One of the most satisfying aspects about touring through the Andes is that the scenery changes pretty much everyday. This makes for quite a sensory change from the training spin, which always tends to be loops or out-and-backs close to the familiar territory of home. The run-in to Salta would be a remarkable spin made unusual by the fact that even though I had mountains all around me that the road never actually rose or dipped too much. Unfortunately the powerful down-drafts made cycling the wind-tunnel of the valley quite slow-going, however, the change in scenery made for plenty of breaks for photo-stops. These images tell the story of my journey through the rock-formations of the Calchaqui Valley (Quebrada las Conchas) better than words. It was a 225km ride from Cafayate to Salta punctuated only by an over-night camp on the local football pitch in La Vina.