browsinaboutonabike.com
  • Armenia 18/4/2016
  • Baku, Azerbaijan
  • Georgia
  • 2-3/4/2016 Trabzon to Batumi, Georgia
    • 21-27/3/2016 Atakent to Trabzon >
      • 12-21/3/2016 Cide to Akakent >
        • 6-11/3/2016 Eregli to Cide
  • 26/2-4/3/2016 Istanbul to Eregli
    • Istanbul 15-25/2/2016 >
      • London 30/1-15/2/2016 >
        • Istanbul 19-30/1/2016
  • Proposed Journey East from Istanbul, March 2016
  • Sth Africa 6-19/1/2016
    • South Africa 6/12/2015 to 6/1/2016
  • Namibia 24/10-5/12/2015
    • Namibia 1/10/2015 to 23/10/2015
  • Zambia 7-30/9/2015
  • 21/8/2015 Malawi
  • 30/7-20/8/2015 Kigoma to Malawi Border
    • 21-30/7/2015 Tanzanian border to Kigoma, Lake Tanganyika >
      • 18-20/7/2015 Kigali to Tanzanian border >
        • 12-15/7/2015 Gisenyi to Kigali >
          • 10-11/7/2015 Rwandan border to Gisenyi
          • 15th June to 8th July Uganda
  • Last days in Kenya
    • 1-6/6/2015 Meru to Nyahururu >
      • 28-31/05/2015 Kenol to Meru >
        • 2011-16 Map >
          • 12-18/10/2014 Beausejour to St Laurent do Maroni >
            • 7-11/10/2014 St Georges to Beausejour, French Guiana >
              • 3-7/10/2014 Amapá, Brazil to St Georges, French Guiana >
                • 1-2/10/2014 Porto Grande to Amapá, AP >
                  • 26-29/9/2014 Macapá to Porto Grande >
                    • 16-23/9/2014 Almeirim to Macapá >
                      • 11-16/9/2014 Rurópolis to Almeirim, PA,BR >
                        • New Page
                        • 13/8-10/9/2014 Rurópolis, BR to Christchurch, NZ, return >
                          • 2-12/8/2014 Altamira to Ruropolis >
                            • 1-4/8/2014 Pacajá to Altamira, PA >
                              • 29/7-1/8/2014 Marabá to Pacajá, PA, BR230
        • 21-28/5/2015 Ongata to Kenol >
          • 5-21/5/2015 Iten to Ongata Rongai, Nairobi >
            • 2-6/5/2015 Kitale to Iten >
              • 1-2/5/2015 Lodwar to Kitale, Kenya >
                • Kenya: Omorate to Lodwar 20/04- 1/05/2015
  • 12-18/4/2015 Abra Minche to Omorate, Ethiopia
    • 3-10/4/2015 Waliso to Abra Minch >
      • 16-30/3/2015 Dese to Waliso, Ethiopia >
        • Ethiopia 9-16/3/2015 Me'kele to Dese >
          • 19/2-8/3/2015 Ethiopia
  • 25/1-18/2/2015 Sudan
  • 16-17 Luxor to Aswan
    • 8-15/1/2015 Asyut to Luxor >
      • 7-10/1/2015 Giza to Asyut
  • 1-6/1/2015 Cairo
    • Proposed passage Cairo to Cape Town Jan 2015 >
      • 21/10-12/11/2014 Suriname and Guyana
  • Updated Gear List
  • Rodovia Transamazônica
  • 21- 25/7/2014 Redencáo to Marabá, PA
    • Pará: 17-22/7/2014 Confresa, MT to Redencao, PA >
      • 9-13/7/2014 Nova Xavantina to Confreza, MT >
        • 3-4/7/2014 Barra do Garcas to Nova Xavantina >
          • 26-31/6/2014 Rondonópolis to Barra Do Garcas, MT >
            • 20-23/6/2014 Rio Verde, MS to Rondonópolis, MT >
              • 13-17/6/2014 Bonito to Rio Verde de Mato Grosso >
                • 9-11/6/2014 Jardim to Bonito MS, BR >
                  • 7-9/6/2014 Pedro Juan Caballero, PY to Jardim,BR >
                    • 9,10,11/5/2014 Remanso to Concepción onboard MV Osmar >
                      • 6-7/5/2014 Remanso,PY >
                        • 6/5/2014 Asunción to Remanso, PY >
                          • 27/4-2/5/2014 Foz do Iguaco, BR to Asunción, PY >
                            • 24-26/4/2014 Andresito to Puerto Iguazu >
                              • 19-21/4/2014 El Soberbio to San Antonio, AR >
