an average of 12kph, without stopping, if he stops for 4 hours, he’ll need to ride at 15.5kph. Will he make it? 

Just ahead __María Teresa Suazo__, __Pamela Suazo__, __Cristian Lagos__ and __Joaquin López__ riding a similar speed, just leaving Villa Los Boldos. It leaves them with 207km to the finish, a constant speed of 11.5kph will get them there for the cut-off and with a stop of 4 hours, they’ll need to maintain 14.8kph. Lets keep cheering them on this last push to the finish-line.

## GC Podium
1. Ulrich Bartholmoes 2D 1H 25M
2. Timothy Ruedlinger - 2D 11H 37M
3. Andrea De Silvestris - 3D 1H 41M

## Women’s Podium
1. Cynthia Frazier - 2D 20H 39M
2. Isidora Solari - 3D 16H 45M
3. Lucelia Castillejos - 4D 1H 46M

## Pairs’ Podium
1. Andrés Tagle & Canuto Erráruriz 2D 17H 46M
2. Manuel Conejeros & Fernando Rodríguez 2D 21H 30M
3. Diego Ortiz & Giorgio Nattero 2D 22H 46M

## Mixed Pairs
1. Andres Molina & Tamara Santander 4D 14H 52M
2. Dulce Sanchez & Esteban Ramírez 5D 2H 02M
3. Mauricio Fernández & Natalie Lebrun 5D 5H 57M

(times may have errors - let me know if something is not correct)

Despite suffering some illness before the race, __Ulrich Bartholmoes__ took the win at the 2022 Across Andes in crushing form. He held pace with __Andrea De Silvestris__ through the early part of the race, where the terrain was more mountainous. Once past the coastal section, he opened up the after burners and put in a significant gap over the flatter terrain in the later part of the race. The steady climb back to the finish-line wasn’t enough for those following to make any gains on Ulrich.

Behind the tousle for 2nd place took a dramatic turn when __Andrea De Silvestris__, who was competing with Ulrich for the win in the early part of the race, found himself losing second place to __Timothy Reudlinger__. It was a nail biting fight to the finish, with not much separating the two riders over the finish-line. 

## GC Podium
1. Ulrich Bartholmoes 2D 1H 25M
2. Timothy Ruedlinger
3. Andrea De Silvestris

# Women’s race
__Cynthia Frazier__ took the women’s podium in fine form. Holding the lead from early in the race, she gradually increased the gap on second place crossing the line 14 hours and 28 minutes ahead of the winning women’s time from 2021 as well as coming in ahead of the overall time from 2021.

__Isidora Solari__ and __Lucelia Castillejos__ are within sight of each other, currently both stopped in Villarrica restocking for the final 100km push to the finish-line.

![Cynthia win](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/EpNsb7dgrwU9hQZIAf309/cb27c50ab10b3d30c6059b0f24e64f27/01029768.JPEG)
## Women’s Podium
1. Cynthia Frazier - finished 2D 20H 39M
2. Isidora Solari 910km
3. Lucelia Castillejos 910km

# Pairs’ race
__Andrés Tagle & Canuto Erráruriz__ took the win ahead of __Diego Ortiz & Giorgio Nattero__, with a 5 hour lead over 2nd place riders.__ Manuel Conejeros & Fernando Rodríguez__ are a few kilometres short of the finish-line, 11 hours behind second place in the pairs. 

__Dulce Sanchez & Esteban Ramírez__ overtook __Jaime Alamos & Josefina Salazar__ for the lead in the mixed pairs. The lead is marginal with only around 7km between the two pairs. 

![pairs win](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1t62FZ9QBe0hDLcPpHbhEP/9e2426614f85505884609b9f2d354157/06c0f8ff-6f42-40bd-af26-637ab051fdf5.JPG)
## Pairs’ Podium
1. Andrés Tagle & Canuto Erráruriz 2D 17H 46M
2. Diego Ortiz & Giorgio Nattero 2D 22H 46M
3. Manuel Conejeros & Fernando Rodríguez 1,001km (almost finished)
4. Dulce Sanchez & Esteban Ramírez - 1st mixed pair 691km

# Rider of the Day
__Paola Martinez__ is around the 500km mark, aiming for CP2 before it closes, a mere 27km away, but with the terrain and possible wind, it could be a slog to get there as the closing time is 12PM (lunch-time) CST. She’s doing 10kph, with 45 minutes left to cover the 27km, the check point may be closed before she gets there. Claiming to be in her 5th decade on Instagram, she’s doing a fantastic job out there and judging from the photo’s she’s ploughing up those climbs any which way she can.

[Paola Martinez Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/paolas_martinez/)

![paola1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5Bg1pQZkflmYmILj6zg5jp/e695170c9e539e71c70249c170004e13/Day-2-clementediaz_58.JPEG)
![paola](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5vJmzRjI49kfyuefAd9r7U/ee4b8ad7d5d282ee6562daa865068b4f/Day-2-clementediaz_63.JPEG)

# The Virtual Broom Wagon
A handful of riders are at risk of being swept up by the broom wagon. Pairs riders __Carlos Niembro & Dennis Fahey__, and solo riders __David Logrippo__ and __Nestor Sevlever__ definitely won’t make the closing of CP2. They may continue on, hoping to speed up on the return leg where it’s flatter and the chance of a tailwind is higher.

