10,11/2/2013 Tablon to Chachagui
D38, 3.4 (7), Av 10, Max52, Tot 11151, 951
Overcast, still, temps varied with elevation, 18-26°
Waking up after a good nights sleep, Glen and Alli made their own coffee whilst I slipped over to the restaurant and bought some.
The day was a big difference from yesterday, however the cloud closed in on us fairly quick, robbing us of any views.
Getting on the road about 0730, we had a climb for a few km. From there on in it was a 16km downhill run to the bridge across the river Juanambu.
The scenery when the clouds lifted was on a grand scale to say the least with the river seemingly miles down in the canyon below. The grade was not to steep so braking all the way was by no means necessary. This was the main road through to Ecuador. Many vehicles using the road were registered in Ecuador.
The temperature continued to warm up as we descended.
This was such a pleasure, we stopped in many places just to enjoy the scenery.
Inevitably this gravity driven ride came to an end at the bridge over the Rio Juanambu, far below and running very dirty.
Stopping at a gas station at the foot of the climb out, we enjoyed some peanut balls we had bought in Tablon, they were very morish.
The climb was long and steady, my second lowest gear was used most of the way. The gradient was actually quite gentle but just kept going. On our left we were presented with a void to the valleys and canyon below. On our right were cuttings and cliffs of doubtful stability.
We switched lead often, sometimes with up to a couple of hundred metres between us. Talking occasionally, but just generally concentrating on the job at hand. The scenery continued to overwhelm us. The locals here were tending fields of corn and on such the steepest of slopes.
We were always aware of the steep cliffs above us when stopping. Evidence of rock falls were all along the road, none huge, but all potentially hazardous. Many concrete barriers had been erected to impede the passage of loose rock onto the road to road.
Two tunnels of about 200m in length were also along the route, which was being used by many semi trailers.
For me it was such a pleasure to have the company of Glen and Alli for this the first of many large climbs and descents before reaching the Ecuador border.
We got on well and all rode about the same pace. The big difference was when we reached Chachagui, they looked as fresh as they did in the morning, whilst I was dripping wet and showing signs of wear, always looking for something to drink.
Near the top of the range we stopped to eat, at a rustic building, we waited while the woman cooked a lovely beef and vegetable soup with a plate of rice, more beef and tomato salad, Alli and Glen enjoyed scrambled eggs, rice etc.
Arriving on the outskirts Chachagui, I booked into the hotel San Miguel, the others were looking to camp. It was an ideal place to spend a couple of days, plenty of light, ground level and oh yes!!, hot water.
We said goodbye to each other after looking at a map of Ecuador and may catch up in Pasto in a couple of days time.
A load of washing was put in the machine here, a big change from doing the laundry in the shower.
Two days will be spent here resting and just hanging about.
Presently, the internet when available is quite slow and often not available in my motel rooms.
D38, 3.4 (7), Av 10, Max52, Tot 11151, 951
Overcast, still, temps varied with elevation, 18-26°
Waking up after a good nights sleep, Glen and Alli made their own coffee whilst I slipped over to the restaurant and bought some.
The day was a big difference from yesterday, however the cloud closed in on us fairly quick, robbing us of any views.
Getting on the road about 0730, we had a climb for a few km. From there on in it was a 16km downhill run to the bridge across the river Juanambu.
The scenery when the clouds lifted was on a grand scale to say the least with the river seemingly miles down in the canyon below. The grade was not to steep so braking all the way was by no means necessary. This was the main road through to Ecuador. Many vehicles using the road were registered in Ecuador.
The temperature continued to warm up as we descended.
This was such a pleasure, we stopped in many places just to enjoy the scenery.
Inevitably this gravity driven ride came to an end at the bridge over the Rio Juanambu, far below and running very dirty.
Stopping at a gas station at the foot of the climb out, we enjoyed some peanut balls we had bought in Tablon, they were very morish.
The climb was long and steady, my second lowest gear was used most of the way. The gradient was actually quite gentle but just kept going. On our left we were presented with a void to the valleys and canyon below. On our right were cuttings and cliffs of doubtful stability.
We switched lead often, sometimes with up to a couple of hundred metres between us. Talking occasionally, but just generally concentrating on the job at hand. The scenery continued to overwhelm us. The locals here were tending fields of corn and on such the steepest of slopes.
We were always aware of the steep cliffs above us when stopping. Evidence of rock falls were all along the road, none huge, but all potentially hazardous. Many concrete barriers had been erected to impede the passage of loose rock onto the road to road.
Two tunnels of about 200m in length were also along the route, which was being used by many semi trailers.
For me it was such a pleasure to have the company of Glen and Alli for this the first of many large climbs and descents before reaching the Ecuador border.
We got on well and all rode about the same pace. The big difference was when we reached Chachagui, they looked as fresh as they did in the morning, whilst I was dripping wet and showing signs of wear, always looking for something to drink.
Near the top of the range we stopped to eat, at a rustic building, we waited while the woman cooked a lovely beef and vegetable soup with a plate of rice, more beef and tomato salad, Alli and Glen enjoyed scrambled eggs, rice etc.
Arriving on the outskirts Chachagui, I booked into the hotel San Miguel, the others were looking to camp. It was an ideal place to spend a couple of days, plenty of light, ground level and oh yes!!, hot water.
We said goodbye to each other after looking at a map of Ecuador and may catch up in Pasto in a couple of days time.
A load of washing was put in the machine here, a big change from doing the laundry in the shower.
Two days will be spent here resting and just hanging about.
Presently, the internet when available is quite slow and often not available in my motel rooms.
Glen and Alli near the top of the range, north of Chachagui, great food
Impressive scenery between Tablon and Chachagui
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The start of 16km down to Rio Juanambu
Somewhere out there is Pasto then Ecuador
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