If someone had asked us to describe the perfect start to our South American leg of our journey, we'd have probably descrbed living with a relaxed fun family who have a passion for life and all things motobike related. It would be great if the man of the house had 20 years of experience of leading tours of motorcyclyst to 'out of the way' destinations and little known Argentinian gems. OK, if we're really 'going for it' then he'd been generous to a fault and supply us his waypoint and travel logs...

Amazingly this is exactly what we enjoyed when Ricardo Gargiulo invited us to come and stay with his family whilst we prepared.

Every time we mentioned an area we wanted to explore Ricardo had some pearl of wisdom based on good experience to share. Mind you with over 40 trips under his belt we were wondering if there's anywhere he's not ridden.

When this guys not bike touring Ricardo runs the BMW Motorcycle side of Trepat Automovilles in Buenos Aires.

Lisa was in her element plowing through dozens of detailed maps that Ricardo had built up over the years. The two of them comparing notes until the wee hours of the morning, with the occasional Heated & enthusiastic outburst. Brilliant.

We wanted to say a 'BIG'thank you to Ricardo and his family who took in two strangers and made them friends.

Also for sharing your enthusiasm and passion for 2 wheeled travel.