June 8, 2017
After a few extra days off we began to tackle a well known cycling route.
Cycling Stats
Start Point: Carhuaz, Ancash, Peru
Destination: Bridge before switchbacks start, Ancash, Peru
32.1 km trip, 4:07 time, 31.1 km/h maximum speed, 7.7 km/h average speed
1568 meters climbed, 320 meters descended, highest elevation 3939 meters
Route Description:
This day is all uphill. You leave Carhuaz and the road is paved and views spectacular. After about 10K you hit the town of Shilla where you will find a few small stores. Then you can choose to take the long switchbacks or the super steep 3 blocks up. We chose the latter and while we had to push we think it was worth it. After this section it is a shitty gravel/dirt road for 1-2 km and then back to glorious pavement. There is very little traffic. We stopped at the base of the switchbacks and slept by the river.
Accommodations:
There are no accommodations on this day. We wild camped at the base of the switchbacks by the river. You cross the bridge and walk up stream. There are hiking trail signs and basically just follow the hiking trail around a corner where you can find nice flat spots that are hidden and have easy access to water. Another option would be to stop and camp at the ranger station and the park entrance.
What happened…
Andrew writes: Lights, camera, action! Take two! Everybody was well-rested and ready to go bright and early. The weather looked promising, the birds were singing, traffic was light, and the stars were aligned. So off to went!
Today was a great ride, averaging 4% for the 32km. We had left about 20kg of gear back in Huaraz, and our lightened loads made a big difference for us too. As Amanda points out below, the views were spectacular, as we rode in the shadow of Huascaran (South) all day today. Everywhere we looked were snow-capped peaks, and it’s such a nice way to ride. I was thinking that if someone wants to take a cycling holiday to Peru, I would recommend doing this loop for sure – easy for me to say, after two days, right!?
Amanda writes: We departed our nice hotel early and started the climb that we knew would be up, up and more up. Because Philip, Andrew and I had ridden some of this before we knew sort of what to expect. The road conditions were good, traffic was light and the views were really spectacular. I just was in continuous awe of how amazing it is and how lucky we are the weather is good. Good company, great roads and amazing views. It was a great day!
The aerial view of our ride: