Finally Some Downhill
Getting our Cycling legs back

May 19, 2017

Today included some amazing roads that twisted and turned in such a manner that I would not want to be in a car.


What happened…

Amanda writes: Today started with a little tension in the air. Andrew had an English class to teach that was dependent on good internet connection. For some reason there was no connection in town so we had to leave early to get out of town to get the 4G connection he needed. I don’t mind leaving early but I think Andrew was a bit pre-occupied with getting the connection so we wasn’t himself. Then to add to it, he tells me after we’ve loaded the bikes and are on the street getting ready to pedal that he has found a new route. Anyone who has been reading the blog knows that I like to be informed about where we are going to some extent, so when Andrew wants to change something at the last minute I’m not too keen. We had a brief discussion (argument) and proceeded to go ahead with the original plan. We stopped for a half hour for Andrew to do his class and I enjoyed the break.

We stopped in the town of Tulpo for lunch and found a nice lady to make us lunch. She wasn’t really a restaurant but wanted to make us food as we are obviously travellers from out of Country. It’s always nice when someone opens their doors to you and helps out. When we asked her how much to pay she said whatever we felt was best. Andrew wanted to be incredibly generous and pay 20 soles which is about double what we would normally pay. Again a short discussion ensued and Andrew wouldn’t back down. So pick my battles right? While I get he wants to be generous I’m always wary of it being cocky or disrespectful. I remember in Cuba he was trying to be generous with the woman who fixed his kite and she ended up being offended. I think its a fine line and fortunately this woman for lunch was very grateful.

We continued down a very big descent on this day which included 58 switchbacks! It was incredible to ride on the beautiful paved road and to see the similar switchbacks we would tackle tomorrow. We heard from a friend there is an abandoned hotel near the rivers edge with hot springs. We found it after our long descent and then found a family that was living there. Not sure if they were squatters or taking care of the place, but in any event they welcomed us in. They showed us where best to put our tent under cover, the 4 kids tried to clean up the toilet for us and they were really sweet. It was nice to sleep by the rivers edge even with all the sand flies biting us although it reminded me how noisy a river is. Remind me after we’re done cycling to not buy a house near a river.


Today’s Photographs

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Finally Some Downhill
Getting our Cycling legs back