                                • 16-17/4/2014 El Progreso to El Soberbio, AR >
                                  • 13-15/4/2014 Apóstoles to El Progreso >
                                    • 28/3-1/4/2014 Buenos Aires,AR to Paysandu, UY >
                                      • Profile Paysandu to Brazil
                                    • 9-12/4/2014 Tapebicuá to Apóstoles, AR >
                                      • 8/4/2013 Sawmill, north of Bonpland to 3km sth of Tapebicuá
                    • 28-30/5/2014 Concepción to Pedro Juan Caballero PY >
                      • 23-25/5/2014 Aquidaban back to Concepción >
                        • 16-20/5/2014 Tres Gigantes Estación Biologica >
                          • 14-16/5/2014 Vallemi to Bahia Negra on the Aquidaban >
                            • 13/5/2014 Bus trip Concepción to Vallemi
                    • 1-6/6/2014, Pedro Juan Caballero
  • 25/1/2014 USHUAIA
    • 23-24/1/2014 Rio Grande to Rio Lasifashaj >
      • 22-23/1/2013 Punta Arenas, CL to Rio Grande, AR >
        • 16-19/1/2014 Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas >
          • 14-15/1/2014 Torres Del Paine National Park, CL >
            • 8-12/1/2014 El Calafate to Puerto Natales >
              • 1-7/1/2013 Villa O'Higgins, CL to El Calafate, AR >
                • 27-31/12/2013 Cochrane to Villa O'Higgins >
                  • 19-26/12/2013 Coyhaique to Cochrane >
                    • 12-18/12/2013 Rio Santiago Bastia to Coyhaique >
                      • 6-12/12/2013 La Piedra del Gato to Mañihuales >
                        • 5-9/12/2013 Quellón to La Junta, CL >
                          • 29/11/2013 5/12/2013 Castro to Quellón, Chiloe, CL >
                            • 24/11/2013 Puerto Montt to Castro >
                              • 16-23/11/2013, San Martín, AR to Puerto Montt, CL >
                                • 9-14/11/2013 Temuco, CL to San Martín de los Andes, AR
                                • Cunco to Temuco and Santiago by bus
                                • Untitled
                                • 20,21/10/2013 Malargue to Los Frisos,AR
                                • 22-29/10/2013 Las Frisas, AR to Cunco,CL
  • 13/3/2012 Penonomé to Playa Gorgona
    • 14/3/2011 Playa Gorgona to Panama City
    • 15,16/3/2011 Panama City >
      • 14/4/2012, Shelter bay & Gatun Locks >
        • 15,16/4/2012 Canal transit >
          • 17/4/2012 Shelter Bay Marina onboard SV Bijou >
            • Feb 2014, An account of a road trip in New Zealand
          • 18,19/4/2012 Shelter Bay Marina
      • 17.../3/2012 Onboard SV Moondance, Brisas de Amador >
        • 25 March to 9 April, Gorgona, PC,Las Bresas >
          • 11/4/2012, Shelter Bay Marina,SV Bijou
          • 12/4/2012, Shelter Bay, and a bit of exploring
        • 11/3/2012 Las Lajas to Santiago >
          • 12/3/2012, Santiago to Penonomé
  • 7/4/2013 Bella Unión, UY to north of Bonpland, AR
    • 4-6/4/2014 Salto to Bella Unión, UY >
      • 2-3/4/2014 Termas de Guaviyú to Salto
  • Overnight Stop Map
    • 20-27/4/2012 Passage Portobelo to Santa Marta, Colombia
    • 28-29/2012 Santa Marta
  • Chile to Argentina (click on this header for an entry)
    • 6/9/2013 59km up the road camping
    • 7/9/2013 the corner to Paso Jama, Argentina
    • 8/9/2013 Paso Jama to adobe ruins on Salar de Olaroz
    • 9/9/2013 Ruins to south of Susques
