A wonderful creature
Yes! We've moved passed Lima on the map. Now we are really moving south from where we started a few weeks ago. Feels like a new chapter is beginning. What a ride it has been so far. From absolute bikepacking newbies to somewhat experienced bikers with a few pounds of extra leg muscles no doubt. We feel ready for whatever comes next! The nicest part, the last section was actually quite relaxing. Sure, no days without climbing, but for the first time we were riding side by side having a chat and high-fiving each other on how great it is to be here. And how cool it is to be camping in the most amazing spots with the occasional lama knocking at our tent door, or flamingo flying over as we wake up. As well as to experience the ever continuing cycle of being freezing cold at night, to warming in the morning sun, to wanting to rip our clothes off during the boiling hot day. We realize how immersive traveling by bicycle is. So many people you meet and lives you witness allong the way. Although there are scary moments too. For example, when you find yourself so remote and realize it is all you now. Food, water, shelter, transport.. take care of it, or you'll get stranded. Or when see some heavy storms hovering right beside you as you pass again some deserted highway. Luckily, they just managed to pass by... good times for now.
After passing (surviving) what is know to be the busiest car/truck-packed section of the whole Peru divide we found a small family event-business with an even smaller shag in de back of their terrain in which we could spend the night. There is a happy dog welcoming us which we find, to our surprise, laying on one of our pillows in the middle of the night. How did he get in? Slightly shocked, we push him out the door. After waking up thee more times from his head banging on the door, the next morning he greats us like nothing happened. What a wonderful creature, being sent out into the cold at night only to greet us the next day with a big smile. He jumps in the bed again. This time, he gets our blankets too.
The day follows with a classic hike a bike climb. We know the drill. Lowest gear, slowly slowy. To steep? Get off and hike the bike. One two three four, one two three four, breath, breath, breaaaaath. Shortness of breath comes easily above 4000m, so don't let it catch you. We plowed on like this for two days... crossing also our highest pass yet at 4920 masl. What a tough ride again. Sometimes we wonder. Are we too heavy? Or not strong enough? Or is it simply the altitude? We meet cyclists who have been traveling across the whole of SA who make it seem so easy. Thoughts disappear and we just continue as these are the days, these are the days when you know what you are made of. And which make it all worth it.
Next stop, full stop. A rest day in a hotel with a hot shower and wifi! The little things.
Route: San Miguel Vichaycocha - Yantac - Marcapomacocha - Rio Blanco - Tanta - Huancaya.
