January 13, 2025

Today, February 13th, we set off after yesterday’s forced stop in Cerro Sombrero due to weather conditions that made cycling impossible.

There’s concern about this fourth-to-last stage due to possible rain by midday and, as always, the wind, forecasted at 20 to 30 knots. Manageable if it’s tailwind or slightly crosswind, but challenging if it’s headwind—especially for today’s planned stretch of 135 km.

The decision is simple: we start and adjust based on what we encounter in terms of wind and rain.

The first 15 km head southwest, and it’s tough. Not entirely headwind, but the constant sidewind forces us to ride with the bikes tilted. “We’ll never make it!”

Then the road turns southeast, and everything changes. The wind is at our backs, and we’re flying—or at least moving steadily with a favorable 45° tailwind, which is quite enjoyable.

Temperatures are quite chilly (we’re dressed in windproof jackets), despite being in the warmest part of the day and year. This naturally raises the question: why “Tierra del Fuego” (Land of Fire), which evokes images of much warmer temperatures?

The name comes from Magellan’s sailors, who, while passing through the strait (now the Strait of Magellan) near the large island (now Tierra del Fuego), saw constant fires lit by the local Yámana people to fight off the harsh cold. They named it “Land of Fire” not for its climate—which is anything but warm, especially for Mediterranean people like us—but for those ever-present flames.

We reach the Chilean border around 2:00 PM after 5 hours of cycling, near our destination, San Sebastián, just a few kilometers past the Argentine border.

At San Sebastián, we look around, but the only hostel is fully booked. Staying here doesn’t seem appealing anyway.

We exchange glances and decide to push on, aiming for Río Grande 80 km further down the road. If we make it, great; if not, we’ll sleep wherever we stop.

With a tailwind propelling us forward, it’s incredible. We’re flying, and our legs turn effortlessly, as if fatigue doesn’t exist.

After an additional 2 hours and 22 minutes, we arrive in Río Grande.

A total of 215 km—the longest stage of our journey, combining two planned stages into one.

A celebratory schop (draft beer) is a must, followed by a hearty dinner.

Two stages remain. Our six hearts are happy, united, and nearing the finish line.