    • 10/9/2013 Sth of Susques to bottom of range, camping >
      • 11/9/2013 bottom of the range to Purmamarca
      • 12/9/2013 Purmamarca to Lake campground near Salta >
        • 13,14/9/2013 Dique Cobre Corral to Salta,AR >
          • Salta south >
            • 17/9/2013 Quebrada De Las Conchas to Cafayate
      • 19/9/2013 Cafayate to 15km to Rio El Tesaro, camping >
        • 20/9/2013 Rio El Tesaro to Rio Belén, sth of Hualfin
      • 21/9/2013 Rio Belén to Belén >
        • 22/9/2013 Belén to a creek bed 42km sth
        • 23/9/2013 creek bed to 10km nth of Pituil
        • 25/9/2013 north of Pituil to Chilecito
        • 25-30/9/2013 Chilecito, AR
        • 1-7/10/2013 Chilecito to Caucete, AR >
          • 9-12/10/2013 Caucete to Tunuyán, AR
      • 13-15/10/2013 Caucete to San Rafael, AR >
        • 17/10/2013 San Rafael to Malargue, AR
  • Chile from 28/8/2013
    • 29/8/2013 Ascotán to Chiu Chiu
    • 30/8/2013 Chiu Chiu to Calama, CL
    • 31/8,1/9/2013 Calama to San Pedro de Atacama, CL
  • 20/7/2013 Titicaca area to Bolivian border
    • 20/7/2013 Sicuani to Santa Rosa >
      • 21/7/2013 Santa Rosa to Juliaca >
        • 22/7/2013 Juliaca to 6km past Huancané >
          • 23/2013 Huancané to Conima, camping >
            • 24/7/2013 near Conima, Peru to Puerto Acosta, Bolivia >
              • 25/7/2013 Puerto Acosta to Nth of Ancoraimes
  • 26/7/2013 Nth of Ancoraimes to Achacachi
    • 27/7/2013 Achacachi to Copacabana >
      • 28,29/7/2013 Copacabana BO, Kasani PE, Copa. BO
      • 30/7/2013 Copacabana, BO to Desaguadero, PE
      • 31/7/2013 Desaguadero, PE to El Alto, BO
      • 1,2/8/2013 El Alto to La Paz
      • 3,4,5/8/2013 La Paz
      • 8/08/2103 La Paz to Nth of Ayo Ayo, Camping
      • 9/8/2013 Nth of Ayo Ayo to south of Villa, camping >
        • 10/8/2013 Sth of Villa to just sth of Oruro, camping >
          • 11/8/2013 Sth of Ororo to Sth of Pazna, camping >
            • 12/8/2013 Sth of Poopo to Challapata >
              • 13,to17/8/2013 Challapata to Jirira 18-26/8 to Ollague,Chile
  • Peru 20/4/2013.....
    • 20-22/4/2013, Macará to Olmos, PE
    • 23-27/4/2013 Olmos to Chachapoyas,PE
    • 27/4/2013, Chachapoyas, PE
    • Chachapoyas to Cajamarca, PE >
      • 1/5/2013 Lejmebamba to Cerros de Calla-Calla >
        • 2/5/2013 Cerros de Calla-Calla to Balsas >
          • 3/4/2013 Balsas to a farm house overlooking Limon >
            • 4/5/2013 farm house campsite to south of Celendin >
              • 5,6/5/2013 Sth of Celendin to Cajamarca
    • 7/5/2013 Cajamarca to 9km before Cajabamba >
      • 8/5/2013, 9 km north of Cajabamba to Laguna Sousacocha >
        • 11/5/2013 Haumachuco to Trujillo
        • 9,10/5/2013 Laguna Sausacocha to Huamachuco
      • 18/5/2013 Lima
      • 23-25/5/2013 Trujillo to Caraz, PE >
        • 26,27/5/2013 Caraz to Huaraz, PE >
          • 28/5/2013 Huaraz to 34km south of Pachocoto,PE >
            • 29/5/2013 Farm 25km past Chacapoto to 12km on Huánuco Rd >
              • 30/5/2013,12km up Huanuco road to camp at 4600m >
                • 31/5/2013 near summit to La Union
    • 1/6/2013 Huánaco to camp near Acobamba >
      • 2,3/6/2013 Camping near Acobamba to Huánuco
    • 16/6/2013 Huancayo to Cuzco and Machu Picchu >
      • 16/6/2013 Huancayo to south of Mariscal Cáceres, camping >
        • 17/6/2013 sth Mariscal Cáceres 4km sthLa Esmeralda,camping >
          • 18/6/2013 Sth of La Esmaralda to Huanta >
