31/5/2013 near summit to La Union
D63, T3.5/7, Av16.90, Max58, Tot14816, 4752
Overcast, sleet in the morning, snowing for a few hours around summit,
Much warmer on the descent
Early morning, we could hear sleet hitting the tarp, though things outside were calm and overcast. A frost was not present.
The temp was below zero. We were wrapped up to the nines before exiting the tent.
Tea and coffee were made, it takes quite sometime to boil water up here. The stove is using plenty of fuel to provide boiling water.
We had to carry each pannier as it was packed up to the road.
We were both worn out after each trip.
Once all the gear was up there and loaded . The first thing we did was grab a bunch of coca leaves, chewing them and this time using the cal in moderation, 5 dips. Soon the numbness and sense of well being set in.
It was about 8km to the summit.
For most of the way up there it was snowing lightly, we were however both quite warm.
Visibility was good and the gradient relatively easy. Riding about 100 to 150m was all we could put below us due to the tin air.
We both rested together to try and get a pattern going, it worked well, the short rest period together also allowed for comments about observations, thoughts and positiveness. With a bit of shite thrown in to lighten the whole scenario.
We were elated to reach the top, from here all was needed was concentration to avoid the random patch work of potholes in the road,that was little more than a track.
Lots of stopping was done to take photos.
It was all worth, as we put the k’s behind us not turning a pedal.
Looking far below we could see asphalt on the sinuous road below.
Soon we got to a T intersection, the road that confronted was the asphalt.
Turning left we had a 30km downhill run to Huallanca, all the last 4 days efforts all seemed worth it.
We had truly been, it seemed, in another world, a world that tested our strengths on all fronts.
To have ridden a pushbike through the Andes while it was snowing was very special for us both.
In the space of 10 days, these fabled mountains and the Peruano road builders had safely allowed us to experience deserts, lush valleys, wild rivers, mountains of fractured rock, fascinating plant life, vast mossy valleys and endless snow clad peaks. All the time pushing our social frontiers.
For me, embarking on this ride through South America, happily alone, having Deirdre as company to share the moments was so wonderfully timely for both of us.
My front tyre, after 15,000km had a bulge in it, so my descent was fairly slow.
A huge copper mine was passed in a valley, A Peru, Canadian collaboration.
Arriving at Huallanca, we had lunch, stocked up on Bencina and stopped at most ferreterías still looking for a resistencia.
We bought fresh bread rolls and cheese, so nice, Deirdre is addicted.
We knew we could make La Unión, it was more downhill following a river.
Arriving here at 1500 we booked a ground level hostal. It was a bit of a nightmare, with the water cold, no power plugs in the room, and no door key.
A new front tyre was bought, only real nobby versions are available, my bike now seems higher at the front. It will suffice till arriving in a larger town.
Both of us could not go out together for fear of getting the room fleeced.
Look, it was just so nice to have a break from camping. Take away chicken was bought back to the hostal while Deirdre stayed put.
Groceries were sought for the next few days camping on the way to Huánuco
D63, T3.5/7, Av16.90, Max58, Tot14816, 4752
Overcast, sleet in the morning, snowing for a few hours around summit,
Much warmer on the descent
Early morning, we could hear sleet hitting the tarp, though things outside were calm and overcast. A frost was not present.
The temp was below zero. We were wrapped up to the nines before exiting the tent.
Tea and coffee were made, it takes quite sometime to boil water up here. The stove is using plenty of fuel to provide boiling water.
We had to carry each pannier as it was packed up to the road.
We were both worn out after each trip.
Once all the gear was up there and loaded . The first thing we did was grab a bunch of coca leaves, chewing them and this time using the cal in moderation, 5 dips. Soon the numbness and sense of well being set in.
It was about 8km to the summit.
For most of the way up there it was snowing lightly, we were however both quite warm.
Visibility was good and the gradient relatively easy. Riding about 100 to 150m was all we could put below us due to the tin air.
We both rested together to try and get a pattern going, it worked well, the short rest period together also allowed for comments about observations, thoughts and positiveness. With a bit of shite thrown in to lighten the whole scenario.
We were elated to reach the top, from here all was needed was concentration to avoid the random patch work of potholes in the road,that was little more than a track.
Lots of stopping was done to take photos.
It was all worth, as we put the k’s behind us not turning a pedal.
Looking far below we could see asphalt on the sinuous road below.
Soon we got to a T intersection, the road that confronted was the asphalt.
Turning left we had a 30km downhill run to Huallanca, all the last 4 days efforts all seemed worth it.
We had truly been, it seemed, in another world, a world that tested our strengths on all fronts.
To have ridden a pushbike through the Andes while it was snowing was very special for us both.
In the space of 10 days, these fabled mountains and the Peruano road builders had safely allowed us to experience deserts, lush valleys, wild rivers, mountains of fractured rock, fascinating plant life, vast mossy valleys and endless snow clad peaks. All the time pushing our social frontiers.
For me, embarking on this ride through South America, happily alone, having Deirdre as company to share the moments was so wonderfully timely for both of us.
My front tyre, after 15,000km had a bulge in it, so my descent was fairly slow.
A huge copper mine was passed in a valley, A Peru, Canadian collaboration.
Arriving at Huallanca, we had lunch, stocked up on Bencina and stopped at most ferreterías still looking for a resistencia.
We bought fresh bread rolls and cheese, so nice, Deirdre is addicted.
We knew we could make La Unión, it was more downhill following a river.
Arriving here at 1500 we booked a ground level hostal. It was a bit of a nightmare, with the water cold, no power plugs in the room, and no door key.
A new front tyre was bought, only real nobby versions are available, my bike now seems higher at the front. It will suffice till arriving in a larger town.
Both of us could not go out together for fear of getting the room fleeced.
Look, it was just so nice to have a break from camping. Take away chicken was bought back to the hostal while Deirdre stayed put.
Groceries were sought for the next few days camping on the way to Huánuco
Enjoying emolientes before leaving La union
This hill was full of copper, the mine up the road was a huge concern, like a small town.
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The road down to La Union, asphalt. A bulge in my front tyre kept speeds low.
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