# Race conditions
It’s hard not to notice the puffa jackets and leggings in the photos of the racers. Reported hot day time temperatures followed by very cold nights is making for some tough race conditions. Coupled with tough terrain and gravel roads, the effort is taking its toll on some riders. It’s not tourist season at the moment, so many places are shuttered up and finding resupply can be tricky in these more remote areas. Riders are finding their rides times are much slower than they’d predicted and shops are closed when they arrive. 

![Race conditions](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/39u0BRptshV4ZmvMJpAWAd/2ab21e8e5ed5cfebf5b1bc6794434a67/IMG_8504.jpg)

Those heading out to the coast will have a strong cross wind to contend with, before they turn north where a tailwind will be a huge relief. A low pressure sitting off the west coast is drawing the winds into a northerly direction, it’s fairly stable, so the wind direction is unlikely to change. The low pressure was dragging in colder air, with snow falling in the south over the higher mountains in the past few days, which may have resulted in the colder nights. As the low pressure comes on shore, the temperatures will warm up a little and the night time temperatures look to be improving, so hopefully the riders will find some relief from the freezing, night temperatures. 

# Where is CP3
It’s seem CP3 is proving a little troublesome for some of the navigation devices, with riders requesting a pin drop to find the elusive spot.

![CP3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/GHpajVGxxPVO2pq0sgA3v/d42be7923e0b72823eb55eb584343c6c/IMG_8450.jpg)
*taken from the WhatsApp feed - translated by DeepL)*

And it seems CP2 is suffering the same fate with Caps 146 and 147 struggling to find it. While modern navigation apps make it simple to get a route into the bike computer - compare this to having to plug it into a laptop and opening up a folder on the drive and hoping you’ve dropped the file into the correct folder - the Apps can still cause issues. If you’re not careful with your settings the route can be altered to divert to the route most others have taken, or if you’re off-road then it might route you via a road. So experiencing navigation issues can still plague riders. Where are the paper maps when you need them?

Would these instructions work on a tired bikepacker? Let's hope so.
![help is at hand](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6AQjs6HuJdLGcHDSMfGiPi/ecf5726153e9e4ed8629cf755736e7ac/IMG_8507.jpg)

# Scratches
Thankfully no more reports of riders coming off their bikes, but the closure of CP1 and some post-Covid fatigue have nabbed a few more riders into the Scratches box. 20 riders abandoned their racing plans, some are continuing on-velo to the finish-line to celebrate when the party comes along, which will come after the race cut-off time at 4pm on Saturday. 

# DotReporter
Your DotReporter for the race is me - *__Peta McSharry__* - longtime bikepacker and bikepacking coach. I've never been to south America, but fear after commentating on this race, I may need to go.

You can follow me on Instagram where I'll post up in *Stories* when a new article hits the internet.

[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/)


At this pace it could all be over by tomorrow, well the first two steps on the General Classification podium. 500km in the first 24hours, means a race of just over 1,000km isn’t going to wait long before crowning a winner. __Ulrich Bartholmoes__ and __Andrea De Silvestris__ have broken away from the pack, putting in 65km gap to third place __Timothy Ruedlinger__. The leading pair are around the 655km mark after 32 hours of racing. What may look like some leap-frogging of the leaders, turns out to be a glitch in the tracking device, with Ulrich’s tracker updating less frequently than Andrea’s.  

## GC Podium after 32 hours
1. Ulrich Bartholmoes 680km
2. Andrea De Silvestris 662km
3. Timothy Ruedlinger 605km

# Women’s race after 32 hours
__Cynthia Frazier__ holds a near 70km over second place and local favourite, __Isidora Solari__. It looks like their rackers are updating along the same timeframe, so just eyeballing the screen will give a good idea of the distance between the two. __Lucelia Castillejos__ is 40km off the pace of Isidora. You may remember first place was attributed to __Margarita Sepúlveda__ in my last report, it turns out this was a tracking error which put her ahead of the women’s field. 

## Women’s Podium after 32 hours
1. Cynthia Frazier 479km
2. Isidora Solari 410km
3. Lucelia Castillejos 380km

# Pairs’ race after 32 hours
__Andrés Tagle & Canuto Erráruriz__ are through CP2, making it there before lunchtime. __Diego Ortiz & Giorgio Nattero__ are approaching the 500km mark and nearing CP2, which they should do before night fall, leaving them trailing the lead pair by just over 80km. In the overall ranking __Andrés and Canuto__ are in 4th position, while they don’t qualify for the GC, it goes to show their high pace, especially for a pair. Do we think they’re in sync with their ‘comfort breaks’ - they should be with the pace they’re setting. __Manuel Conejeros & Fernando Rodríguez__ are currently in 3rd place and hold a comfortable lead over 4th place pairing of __César Mato & Óscar Pujol__. First placed mixed pair __Jaime Alamos & Josefina Salazar__ are around 240km behind the leading all male pair Andrés Tagle & Canuto Erráruriz.

## Pairs’ Podium after 32 hours
1. Andrés Tagle & Canuto Erráruriz 584km
2. Diego Ortiz & Giorgio Nattero 503km
3. Manuel Conejeros & Fernando Rodríguez 482km
- Jaime Alamos & Josefina Salazar - 1st mixed pair 329km

# Scratches
Quite literally. __Tamara Santander__ (mixed pair with __Andres Molina__) took a fall and injured her finger and was covered in gravel-rash, she dusted herself off and continued riding, keeping hold of their 6th place. 11 abandonments tooke place in the first 32 hours of the race, we wait to make sure everyone is ok.

![Scratches](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2y9XiVZMdgW9sL4tVb8SbJ/fc6abceaef1ff71713704779a75cab71/IMG_8405.jpg)

# The Views
They’ve surpassed what I saw on Google street view, the colours of the lakes, the dome-shaped volcanoes covered in snow, the quality of the gravel roads. If this is your kind of thing, it would be a hard race to pass up on. While short in distance, you can add in some extra adventure on either side of the race. 

![views](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/743VfNEfBZyNc1fkVShY9z/624a6c827e35e45599c88409cd239825/IMG_8415.jpg)

# Lantern Rouge
Just knowing a large percentage of the field may not finish the race, puts the Lantern Rouge in a honouree position. Unlike the DFL (dead ‘F’ last) I’ve heard the position called, when I held this coveted position. If you’re just ahead of DFL, then a regular refresh of the tracker page is the order of the day, praying the person behind you doesn’t quit. But when there’s a Lantern Rouge Trophy waiting for you at the finish-line, it’s good position to hold. I’ve yet to see a Lantern Rouge award being given out in these races, but one day an organiser may surprise me. In honouree Lantern Rouge position, __Holger Theisen__, is around 520km of the pace of the leading riders. But with views like these, why rush.

# DotReporter
Your DotReporter for the race is me - *__Peta McSharry__* - longtime bikepacker and bikepacking coach. I've never been to south America, but fear after commentating on this race, I may need to go.

You can follow me on Instagram where I'll post up in *Stories* when a new article hits the internet.

[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/)

# DotTranslator
Your DotTranslator is *__Emma Shires__*. No stranger to cycling or gravel races or riding in pairs, she's sitting out this race to bring you race reports in Spanish.

[Emma Shires](https://www.instagram.com/emma.jane.s/)


And they’re off, but…

![AA dog](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7Kvh2xKMGJAtpdUZXgpjyK/85d4d390012544361c3935cafce4eb5f/Check-In-Day-0-clementediaz_2.JPEG)

…not before topping up with a good dose of social interaction. The highlight for many a bikepacker is the pre-race dinner and Across Andes served up a four course meal on the social front. Social rides, pre race coffee gatherings, dinners and a pool to hang out at, riders gathered days before the event to soak up the atmosphere, get checked in and pick up their goodie bag, and what a goodie bag it is. Looking more like the start of a sportive: sponsor banners, gazebos and coffee stands; Across Andes have some big name sponsors behind the race.

In addition to this, the organisers are also offering a translation service for the Dotwatcher commentary. With a large field coming from Chile, a Spanish translation will be available for Dotwatchers following their local riders. __Emma Shires__ is on the ground at the race, offering guidance on riders to follow as well as translating for the Spanish followers of the race. 

[Emma Shires Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/emma.jane.s/)

# Day 1 - General Classification
Racers took to the road at a blistering pace, with just under 23 hours on the road, the lead riders are at 490km. This would put them over the 500km mark for the first 24 hours of the race, reports of a tailwind confirm the pace is fast. This pace took some scalps on the way, coupled with very high temperatures - some riders reporting readings of close to 40°C - Badlands winner and one of the hot favourites for the win, __Seb Breuer__, succumbed to the race conditions, scratching at CP1. His black shorts showed the level of salt loss he suffered, this would upset his homeostasis, which can be hard to reset in race conditions. 

![Seb](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/pe94VWAsy5yeU1Fq23mBh/edf1f48e1fc5b03646855c9a5112c2df/IMG_8362.jpg)

(Homeostasis: is a self-regulating process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.) High salt loss can cause many issues, drop in blood pressure making you light headed, this can affect oxygen getting to where it needs to go, so muscle power feels diminished. You feel awful, nausea type feelings and light headed are not conducive to racing hard.

Seb Breuer is no stranger to racing in hard and hot conditions, coming from a Badlands win this year and 2021 German and European XCM MTB Champion (XCM = MTB marathon between 60-160km), proves that even the best of us can get caught out when racing these solo, unsupported races. To find out a bit more about Seb, an interview he did with Granfondo-Cycling captures his life succinctly. 
[Sei Breuer Granfondo-Cycling interview](https://granfondo-cycling.com/sebastian-breuer-european-xcm-championship-title-to-gravel/)

Back to the front of the race. After 12 hours of racing, __Andrea De Slivestris__ lead the race from early on, with __Ulrich Barthomoes__ and __Timothy Ruedinger__ following in close contention. Behind __Seb Breuer__ and __Gustavo Ruiz__ paced closely, chasing the leaders. __Miguel Diaz__, __Tomàs Baeza__ and __Hugo Abarzua__.

__Ulrich Bartholmoes__ was first at CP1, arriving at 16:54, just short of 11 hours of racing to reach the 253km mark. A short stop saw him back on the bike, closely followed by __Andrea De Slivestris__. At the start of this report Andrea is back in the lead, just short of CP2 (527km), but Ulrich took the lead back before the report was finished. It seems they are leap frogging each other on a regular basis.

![Women of AA](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/dknXAYTjx2xxFwOETYLi9/9a526062664fdd700f4c8590f1b01933/Charla-Tecnica-Day-0-clementediaz_16.JPEG)
# Women’s race
A quick bike change for __Cynthia Frazier__ before the start did not dampen her race ambitions. Discovering two major cracks on both sides of her frame - a suspected backing-of-a-vehicle into the bike while it was parked on an A-Frame - saw some frantic activity to source another frame get it to the start camp and swap everything across - a task she successful managed and lined up for the Grand Depart. Cynthia trailed the lead initially, held by __Margarita Sepúlveda__ after 12 hours, followed closely by __Isidora Solari__. __Cynthia__ sat just behind __Isidora__ before taking the lead into CP1. __Yasna Tapia__ held 4th, with __Victoria de Sa__ in 5th. Cynthia arrived at CP1 just before midnight, arriving a half hour before Margarita. Isidora arrived at CP1 just before 1am and took a 4 hour sleep before setting off again. Neither Cynthia or Margarita appear to have slept.

# Pairs’ Race
__Andrés Tagle and Canuto Erráruriz__ took an early lead, at 12 hours into the race, they held a 15km lead over __Manuel Conejeros and Fernando Rodríguez__. 3rd placed __Diego Ortiz and Giorgio Nattero__ weren’t far off the pair ahead. __Joaquin Campodonico and Renyo Corsini__ in 4th and __César Mato and Óscar Pujol__ in 5th are likely to be swapping positions frequently. These three pairs are all male, while the first three mixed pairs are all together at CP1, trailing the all male leading pair by around 120km. It’s good to remember when riding as a pair, you’re only as fast as the slowest person on that given terrain. Your best bet for a fast pair is to find someone who matches your climbing, descending and all out TT pace. If not then it’s best to find someone who balances out your flaws and feeds you when you hit the wall.

![Pairs](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5LQu4SYEq8grUrNtHulqQI/58ac2d4772c5f2541ddb4b1f595df3ed/IMG_8398.jpg)

# Scratches
While it’s not the part I like to focus on in a race, day 1 saw 6 people scratch. One through a crash resulting in some visible bone at the knee and requiring stitches and antibiotics (probably strong ones is the bone was exposed). We wish __Robert Müller__ a speedy recovery and no bad bone infections. No doubt the heat played a part in the other scratchers. Check Point 1 looked like a very tantalising place to escape the heat.

![Robert crash](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/DeEO5he3aEAG4u8jAA7R3/a406f338d8d9530ccd92bb3c41b7473f/IMG_8408.jpg)

[Robert Müller](https://www.instagram.com/radbert_m/)
There are a few more photos from Robert on his Insta, if you'd like further updates. 

# In other news
As I’ve spoken of before, every race holds it’s own personality, often dictated by the race director and how they apply their rules. Across Andes beams with social engagement for the riders, so for the race there is a WhatsApp group for all the riders, media, support staff and us DotCommentators. What’s apparent from the off is this race acknowledges the riders not competing for the podium. Many coming to the race for the first time, the WhatsApp group enables riders to test the waters while getting a little ‘support’ from fellow riders. Shout outs for availability of accommodation, updates of tracker issues and perhaps some other info I’ve over looked due to my lack of Spanish. While I love to strict rules for those competing seriously (they tend to self-regulate and don’t post on the WhatsApp), those coming into the sport can get through this adventure with a good dose of social interaction - and why not when this is your holiday.

# On the ground stars
A foreign language and unfamiliar territory for me, means someone on the ground will prove their weight in gold and __Julen Galastegui__ is just that person. I highly recommend following him on Insta Stories. He’s on the beat of the race and captures it via video and screen grabs from the tracker. 

[Julen Gallastegui Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/julen_gallastegui/)

# DotReporter
Your DotReporter for the race is me - *__Peta McSharry__* - longtime bikepacker and bikepacking coach. I've never been to south America, but fear after commentating on this race, I may need to go.

You can follow me on Instagram where I'll post up in *Stories* when a new article hits the internet.

[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/)

# DotTranslator
Your DotTranslator is *__Emma Shires__*. No stranger to cycling or gravel races or riding in pairs, she's sitting out this race to bring you race reports in Spanish.

[Emma Shires](https://www.instagram.com/emma.jane.s/)


While empanadas may be the food of choice the racers in Chile, a Dotwatcher worth their weight in screen clicks is a connoisseur of pies - of the number crunching type.

Falling at the end of the bikepacking season and with many riders done for the year, if falls on our South American compatriots to take on their ‘local’ race. 