            • 19/6/2013 Huanta to Ayacucho
  • 22/6/2013 Ayaucucho to top of pass before Ocros, 4200m
    • 23/6/2013 cerca la cumbre a 5km sur de Puente Pampas >
      • 23/6/2013 Sur de Puente Pampas a 5km este de Uripa >
        • 24/6/2013 above Uripa to Andahualas >
          • 25/6/2013 Andahuaylas to 10km below the summit >
            • 26/6/2013 near the summit to Puente Pachachaca >
              • 29/6/2013 Abancay to Curahuasi >
                • 30/6/2013 Curahuasi to a camp on the Rio Apurimac >
                  • 1/7/2013 Rio Apurimac to Izcuchaca >
                    • 2/7/2013 Izcuchaca and Cuzco >
                      • 4,5/7/2013 Izcuchaca to Cuzco >
                        • 9,10,11/7/2013 Cuzco to Machu Picchu >
                          • 11-16/7/2013 Cuzco >
                            • 17/7/2013 Cuzco to Quiquijana camping on el Rio Vilcanota
              • 27,28/6/2013 Puente Pachachaca to Abancay
  • 4/6/2013 Huánuco to just south of Huariaca
    • 5/6/2013 Huariaco to Cerro De Pasco >
      • 7,8/5/2013 Cerro De Pasco >
        • 8/6/2013 Cerro De Pasco to Junín >
          • 9/6/2013 Junín to 20km south of La Aroya, camping >
            • 10/6/2013 Sth of La Aroya to Huancayo
  • Medellín to Ushuaia, 2013 (april 2013 here,)
    • 31/1/13 Riosucio to Anserma >
      • 1/2/2013 Anserma to Cartago >
        • 6/12/2015 to 4/1/2016 South Africa
        • 2/2/2013 Cartago to Buga >
          • 3/2/2013 Buga all day >
            • 4,5/2/2013 Buga to Cali >
              • 6/2/2013 Cali to Piendamo
    • 27/1 Medellín to Bolombolo
    • 28/1 Bolombolo to La Pintada >
      • 29/1/13 La Pintada to Supia >
        • 30/1/13 Supía to Riosucio
      • 8/2/2013 Timbio to El Bordo >
        • 6/3/2013, San Clemente to Manta, EC >
          • 7/3/2013 Manta,EC all day >
            • 9/3/2013, Manta to Tena by bus >
              • 12,13,14,15 Tena to Limoncocha >
                • 16,17/3/2013 Manta >
                  • 18-23 Manta, Galapagos, Manta >
                    • 24,25/3/2013 Manta to Machalilla NP, EC >
                      • 26/3/2013 Machalillo NP to Machalillo >
                        • 27/3/2013 Machalilla to Puerto Lopez >
                          • 228,29,30/3/2013 Puerto Lopez, EC >
                            • Untitled
                            • 31/3/2013, Puerto Lopez to Ayungue, EC
      • 19/2/2013 Otavalo, Ecuador all day >
        • 20/2/2013 Otavalo to Sth of Otón, Ecuador >
          • 21/2/2013 Otón to Quito >
            • 22,23/2/2013 Quito, Hotel Húngaro >
              • 26/2/2013 Quito to Tandapi, EC
      • 27/2/2013 Tandapi to El Carmen, EC >
        • 28/2/2013, El Carmen to Pedernales, EC >
          • 2/3/2013 Pedernales to Tabuga >
            • 3/3/2013 Tabuga to Canoa >
              • 30/4/2012 Last day Santa Marta >
                • 1/5/2012 Santa Marta to Barranquilla
                • 2/5/2012 Barranquilla to Santa Veronica
                • 3/5/2012 Santa Veronica all day >
                  • 4-5/5/2012 Santa Veronica
              • 6-7/5/2012 Santa Veronica >
                • 8,9 &10/5/2012 Santa Veronica
              • 11/5/2012 Santa Veronica to Cartagena >
                • 12/5/2012 Cartagena all day >
                  • 13/5/2012 Cartagena to San Jacinto >
                    • 14/5/2012 San Jacinto to Sincelejo >
                      • 15/5/2012 Sincelejo to San Bernado >
