More magnificent mountain views passed and I was in Bariloche, the Lake District of Argentina. Aptly named for the huge lake Nauha Huapi that the town is located on.

An early start was in order for the 33km lake circuit Circuto Chico or "Le tour de Chico" as I called it. I met my 2 Australian chums at the bus station at 9 for what was sure to be a true test of endurance, willpower and aerodynamics. Who will win? The stage was set, and after the debriefing at the rental place where we were told of a brewery 4km from the finish line (my secret weapon) we signed our lives away and prepped for the harsh reality of sharing the roads with some manic Argentine drivers who had a serious need for speed.

Pedalling around the enormous lake was an experience like no other. The circuit reminded me of a roller coaster track, lined with yellow flowers in bloom. It featured some serious downhillage followed by the grim uphill battle to a flat bit of road. And the views! I've never seen a lake of that blue before, it was electric, with numerous, hidden little beaches and lookouts to rest and recover before another onslaught of rubber to pavement. Featured stops included the most famous hotel in Argentina: hotel Llao Llao (5 stars) and a cool little pier on a lake for arvo sambos and bevos.
The nights activities included serious R&R from the killer ride in the form of cards and shots of Fernet (a horrible herbal liquor, the most grim on the planet). And as they say, the rest is history.

The next day it was time to seriously tackle the so called Lake District head on. The three of us, plus 2 German girls hired a car with the intention of driving 400kms round trip through the national park to a small mountain town on a lake. Little did I know that I would be driving the whole journey, as no one knew how to drive manual. So here I am in a pimped out, packed out Volkswagen Golf half pooping my pants with fright at the prospect of driving on the other side of the road. After making it to the town and back, seeing some amazing scenery, eating full on feeds and flooring it through the nasho in the dark we made it back to Bariloche at midnight. Safe from the windy mountain roads and landscapes reminiscent of your favourite horror movie I was keen to tuck it in, more hungry and tired than ever, yet way psyched on the mega day we had. There is no other way to describe Bariloche than pretty. A place of good times, mates and scenery I'd sell the soul I don't have for.