Coming in at just over 70% of the field, Chileans make up the bulk of the field, a home advantage is a good thing, but within this packed field, it might be hard to get an unfair advantage on your fellow racer, given they know the country as well as you do.
![Top Countries](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6AHJgMph7q8doEYnzjuXRv/4b35f1702d5d05714faf25750aabdb52/TopCountries.png)

The 'smaller countries' with only 1 or 2 riders didn't stand a chance in the larger pie chart, so they get representation all on their own.

![SmallCountries](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6JDFitMV5Aqhuj2M4sI9Bt/4892fb8b3cd3c5b2e6ce9dc36308fc53/SmallCountries.png)

In the solo category, the percentage of female riders is closing in on 20% of the field, a good representation by bikepacking standards and as the years creep on, so do the number of women coming into the sport. 

![Gender](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2B2ntMaYw0VUNjZHFMuIAx/ba92540fe006a2365c0fd4aab779b978/Gender.png)

The part we love to geek on the most - the bikes. A gravel race with few technical sections lends itself well to a gravel bike, and the representation in the race is high with 83% of the field choosing a gravel bike. With no stats on what forks riders are using, the corrugations on the roads would lend themselves to some form of dampening at the front end of the bike. You can browse the riders choice over at the Bike of the Across Andes - many of them look light on what’s being carried on the race. The weather looks temperate and with little rain forecast, going for a lighter weight system would cause riders to suffer out on the course. The route looks well serviced with many small towns along the way, so getting out the elements, should they chose to throw their worst at the riders, should be too much of a problem.

![BikeType](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6yOW2ner3zT7PrLAVezJKf/0a28b3fa9f26ffeb141a598f6b096ccf/Type_of_bike.png)

The food looks appealing, certainly to my palate anyway and with plenty of lakes sourcing drinking water shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Not having ridden in this part of the world, I’ve no idea what the open hours are for shops and food stops, but we’re bound to find out as riders post up along the way. The Pisco Sour is loved by many a Chilean, while the riders won’t have time to sip one along the way, let’s hope they get to kick their feet up with this tangy, grape brandy cocktail when they cross the finish-line.

Calling the race could be easy, but equally so, it could be impossible. __Ulrich Bartolmoes__ lines up for the race, coming off a busy season with both Badlands and TransContinental under his belt, he’s completed 6 long distance events this year starting in January 2022. Other top racers faced end of year fatigue after a busy season, where recently __Lael Wilcox__ called time on racing - choosing to end her season before taking to the start-line for Across Andes - so we wait with baited breath to see if Ulrich will break the trend and manage to scoop a win in this late season finale. __Sebastian Breuer__, this year's Badlands winner, will be a strong contender for the win and certainly for the podium. His calendar saw fewer races, so he should come in well rested for the race. Badlands will have been a good proving ground for Across Andes. Returning winner from 2021, __Timothy Ruedlinger__, is also a strong contender and with the race route returning to the Araucanía Andina region, he'll be familar with the terrain.

In the womens' field __Cynthia Frazier__ is a strong contender, taking a podium place on the Badlands, trouble with resupply at the race didn't hamper her second place too much. Not wanting to make the same mistake, Cynthia took her brother along to reccy Across Andes pre-race. __Isidora Solari__ is no stranger to ultra-gravel, taking on Unbound Gravel and hailing from Chile, she's one to keep an eye on. 

But with a largely unknown field - to me at least - means the podium will be a complete surprise, however it presents an intriguing viewing perspective, giving the opportunity to learn about a whole heap of new faces.

The race brings a new tracking system to the game, so it will be fun learning how to use it. There are no links to any social media accounts, but I will try track down some and highlight them.

![Tracking](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4tqwKc3aTpsIG9eJPOR9Qc/cb2793c0f2526b7299ce0ecff1ac4ddd/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_14.27.39.png)

The organisers are fully engaged with us at Dotwatcher HQ, so we can clear up any mishaps by the riders without speculation, gain access to on-the-ground info and bring to life our reporting with visuals from the race media. My favourite kind of race to commentate on. 

Happy viewing and I look forward to having you along for the ride. 

[Across Andes](https://acrossandes.cc)

# DotReporter
Your DotReporter for the race is me - *__Peta McSharry__* - longtime bikepacker and bikepacking coach. I've never been to south America, but fear after commentating on this race, I may need to go.

You can follow me on Instagram where I'll post up in *Stories* when a new article hits the internet.

[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/)


Mientras que las empanadas son la comida de elección para corredores en Chile, cualquier Dotwatcher experimentado es un experto en tortas - de gráficos de torta. 

Al final del calendario de bikepacking y con muchos riders ya listos con su año competitivo, los compatriotas de América del Sur van a su carrera local. 

Con un poco más de 70%, la mayoría de los riders son chilenos, y aunque estar en casa es una ventaja, con tantos locales, puede ser difícil tener una ventaja dado que hay tantos riders que también conocen tan bien el país. 
![Top Countries](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6AHJgMph7q8doEYnzjuXRv/4b35f1702d5d05714faf25750aabdb52/TopCountries.png)

Los países menos representados, con 1 o 2 riders, no aparecen en el gráfico de tortas más grande, así que tienen su propio gráfico. 