                        • 16/5/2012 San Bernado to Puerto Escondido >
                          • 17,18/ 5 /2012, Puerto Escondido >
                            • 19/5/2012, Puerto Escondido to Planeta Rico >
                              • 20/5/2012 Planeta Rica to Caucasia >
                                • Untitled
                                • Untitled
                                • 21/5/2012, Caucasia to Tarazá >
                                  • 22/5/2012, Tarazá to Valdivia >
                                    • 23/5/2012, Valdivia to Yarumal >
                                      • 24/5/2012, Yarumal for the day >
                                        • 25/5/2012 Yarumal to Santa Rosa de Osos >
                                          • 26/5/2012, Santa Rosa de Osos >
                                            • 27/5/2012, Santa Rosa de Osos to Medellin >
                                              • 28/7 2011, Hannibal to Grafton
              • 5/3/2013, Canoa to San Clemente,EC
      • 9/2/2013 El Bordo to Tablon (April 2013 here) >
        • 1/4/2013 Ayungue to Salinas, EC >
          • 2/4/2013 Salinas to Posorjas,EC >
            • 3/4/2013 Posorja to San Carlos,EC >
              • 4/4/2013, San Carlos to Angas,EC >
                • 5/4/2013, Angas to Soldados, EC >
                  • 6/4/2013, Soldados to Cuenca >
                    • 7-9/4/2013, Cuenca, EC >
                      • 10-14/4/2013 Cuenca to Loja >
                        • 14-18/4/2013 Loja to Macará, EC >
                          • 7/2/2013 Piendamo to Timbio
      • 10,11/2/2013 Tablon to Chacahgui
      • 12/2/2013 Chachagui to Yucuanquer
      • 13,14,15/2/2013 Yucuanquer to Ipiales >
        • 16/2/2013 Ipiales to Bolivar, Ecuador >
          • 17/2/2013 Bolivar to nth of Ibarra, Ecuador >
            • 18/2/2013 Nth of Ibarra to Otavalo, Ecuador
    • Colombia 2012
  • Terrain Profiles
  • Nicaragua
  • Blog
  • Memphis to Venice, LA
  • Home and August entries
    • 8/8/2011 Sweetwater to Salida >
      • 9/8/2011 Salida to 3m North of Cripple Creek, CO >
        • 10/8/2011 Cripple Creek to Phantom Canyon >
          • 11/8/2011 Phantom Canyon to Pueblo >
            • 12/8/2011 Kansa to Warrensberg, MO >
              • 13/8/2011 Warrensberg to Clinton, MO >
                • 14/8/2011 Clinton to Sedalia >
                  • 15/8/2011 Sedalia to Tipton >
                    • 16/8/2011 Tipton all day >
                      • 17/8/2011 Tipton to Red Oak Park ,Lake of the Ozarks >
                        • 18/8/2011 Lake of the Ozarks all Day >
                          • 19/8/2011 Red Oak all day >
                            • 20/8/2011 Red Oak Park to Boonville >
                              • 21/8/2011 Boonville to Columbia >
                                • 22/8/2011 Columbia all day >
                                  • Untitled
                                  • 22/8/2011 Columbia to Portland >
                                    • 24/8/2011 Portland to Defiance >
                                      • 25/8/2011 Machens to Portage Des Sioux >
                                        • 26,27,28/8/2011Portage Des Sioux to Alton >
                                          • 29/8/2011 Alton to Columbia >
                                            • 30/8/2011 Columbia to Chester >
                                              • 31/8/2011 Chester to Grand Tower >
