An easy rest day in Salta. The streets were all busy in the morning. After 1 pm, shops close and it becomes quiet again for the siesta until 5 pm when it all gets busy again.

My bike has been riding fine, but I decided to visit several bike shops to see what they had. Once again, there is a separation between sales and service places. I tried to see if I could find a mirror for my glasses. At four different shops, they understood what I was asking but none of the four had a mirror.

One of the shops reminded me of an auto parts store with a large selection of different components for sale.

This little shop did some repairs and was otherwise completely crowded with bikes.

Also bought a SIM card so I should have phone service and mobile internet in Argentina.

I’ve also spent some time looking through blogs for the next section to Mendoza. The total distance is around 1300km with some small towns as well as a good section of desolate desert areas in between.

The elevation profile isn’t as high nor as hilly, though others have reported more wind. Also reports of plenty of sharp plants with thorns to puncture tires. So expect a mix of camping and occasional hotels. Some report cold nights, though not quite sure how this compares with the Altiplano where it was below freezing. The route is mostly paved, but there will some some stretches of gravel road.

While I’ve been fairly rested from the rest day today, this is an interesting enough city that plan is for another rest day tomorrow and then to leave the city on Sunday morning for an approximately three-week ride to Mendoza.