![SmallCountries](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6JDFitMV5Aqhuj2M4sI9Bt/4892fb8b3cd3c5b2e6ce9dc36308fc53/SmallCountries.png)

En la categoría solo, el porcentaje de mujeres es cerca al 20%, un muy buen número y se nota que con los años, más mujeres se van sumando a este deporte.

![Gender](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2B2ntMaYw0VUNjZHFMuIAx/ba92540fe006a2365c0fd4aab779b978/Gender.png)

La parte que más nos gusta obsesionar - las bicicletas. Una carrera de gravel con muy pocas partes técnicas es ideal para una bici de gravel, y la mayoría de los riders, 83%, eligieron una bici de gravel. No tenemos datos de que horquillas eligieron los riders, pero por el estado de la ruta es ideal para algo de ayuda en suspensión. Pueden ver las bicicletas de Across Andes - muchos van muy livianos. El clima se ve templado y con mucha lluvia, así que eligiendo ir más liviano se van a sufrir menos. La ruta tiene varios pueblos chicos entonces escapar del clima, si es necesario, no debe ser difícil. 

![BikeType](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6yOW2ner3zT7PrLAVezJKf/0a28b3fa9f26ffeb141a598f6b096ccf/Type_of_bike.png)

La comida se ve rica, para mi gusto al menos, y con muchos lagos encontrar agua no debe ser difícil. No he viajado en bici en esta parte del mundo, así que no tengo idea de los horarios de los minimarkets ni restaurantes, pero seguro que vamos a aprender gracias a los posts de los riders. El Pisco Sour es muy querido por los chilenos, y mientras los riders no van a poder disfrutar uno en ruta, esperamos que pueda descansar y disfrutar esta especialidad local cuando cruzan la meta. 

Decir quién va a ganar la carrera puede ser fácil, pero también imposible. __Ulrich Bartolmoes__ llegará a Across Andes despues de un año con muchos eventos incluyendo Badlands y TransContinental, tuvo 6 eventos de larga distancia este año desde enero 2022. Otros riders llegaron muy cansados, con __Lael Wilcox__ dicidiendo no correr y terminar su año de competencia antes de la partida. Entonces vamos a estar esperando a ver si Ulrich va a ganar en este gran finale. __Sebastian Breuer__, ganador de Badlands, tiene muy buenas posibilidades de subirse al podio. Su calendario tenía menos carreras, entonces debe llegar bien descansado. Badlands fue muy buena preparación por Across Andes. También estaremos atentos al ganador de 2021, __Timothy Ruedlinger__, con la ruta en la misma zona del año pasado, conocer bien la región. 

Dentro de las mujeres, __Cynthia Frazier__ es muy fuerte, haber sacado podio en Badlands, dificultades con reabastecimiento no afectó su segundo lugar. Para evitar el mismo error, Cynthia se fue a conocer la ruta con su hermano antes de Across Andes. __Isidora Solari__ tiene buen experiencia en ultra, una Chilena que participó en Unbound Gravel y Across Andes el año pasado, estaremos atentos a su carrera. 

Con muchos corredores que no conozco, el podio va a ser una sorpresa, entonces va a ser muy interesante, dando la oportunidad de conocer muchas caras nuevas. 

La carrera va a usar un nuevo sistema de GPS, entonces va a ser entendido aprender usarlo. No tengo las redes de los corredores, pero intentaré encontrar algunas para compartir.

![Tracking](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4tqwKc3aTpsIG9eJPOR9Qc/cb2793c0f2526b7299ce0ecff1ac4ddd/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_14.27.39.png)

La organización está comprometida con nosotros en Dotwatcher HQ, entonces podemos aclarar dudas con los riders, tener acceso a información en vivo y dar vida a nuestro reportaje con imágenes. Me encanta seguir estos tipos de carreras. 

Disfruten de seguir la carrera y estoy feliz de compartirla con ustedes. 

[Across Andes](https://acrossandes.cc)

# DotReporter
Su DotReporter por esta carrera es *__Peta McSharry__* -bikepacker experimentada y coach. Nunca he ido al américa del sur, pero creo que después de seguir esa carrera, voy a tener que ir.

Me pueden seguir en Instagram donde subiré una *historia* cuando tenga un nuevo DotReporter post.

[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/)

Texto en español por Emma Shires
[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/emma.jane.s/)


![Volcano](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/WMDOyIDCrWZDMdFsARQJA/f5c4eef4b0ffe18ab7c0c230bc033a8c/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_10.31.39.png)
*Source: Google Maps*

Entre sus volcanes y lagos, Across Andes es una ruta demasiado hermosa, y mientras que los 12.000m de altimetría acumulada lo hace exigente, no va a ser tan dura como algunos otros en el calendario ultra. La ruta de 1.000km tiene un gradiente promedio de 1,2%, que compara con 3% en Hope 1000 y 2% en Badlands, entonces no es tan explosivo como esas carreras, pero la altimetría no siempre es lo que hace la diferencia en carreras de gravel - el tipo de terreno y la calidad del camino son factores más importantes, haciendo la diferencia entre subir una cuesta en bici o tener que caminar o empujar la bici en arena. Cuando está a altitud, todo es distinto, pero afortunadamente para los riders de Across Andes, la ruta no está en altura, con el punto más alto siendo alrededor de 1.600m arriba del mar y la mayoría de la carrera alrededor de los 1.000m.