                                                • 1/9/2011 Grand Tower, IL to Wickliffe, KY >
                                                  • 2/9/2011 Wickliffe to Columbia, KY >
                                                    • 5/9/2011Tiptonville TN to Ripley TN
                                                    • Untitled
                                                    • 3-4/9/2011 Colmbus to Hickman, KY >
                                                      • 6/9/2011 Ripley Meeman- Shelby SP >
                                                        • Untitled
                                                        • 7/9/2011 Meeman-Shelby to Memphis
    • The proposed itinerary
    • A few words about the river
    • My Bike
    • Journal- Intro
    • Journal Entries late July early August >
      • 29/7/11 Grafton all day >
        • 30/7/2011 Grafton To Alton >
          • 31/7/11 Alton all day >
            • 1/8/2011 Alton all day >
              • 2,3/8/2011 Alton to Colarado Springs >
                • 3/8/2011 Colarado Springs >
                  • 4/8/2011, Colarado Springs >
                    • 5/8/2011 Colarado Springs Day 2
                  • 6/8/2011 Pueblo Dakota Springs >
                    • 7/8/2011 Dakota Hot Springs to Texas Creek >
                      • 7/8/2011 Dakota Hot springs to Texas Creek
    • The Gear list
  • Sydney to International Falls
    • IF to Northome >
      • Northome to Three Island Lake >
        • Three Island Lake to Itasca State Park >
          • Itasca Park full day 1 >
            • Itasca Park full day 2
  • Itasca to 4m north of Walker
    • 21/6/11 Walker to dare I say it Park Rapids
    • 22/6/11 Park Rapids all day >
      • 23/6/11 Park Rapids to sth of Walker
    • 24/6/11 Sth of Walker to Oak Haven Resort
    • 25/6/11 Oak Haven to Bena
    • 26/6/11 Bena for the day >
      • 27/6/11 Bena, from my tent to the shop and back
  • 28/6/11 Bena to Grand Rapids
  • 29/06/11 Grand Rapids to Pallisade
    • 30/06/11 Palisade to Crosby
    • 1/07/11 Crosby to Royalton
    • 2/07/2011 Royalton to St Cloud >
      • 3/07/2011 St Cloud to Monticello >
        • 4/7/2011 Monticello to Ham Lake >
          • Ham Lake all day >
            • 6/7/2011 Ham Lake to Prescott, WI >
              • 7/6/2011 Prescott to Pepin
          • 8/7/2011 Pepin to Perrot SP
    • 9/7/2011 Perrot SP to Wabasha, MN
  • 10/7/2011 Wabasha to Hastings
  • 16-17/1/2015 Luxor to Aswan
  • Zambia 7-30/9/2015
  • 11/7/2011 Hastings to Wabasha
    • 12/7/2011 Wabasha to Lansing,IA >
      • 13/7/2011 Lansing all day >
        • 14/7/2011 Lansing to Pikes Peak SP >
          • 15/7/2011 Pikes peak SP to Dubuque, IA >
            • 16/7/2011, Dubuque to Bellevue >
              • 17/7/2011, Pleasant Creek CG all day >
                • 18/7/2011, Pleasant Creek CG all day >
                  • 19/7/2011, Bellevue to Silvas, IL
          • 20/7/2011, Moline for the Day >
            • 21/7/2011, Moline to Loud Thunder Park >
              • 22/7/2011, Loud Thunder park to Keithsberg >
                • 23/07/2011, Keithbergs to Fort madison, IA >
                  • 24/7/2011, Fort Madison to Nauvoo
                • 25/7/2011, Nauvoo to Quincy >
                  • 26/7/2011 Quincy all day
    • Granada to Panama, Feb 27 >
      • 9, 10/3/2011 Servo to Playa Las Lajas
  • 8/5/2017 Tehran
PictureLast night in Nova Xavantina on their brand new foot bridge.
9/7/2014 Nova Xavantina to Canarana turnoff

