| I have pushed my Van Nicholas bike to the limits and he experienced all the conditions without letting me down. We shared moments of joy, tears and tantrums that only he knows. He is my accomplice in adventure; a duet in which he and I both sang the lead.
Besides my bicycle, loneliness was my most faithful companion, sometimes heavy, but always regenerating, stimulating and so educational! The return to civilization is a little strange and confusing.
My documentary for French television ended a few days ago. It was difficult, intense, rich, moving, strong and true. It will show the challenging conditions encountered by bike, the beauty of these spaces at the end of the world, and the human experience in ecological and sporting terms. The Patagonian experience was very rich and not always easy. Highlights include encounters and exchanges with the rural population, who inhabit an isolated area under quasi-despotic local rule, where it rains for several months of the year. It’s an area where exploration is still possible and adventure can be found on the doorstep.
I loved Cohaique, about 400km south of Futaleufu. The Futaleufu vegetation is lush and abundant, but Cohaique is slightly sunken, further south, with a dry climate, windy, mountainous, but with a horizon, a tundra and forests of evergreens. It has an atmosphere that reminds me of Colorado, USA (which I particularly love). | As shown in my documentary, my three day bike trip on the legendary Carretera Austral, departing from Cohaique, turned into a nightmare because of the wind. I had never ridden against a wind so strong – even standing still it was hard not be blown over! Somehow, despite not getting into the saddle until 10am, I managed to cover 120km on the first day, with an elevation gain of 1900m and 30kg in my panniers. The second and third day was less windy, but much wetter – rain, rain, rain and mud. Long live Patagonia!
I can’t wait to see these images and share this documentary with you. This is one of the thoughts that gave me the mental strength to overcome all challenges. Trying to discover and share these grand spaces fills me with happiness and energy. I need say no more... It must be left to the documentary to show the public the wonders of Patagonia!
The next shoot will take place in April on the waters of Nepal – I am already buzzing with the thought of more exploration, in purely sporting terms, and with the excitement of human discovery. I will post updates via my web page on the Van Nicholas website.
Until then, the training will continue on my Zion, whose name already transports me to documentary no.3, which has a spectacular US site as a backdrop – the mountain biker's paradise! I'll let you guess ...
See you soon for a new sport!
Katia Lafaille |