May 20, 2017
Today was one of the first days we saw some of the devastation from the floods and mud slides from earlier this year. These communities are completely cut off from other cities.
Cycling Stats
Start Point: Abandoned Hotel at river’s edge, Cajamarca, Peru
Destination: Pallasca, Cajamarca, Peru
22.26 km trip, 3:56 time, 29.8 km/h maximum speed, 5.6 km/h average speed
1189 meters climbed, 105 meters descended, highest elevation 3158 meters
Route Description:
You leave the hotel and climb the 1.5 km back to the main road and turn right. You immediately begin the switchbacks on paved road. There was no traffic (2 motorcycles). The grades on the climb were manageable for us. You climb on the switchbacks for about 9 km up to 2600 meters. Then after 11.7 K you reach 2658 meters and the town of Shindol. This town had public bathrooms and a store that we bought pop at. After this the road deteriorates. In fact it was still closed to cars when we went through as a result of all the flooding and mud slides. They were working on it as we rode through. It was passable and rideable for all of it except one section and we could easily push. You continue to climb through country roads in this section and after 21K you reach 3110 and the Pallasca city limits. Another kilometre or so and you reach the town centre.
Accommodations:
We found 3 hotels/hospedejes in town. The hotel was 20 soles and the room was very dark and musky with shared bath. We gave it a pass and stayed at the Hospedeje in the main square. It was 15 soles and less dingy; also a shared bath and we paid 2 soles extra for a hot shower. The 3rd hospedeje didn’t answer their bell. There are restaurants and stores here too.
What happened…
Andrew writes: What a beauty day today. I was fully prepared, mentally and physically (lacking spiritually?) to cycle up the 26 or so switchbacks that comprise the main highway. What I wasn’t ready for was how tiring it would be to get the rest of the way to Pallasca (pa-yas-ka). By the time we arrived around lunchtime, I was spent. I managed to find a Gatorade which put a little bit of zip back into my step but luckily Amanda was just as eager to call it a day as I was.
I don’t understand some Peruvian towns. I had great cell coverage right up and until the city limits, and then it died. I ended up traipsing around town trying to find someplace to get a decent connection. Hopefully I can find something suitable for my classes in the morning, or otherwise I’m just going to have to stop trying to teach while riding. It’s kinda stressful anyways.
Amanda writes: Today’s ride was quite enjoyable. Being on a bit of pavement for half the day was a bonus. Climbing the 26 switchbacks was fun. There was absolutely no traffic except for 2 motorcycles and the family we stayed with last night taking their kids to school. We later learned it may have been because the road was closed to cars up ahead as a result of all of that devastating flooding and mud slides earlier in the year. Today I really felt like I was getting my cycling legs back finally after 10 days on the bike. Well I felt good until later in the ride when the climbs seemed to be more steep. But I know I’m making progress because I didn’t have to push my bike.
We arrived in town and had lunch. I was careful to not gorge myself like I did yesterday and left some of the food I couldn’t finish. There were a couple of hotels to choose from and I’m certainly not staying at the Marriott in Niagara Falls anymore. I just remind myself that I have a roof over my head and a hot shower so life is good. After checking into the hotel we will need to do some route planning to finish our track to Huarez to see our friends Nici and Philip. Oh and again we were totally lucky with the weather. Sunny in the morning and then a little overcast but no rain while we were riding.