![Profile stats](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/mPVaNfyOyno06EXBjWcFv/205609519fc1fa262be979954f46b5b0/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_10.44.33.png)

A 1.000 km al sur de Santiago, la partida es en Melipeuco desde donde los riders irán al noreste, tomando una ruta que circula el primer volcán antes de volver a la partida, pasando por volcanes y lagos. Los bosques de araucarias darán sombra en los momentos más calurosos del día. La temperatura es templada, con una mínima de 9°C, subiendo a 26°C. Vientos tranquilos de 15 kph del sur, dando un poco de viento de cola en la primera parte y alrededor de 12 horas de luz. Una lluvia liviana está pronosticada para la mitad de la semana, con temperaturas bajas durante el día, pero no sigue durante la noche. Cuando los riders van al sur, van a encontrar viento en contra, pero está pronosticado para cambiar así que pueden tener suerte.

A primera vista, uno piensa que la ruta tiene la mayoría de las subidas grandes en la primera parte de la ruta, antes de ir al plano entre el mar y las montañas. Playas de arena volcánica combinadas con aguas claras y la oportunidad de meterse al mar. La corriente Humboldt lleva agua del Antártica, con 16°C es bastante fresco para los riders más valientes. El viento del mar hace parecer frío haciendo que los riders piensen que no necesitan bloqueador, pero el sol aquí es fuerte.

Después de un parte de la ruta siguiendo la costa, el camino sigue adentro hacia el pueblo donde comenzaron. Si los riders no estudiaron bien la ruta, van a pensar que terminaron las subidas, pero ahí viene una sorpresa. En los últimos 180 km se van subiendo de forma constante hasta Melipeuco. La altimetría acumulada en este parte es de solo 750 m pero la subida es constante y cansa a las piernas, sobre todo con los repechos más duros.

### Parte 1 - Melipeuco a Cherquenco
- (volcanes y lagos)
- 180 km, 3.050m desnivel positivo, 2.500m disnivel negativo
- Sin pavimento: 103 km
- Pavimiento: 40 km
- Aspalt: 37 km

### Parte 2 - de Cherquenco a Curarrehue
- (volcanes y lagos)
- 180 km, 2.180m desnivel positivo, 2.720m disnivel negativo
- Sin pavimento: 143 km
- Pavimiento: 11.8 km
- Aspalt: 26 km

### Parte 3 - de Curarrehue a Panguipulli
- (volcanes y lagos)
- 225 km, 2.740m desnivel positivo, 3,120m disnivel negativo
- Sin pavimento: 50 km
- Pavimiento: 77 km
- Aspalt: 97 km

### Parte 4 - de Panguipulli a Villa Los Boldos
- (plano y mar)
- 226 km, 1.540m desnivel positivo, 1.660m disnivel negativo
- Pavimiento: 83 km
- Sin pavimento: 44 km
- Aspalt: 100 km

### Parte 5 - de Villa Los Boldos a Melipeuco
- (planos, volcanes y lagos)
- 202 km, 2.500m desnivel positivo, 2,030m disnivel negativo
- Pavimiento: 86 km
- Sin pavimento: 30 km
- Aspalt: 86km

![Google Map AA](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3HYFLmI1EdB9jOH9XxvjS6/985114368aaf8fee2566dbae74878a00/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_09.56.46.png)
*Source: Google Maps*

Como siempre en carreras de gravel - los caminos de tierra más planos tendrán calamina - que tan terrible es depende del clima y el tránsito vehicular. La lluvia puede convertir los mejores caminos en barro, y la lluvia más fuerte en una subida hace que parte del camino desaparezca, dejando grietas grandes para desviar. Parece que la ruta no incluye single track, entonces los riders estarán en rutas de verdad con tránsito vehicular. Lentes de sol y un buen buff estarían mi recomenda

![AA route and profile](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/byietDrxuSL52IObPRpfF/83338f95d3d7642c4f6e25e1c7b8cf31/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_10.44.56.png)
*Source: RidewithGPS.com*

[Across Andes](https://acrossandes.cc)

# DotReporter
Su DotReporter por esta carrera es *__Peta McSharry__* -bikepacker experimentada y coach. Nunca he ido al américa del sur, pero creo que después de seguir esa carrera, voy a tener que ir.

Me pueden seguir en Instagram donde subiré una *historia* cuando tenga un nuevo DotReporter post.

