Crossing the Andes (again)

We've taken the bus to Mendoza and it was a blessing as the road was a bleak, wind-blasted horror. However after several restoring glasses of wine, we decided to cycle over the mountain pass from Argentina to Chile. The crossing took two days up and two down, with fine views on the way (but the ski slopes were a bit short of snow...) The biggest mountain in the continent - Aconcagua at 6960m - was just off the road, although another 4km up in the air so we didn't walk up it. Downhill into Chile was splendid bendy tarmac (another classic motorcycling road, ah...) and then into the capital Santiago. After 1750km in four weeks we needed a breather and enjoyed a nice social with Amanda, a friend of Liz's, ending in a Germanic bar in town. Interestingly that was the first day we had spoken to another British person at all since starting out. We've cycled over four months now and our riding kit's worn out, so we have been shopping for new clothes. The trip has also been a test for our gear, with some brands falling short: Brooks saddle (bust tensioning bolt), Leatherman Blast (broken catch) and Shimano pedal (grinding bearing). Thankfully the bikes (Thorn Raven Tours) have been admirably reliable. Off to Temuco and (the southern hemisphere's) Lake District tomorrow. (NB: Settings have been re-re-revised to allow comments by all. I hope...)