Thanks so much ladies!

Triskeliongirl, that sounds like a great group to ride with. Since I am taking a longer trip and like to take my time exploring/hiking when I please it's probably not the right option for this trip, I don't know that I need a custom tour w/ guide but I'm glad to know about them if I decide to take a trip to Mexico with some friends to ride in the future (which may well happen). I'm leaning further and further toward Patagonia the more I read. Tough decisions though! That's an awesome itinerary that you followed.

Jen, the link you posted was great! I am really getting psyched about Patagonia. I love Chile (was in San Pedro de Atacama, Valpo and Santiago & in between last year) and am so jealous of you living there, how nice to have skiing AND the beach! I really like the idea of taking the Carretera Austral south & the maps on the site you posted answered a lot of the questions I had about getting there from Bariloche. Thanks also for the book recommendation, I'll definitely pick that up. I was pretty disappointed with the Lonely Planet on my last trip.

I really appreciate the help. Thanks again!