[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/)

Texto en español por Emma Shires
[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/emma.jane.s/)


![Volcano](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/WMDOyIDCrWZDMdFsARQJA/f5c4eef4b0ffe18ab7c0c230bc033a8c/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_10.31.39.png)
*Source: Google Maps*

Peppered with volcanoes and Lakes, Across Andes presents a feast for the eyes, while the 12,000m of elevation gain will give the legs a good workout, it won't be as taxing some others on the bikepacking calendar. A 1,000km course gives this race a 1.2% average gradient, compare this to the Hope 1000 at 3% and the Badlands at 2%, it’s not as punchy as these races, but elevation gain is not always the key factor in gravel races - the type of terrain and the quality of the roads are more key to whether you can ride up a climb or find yourself hike-a-biking or even pushing on the flats in thick sand. Add in some high altitude and it’s a different ball game all together, but luckily for the Across Andean Riders, the route remains relatively low, with the highest elevation coming in at around 1,600m above sea level and much of the race existing below the 1,000m mark.

![Profile stats](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/mPVaNfyOyno06EXBjWcFv/205609519fc1fa262be979954f46b5b0/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_10.44.33.png)

Starting just under 1,000km south of Santiago, Melipeuco will see the racers depart towards the north east, taking a circular route around the first Volcano before heading back towards the start, then snaking southwards through the volcanoes and lakes. Ancient forests will offer a spot of shade through the hottest parts of the day. Temperatures are moderate with a 9°C low, rising to 26°C. Winds are light at 15kph coming in from the south, giving racers a gentle tailwind for the first section and around 12 hours of daylight. Light rain is forecast mid week, dropping temperatures during the day, but not overnight. As racers head southwards, they’re likely to encounter a headwind but the winds are forecast to change direction a little, so they may luck out.

The route, at first glance, seems front-loaded with much of the big climbs in the first part of the route, before it heads to the flat lands between the mountains and the sea. Black volcanic sand beaches meet the blue ocean and a chance to dip in the cool waters. The Humboldt current brings water up from the Antartic, at 16°C it will be a bracking dip for those brave enough. Wind off the sea can be deceptive, making it feel cold, but the sun will still be strong and lull racers into forgetting the sunscreen.

After a stretch along the beaches, the route heads back inland towards the start town. If racers failed to study the course profile closely, thinking all the climbing was done in the first three sections, they’ll be in for a surprise. The final 180km is a steady climb from the planes back to the start town of Melipeuco. The elevation gain is only 750m, but the continual climbing will sap the legs, especially with a few big, steep climbs on the way.  

### Sector 1 - Melipeuco to Cherquenco
- (volcanoes and lakes)
- 180km, 3,050m up, 2,500m down
- Unpaved: 103km
- Paved: 40km
- Aspalt: 37km

### Sector 2 - From Cherquenco to Curarrehue
- (volcanoes and lakes)
- 180km, 2,180m up, 2,720m down
- Unpaved: 143km
- Paved: 11.8km
- Aspalt: 26km

### Sector 3 - From Curarrehue to Panguipulli
- (volcanoes and lakes)
- 225km, 2,740m up, 3,120m down
- Unpaved: 50km
- Paved: 77km
- Aspalt: 97km

### Sector 4 - From Panguipulli to Villa Los Boldos
- (planes and sea)
- 226km, 1,540m up, 1,660m down
- Unpaved: 83km
- Paved: 44km
- Aspalt: 100km

### Sector 5 - From Villa Los Boldos to Melipeuco
- (planes, volcanoes and lakes)
- 202km, 2,500m up, 2,030m down
- Unpaved: 86km
- Paved: 30km
- Aspalt: 86km

![Google Map AA](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3HYFLmI1EdB9jOH9XxvjS6/985114368aaf8fee2566dbae74878a00/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_09.56.46.png)
*Source: Google Maps*

The usual rules apply to gravel - the flatter, dirt roads will be corrugated - how badly depends on the weather and how much vehicle traffic travels over it. Rain can turn the best of dirt surfaces to peanut butter mud, and where heavy rain hits roads on a gradient, sections could wash away, leaving racers weaving around the large grooves left behind. There were no indications of single-track along the route, so riders will most likely be on actual roads with a chance of getting a good dusting from passing vehicles. Sun glasses and a buff over the mouth would be my order of the day.

![AA route and profile](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/byietDrxuSL52IObPRpfF/83338f95d3d7642c4f6e25e1c7b8cf31/Screenshot_2022-11-24_at_10.44.56.png)
*Source: RidewithGPS.com*

[Across Andes](https://acrossandes.cc)

# DotReporter
Your DotReporter for the race is me - *__Peta McSharry__* - longtime bikepacker and bikepacking coach. I've never been to south America, but fear after commentating on this race, I may need to go.

You can follow me on Instagram where I'll post up in *Stories* when a new article hits the internet.

[Peta McSharry Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/petamcsharry/)


Peta McSharry

Across Andes 2022 Tracking: Race Tracking and Commentary for Across Andes 2022 + This race traversing South America’s cordillera has served racers and dotwatchers with some of the most exquisite landscapes and tales of racing. For the 2022 edition the route is largely unchanged, much to our delight!

Across Andes Tracking 2022

ACROSS ANDES TRACKING: This race traversing South America’s cordillera has served racers and dotwatchers with some of the most exquisite landscapes and tales of racing. For the 2022 edition the route is largely unchanged, much to our delight!

DotWatcher.cc

Across Andes 2022

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