In January, Rapha photographer and filmmaker George Marshall travelled to northern Argentina with long-distance riders Jesse Carlsson, Sarah Hammond and Neil Phillips.
09 March 2018Unsupported, with George carrying all his camera equipment on the bike, they tested our latest new season range, riding deep into an ever changing landscape from Salta to Jujuy and the Andes.
Salta–Jujuy–Salta
“We found our way out of Salta and headed north following bike paths. The farmland was lush. Massive trees with exposed roots and different types of ferns growing on their branches. There were mind blowing views off to the right across the gorge to a rugged, rocky ridge line.”
– Jesse Carlsson
The Cargo Bib Shorts are our first cycling shorts with pockets. Worn throughout the shoot, the riders were able to wear more relaxed clothing - t-shirts and jackets that matched the style of riding without losing access to essentials on the move. Facing hot and sweaty conditions, they tested the bib's lightweight, water-resistant material and perforated chamois, ensuring the Cargo Bib Shorts are the only cycling shorts you'll ever need.
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"We rode varied gravel of all colours – reds, yellows, copper and blue. It was tough going with sand and little climbs. Lush greens mixed in with cacti as the landscape changed, becoming more arid."
– Neil Phillips
Neil wears the new Brevet Lightweight Jersey, designed for self-supported adventures in hotter conditions.
“That night, the boys camped under a shelter. Jesse and I used our zip up bivvys and slept out on the grass. It was the perfect evening, no sleeping bag needed and a clear night to see the stars. Slept well.”
– Sarah Hammond
Salta–Cabra Corral
“The sunrise was amazing. We’d arrived in darkness the night before and didn't have a clear view of our surroundings. Seeing it at first light was incredible. While the boys took some more pictures, I found a bull terrier to hang out with.”
– Sarah Hammond
On the second day, amid hot and arid conditions, Sarah wore the Women’s Brevet Jersey, made for ultimate comfort, storage and visibility for all adventures great and small.
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“There was a decent climb to start the day, with some nice views of Salta on the way up. We passed gauchos [Argentine cowboys] mustering cattle.
After a full day’s riding, we found a campground at an idyllic spot. A little kiosk was still open and made us sandwiches for dinner. The views of the surrounding mountains were magic.”
– Jesse Carlsson
Cabra Corral–Cachipampa
“It was a chilly but rewarding start, with views of switchbacks and clouds in the valley. Three days in, there was a sudden change in the landscape from lush greens to the desert. Straight smooth tarmac made way for hot endless gravel of the Ruta 40.”
– Neil Phillips
Cachipampa–La Poma
“The wildlife changed. Condors buzzed overhead, reminding us that cycling is freedom. With very little kit and some fat tyres you can go anywhere, anything is possible. Go where the wind takes you. Why? Because you can.”
– Jesse Carlsson
Jesse wore the Technical T-shirt on multiple days during the ride. The revolutionary fabric design not only wicks sweat but also disperses moisture over a broader area of the body, aiding temperature regulation and drying in all conditions - particularly in the dry heat of northern Argentina.
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La Poma–Cachi
“Over halfway through the journey and we’d been tracking along the river that brings life to the valley for miles. We met a local kid mid-route who showed us the spot best for a dip.”
– Neil Phillips
“Sarah and Neil cooled off while George took some pics. I didn’t want to go in and have to put sandy feet in my shoes after.”
– Jesse Carlsson
Neil wore the Brevet Flyweight Wind Jacket, only 74g in size medium, as soon as the road turned downward. Whilst the climbs proved hot and challenging work, windchill on the descents was avoided with a windproof layer that packs into its own pocket for easy storage.
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Cachi–San Carlos
“We stopped for water at a church in a remote hamlet surrounded by barren football pitches, sand and gravel instead of grass. The road was becoming a challenge and the riding slower and slower as the sand thickened.”
– Neil Phillips
“We found these amazing sandstone rock formations after Angastaco. We were lucky to arrive at this section when we did. Had we not lost time dealing with a puncture, we wouldn't have gotten to the moonscape with light this incredible. There were dirt and sand roads twisting through cuttings carved into the formations. Funny how things work out.”
– Jesse Carlsson
The Salta shoot was a completely self-supported adventure to test every aspect of our latest range. Neil wore the Brevet Base Layer throughout, our first fabric to feature a permanent super-antibacterial finish, to keep you fresh and odour free – day after day - even when it's only rinsed in a nearby river.
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San Carlos–Coronel Moldes
“Finally, a day of easy spinning on smooth asphalt, or so we thought. As soon as we joined the Ruta 68 we discovered it would be more interesting than predicted. There were more sandstone cliffs and gorges: beauty on the eyes. But offset by a headwind that hurt the legs after several days grinding gravel.”
– Neil Phillips
“Got back to Coronel Moldes after a pull from Neil. Celebrated with some beers and corn chips while we waited for the bus. After some tetris we got five bikes on board, and we were on the road back to Salta. Lucky we didn’t ride, the weather turned ugly as we approached the city of half a million people, with heavy rain and heavier traffic welcoming us back to the world.”
– Jesse Carlsson
