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Exploring South America by Bike with Angus Young

For the past three months, Angus Young has been exploring South America by bike with his wife chasing remote roads, slow travel, and the kind of adventure that comes from living out of panniers and a shared passion for exploring.

South America has a way of reshaping what you think a bike ride can be. From altitude that steals your breath to landscapes that feel impossible until you’re standing in them, every day brings a new story from the saddle. We caught up with Angus to hear what the journey has really been like: the highlights, the challenges, the culture, and the kilometers still to come.

Angus has also been riding South America in the ARC Gravel collection which has been tested to it's limits in changing conditions, worn day after day and for thousands of off road kms. From riding the Bolivian salt flats in relentless sun and then hail storms in Ecuador, ARC has truly been put to the test.





Angus cycling towards with flat open grassland and snow capped mountains behind.
Angus cycling in the distance on a gravely mountainside track with peaks behind.

What has been your favourite day of riding lately in South America and what made it stand out?


The most unique place I have ever ridden my bike has got to be the Bolivian salt flats. Crossing the Salar de Uyuni is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. You just pick a point on the horizon and ride in a straight line across the pan-flat salt, hoping you can avoid getting sunburned. As you continue, your destination slowly appears at first hidden by the curvature of the Earth.

Angus cycling on mountain dirt track with peaks rising above with a bright blue sky.

What challenges have you faced on the bike recently, and how have you overcome them?

The constant battle that we have been struggling with is the altitude. We have been at an average altitude of around 4000m but up over 5000m a few times. The thin air just makes everything so much harder but after a while you reframe your expectations about speed and distance and settle into the slower pace of life.

What’s the best view you’ve taken in on a ride recently, what made it so special?

After leaving Cusco we completed a lap of the Ausangate mountain. The 80km circuit was almost all in single track which meant hours carrying our heavy laden bikes over 5000m passes but you get the reward of riding the trails down the other side, surrounded by steep cliffs and glaciers, truly unique!

Close up of Angus cycling in Le Col merino t-shirt riding round a dirt track bend.
Angus' Wife cycling on dirt track on a grassy mountainside with snow capped peaks ahead.

How have you found the local culture / what is the best or most memorable food that's been keeping them fuelled?

The culture here is amazing, not only is it steeped in history but everyone is so friendly and welcoming. People tend to keep themselves to themselves mostly but are more than happy to offer you a plate of llama stew or quinoa and potatoes should you ask for it!

Where are you riding to next?

Our next and final destination is up to the summit of Uturuncu, which at 6000m is the highest cyclable track in the world. Wish us luck!

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