And it doesn’t matter where in the world you live: if US post ships there, you can enter.

BikeCraft is a quarterly focusing on quality over quantity: articles of real substance, and top-notch photography. The first issue has been a resounding success, and the second one is being put together as we speak. The roster of writers includes luminaries such as Dexter Ford, Allan Girdler, Howard Kelly, Gabe Ets-Hokin and some unknown called Chris Hunter.

Entering is really simple. Just head over to the BikeCraft Facebook page and add your details before 12 August 2012. If you’re one of the lucky winners, you can look forward to a year’s supply of top-quality custom motorcycles, for free.

Good luck!

© Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles, brought to you by Icon 1000.

“It’s not just about the bike—whether it’s an Italian twin, a Japanese four or an English triple. It doesn’t matter if it’s recent or pre-war, a commuter in the garage or a classic in your living room. It’s about the passion for motorcycles and having a love for all things special. It’s about motorcycles as a form of art, and talking about them like others might talk about wine.”

Vitesse Moto boots are engineered for performance, but comfortable enough to be worn every day. And there’s no compromise on safety levels. Vitesse has created ‘V-Cockpit’ technology, a patented ankle management device that gives you the best possible protection-to-comfort ratio: “Our ambition at Vitesse Moto is to help you live your passion with style and safety,” says Mollanger.

There are three boots in the Vitesse Moto range:

Hunt Inspired by traditional work boots, Hunt gives riders a great dose of comfort and protection. Featuring an American saddle leather upper with adjustable lace–up construction. €175.00 (around US$235).

Glove A sleek, fitted piece of soft, breathable leather with racetrack features. For riders who want comfort through the day and the freedom to drag their knees on Sundays. €200.00 (around US$265).

Vulcan The lowest cut in the range, but still incorporating V-Cockpit technology. Inspired by vintage athletic sneakers, Vulcan uses a waxed canvas upper material. Just €150.00 (around US$200).

Vitesse Moto boots are available worldwide and sold exclusively via a secure online store, with downloadable fitment tools to ensure accurate sizing. Check out the Vitesse range here; you can also find the company on Facebook and Twitter.

© Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles, brought to you by Icon 1000.

Patagonia is one of the world’s must-see destinations, known for its breathtaking scenery and unique ecosystem. And the best way to see it is from the saddle of a motorbike. Always ready for an adventure, I joined the knowledgeable and friendly team who run Compass Expeditions for a 17-day ride through Chile and Argentina. They call it the Patagonian Explorer tour for good reason: much of the countryside we rode through is untamed. It makes you really feel like you’re blazing uncharted territory aboard your supplied BMW F650 GS.

Our group gathered in Santiago, Chile to get acquainted. The ride started in Pucón, about 450 miles south of the capital city. It ended 2,100 miles later in legendary Ushuaia, recognized as the southernmost city in the world. Patagonia is a region that covers roughly 260,000 square miles—it extends from the southern part of Buenos Aires Province to the tip of Tierra del Fuego, and as we discovered, it’s a land of desolate beauty and very sparse population. To the west are the Cordillera de los Andes and vast expanse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. East of the cordillera is semi-arid plateau that’s dominated by a low scrub called jarilla.

Patagonia’s climate is very changeable. But fortune smiled on us, as we experienced near-perfect spring weather throughout our travels (the South American spring is September to November). On average, temperatures ranged from mid-70s F in the north to low 50s in the south (although it did get cooler, at times dipping down to 40 degrees.) Wind is also a fact of life in Patagonia. It was an almost constant companion as we rode across the steppe. We saw many signs along the road showing a tree bending in a strong breeze.

A large part of our ride was along Argentina’s famous Ruta Nacional 40. This is the route that Che Guevara took in 1952 on his Norton 500, documenting the trip in his book The Motorcycle Diaries. Ruta 40 runs more than 3,000 miles, roughly paralleling the eastern spine of the Andes. A good portion of the road surface is gravel, ideal for dirt biking. Long straight stretches carve through sweeping vistas of stark post-glacial landscape. Once we crossed the Strait of Megellan from Chile into Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, we followed Ruta Nacional 3. Part of the Pan-American Highway, this well-paved road cuts through mountain passes and spectacular scenery for the last 60 miles into Ushuaia.

Along the route we were treated to a variety of specially hand-picked accommodations that added to the enjoyment of the whole experience. We bedded down in boutique hotels and unique hostels and spent a couple of nights in a classic estancia (ranch). Of course, we all consumed a hearty share of South American food and drink. Asado or traditional BBQ is common fare and South American wines, especially, are among the best in the world.

Highlights are too many to mention, but two in particular stand out. Parque Nacional los Glacieras is located in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province and Perito Moreno Glacier is one of its star attractions. That’s no mean feat since there are 47 glaciers in the park. I wasn’t quite prepared for the blueness of Moreno’s ice or its sheer size (3 miles wide and 20 miles long). For a change of pace, we camped in geodesic dome tents at Torres del Paine National Park. UNESCO declared it a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978.

Arriving at the park, we were greeted by throngs of grazing guanacos. These relatives of the camel are on the protected species list and roam freely. Only two of us embarked on an 8-hour roundtrip climb to see the Paine massif up close. The long trek was well worth the impressive view of the famed Los Cuernos and the emerald lake beneath them.

For me, riding through the wildness of Patagonia was mesmerizing. I left knowing that I’d go back in an instant.—Adrian Blake

For more details about motorcycle tours in South American, contact Compass Expeditions.

© Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles, brought to you by Icon 1000.