Dakar rider and instructor Felipe Prohens (Atacama Rides) is right when he says that every raid must have a good story in its saddlebags, a cultural touch, in addition to the logical action and adventure. He applies this maxim in each of the trips he plans for "Yamaha Expedition", sponsored by the Japanese brand, which on Saturday set up a 400-kilometer round trip between the headquarters in Las Condes and Nancagua, VI Region, with the central axis in the so-called "Azudas de Larmahue", still little known for their true agricultural and historical value.
That said, let's say that early in the morning, at 8:30, a dozen expedition members gathered at Las Condes 8326 at the call of Prohens, who organizes for Yamaha a raid that brings the "family" together around their great passion for motorcycles, always looking for different places, with entertaining routes and with their own value. SMotos Magazine was invited to this first Yamaha Expedition of 2024, which we appreciate.
After a delicious breakfast and practical advice from Peter Barrera (Yamalube), the drivers headed towards Panamericana Sur, supported by vans driven by Oscar Vargas (Yamaimport marketing assistant) and by the audiovisual professional from Atacama Rides, Rodrigo Daza.
The route, in our opinion, could not have been better, taking us through Santa Rosa de Pelequén, turning right towards the beautiful towns or reference points of Requegua, San Vicente, Pencahue, Lo Argentino, Pichidegua, Marchihue, Larmahue (with its 40 Azudas or wheels), Cruce Santa Cruz-Pichilemu, Santa Cruz, Nancagua and returning to Santiago, after a restorative lunch at El Quincho de don Lindor, highly recommended.
On the way, and before the coffee break by Atacama Rides next to one of the windmills in Larmahue, there was no shortage of getting lost with a "we never realized where they turned", queries to Mr. Google about the trees in the area, getting to know each other, checking tires and motorcycles, among which the Teneré 700 and 1200 stood out, plus some Tracers and a couple of guests.
Curves, heterogeneous vegetation, dry areas, slopes, straights to give speed to the little gems and beautiful scenery, lots of scenery.
Among our acquaintances were the León brothers, Ricardo and Guillermo (fathers of the endurists Ricardo, Tomás and Ignacio), Ángelo Darcangeli, Juan Pablo Gaete, Miguel Angel San Martín, Christian Díaz, Matías Pellet, as well as Claudio Malhue's partner with Francesca Mantelli.
In total, 7 hours of good vibes, enjoying two wheels, chatting and laughing heartily, exchanging experiences with Yamaha.
By Alexis Vasquez / S Motos Magazine
Photos: Claudio "Whip" Morales