D149, T9, Av19.37, Max51, 29861 4283

Hot, sunny and low humidity

Awaken your spirit to adventure; hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk. Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, for your soul senses the world that awaits you.

John O’Donohue

Nice words from the beginning of Claire Dunns book, “My Year Without Matches”

 

Out to eat on my last night here, observations were made at the other tables in an ice creamery. Brazil really is a unique country. It is not unusual to see friends at a table with skin colours ranging from white through all the shades to dark. There are some very unique and attractive people here.

All this intermarriage between Africans, Portuguese and Europeans and the local people appears to have been such a social success here.

Importantly those observed radiated an individual naturalness and ease from among their groups.

Getting up early was an assurance of getting a good breakfast before everyone else helped  themselves.

Plenty was eaten.

Most people around town were shocked to see their team so comprehensively beaten by Germany.

The sports channel was showing lots of footage with fans crying.

Some fans evidently went on a rampage wrecking property in some cities.

The road was more of the same, trucks and undulating land with cattle or crops occupying it. Occasionally,  in the low spots some natural vegetation was still present. As soon as one got near this the bird life increased dramatically.

It is pleasant riding with gentle climbs and then back down again or at times almost flat except for a slight slope in my favour. The road had no shoulder and many places had a new 6 inch layer of asphalt so pulling off the road was almost impossible.

Once again all the truck drivers were great. Some even slowing right down to let an oncoming truck pass. There at times was not room for 3 of us.

I could hear them coming and would pull off  the road where I could but keep riding in the rough.

When an oncoming truck was spotted a quick look back would determine my actions, no other vehicles and the road could be used.

Maintaining speed as a truck passes very close is so important, it allows me to keep a straight and minimises the draught effect..

Lunch was enjoyed at Agua Boa. Not before a top up and good rinse down was had at a gas station at one of their iced water dispensers.

An hour was spent here re hydrating and eating.

An ice cream was enjoyed at Serra Dourada. 

I feel not many cyclists have passed through here as everyone is asking questions.

Though with the road conditions it is not hard to see why.

For me it is just part of a bigger journey.

Here the water was topped up and camping sites were sought. At the turnoff to Canarana there was a group of trees with a large old shed behind them. The camp was set up behind the shed in such a spot that my light could be used without attracting attention. Soup and a few hot drinks were enjoyed.

The moon is nearly full so it was quite a bright evening.

Over a coffee,  I sat and looked out over the vast ploughed field behind the shed.

It had just come out of soy beans, some old dry plants were still in the ground near me.

Gazing out across the moon light ochre coloured expanse. It is hard to believe that all this land was once heavily vegetated in medium height trees and bush.

 There are really only about four plants that ever grow here now. Maize, cotton, soya beans and sugar where possible.

The night was silent except for the odd truck passing in the background. The night was balmy and clear. Thankfully insect free. Such was the similarity of the environment.

10/7/2014 Turnoff to 20km past Querencia turnoff

D128, T9, Av20.42, Max 48, 29989, 4411

Hot, fine

Up before the sun had risen across the field, the tent was condensation free, such is the dryness of the air.

Packed and on the road by 0800.

It was decided to ride in my boxer shorts and tee shirt. Without my shorts on it frees up my legs considerably.

Not far down the road all my bottles were topped up at a Lanchonette.

The shoulder on the road had now got a bit larger, truck numbers were also thinning out.

With not so many trucks it was worth waving at a few. They always respond.

Come 1200, some 60km had been ridden. An old gas station and loja were stopped at, here cold drinks nad more chilled water was obtained. It was 30 km to Riberao Cascalheira.

By the time I got there I was starving and totally worn out, having ridden 90km by 1330.

A huge buffet meal was enjoyed .

The nights water supply was loaded, by the time I left it was after 1500. Riding was a slow process for the first 10km on a full stomach, but this slowly burnt off and things were back to normal .

The surface is now quite rough, the increased rolling resistance is really noticeably especially on the slight inclines and descents.

Deciding to find a camp before dark, some bush was located near a silo complex.

It was dry bush with numerous litter on the forest floor.

A campsite well off the road was found.

Whilst setting up I could hear animals approaching through the dense bush.

They were very noisy breaking sticks and rustling small bushes.

They came across me and let out a grunt not unlike a dog and took off.

I did not identify them .

Anyway half an hour later they all came back. I could not see them clearly, only identifying them about the size of big dogs,

I yelled at them and walked after them with the torch.

What bothers me is they were not identified.

Given this,  I am a little concerned about them.

Possibly they are wild dogs which could be a problem, should they return in the night.

In saying this, the fact that they were making so much noise in the bush makes me think they could be hoofed animals, maybe pigs or Capavari.

That they came back throws doubt on this.

Thinking about this situation, firstly it is going to make sleeping difficult as I am a little concerned. Secondly, i wasn,t to keen on fending off a pack of feral dogs.

There is a three trunked tree right next to my tent.

I will climb this should I need to. A long thin trunk of a sapling was cut down and fashioned into a spear if needed.

I am probably over reacting but it makes me feel more comfortable. At least I have a plan.

That they might be dogs is a problem, dogs in groups are like gangs amongst humans. They find strength in numbers, trouble and mischief are never far away.

No native animals here are an issue in this part of Mato Grosso as far I know

Tonight I will sleep with no tarp on the tent so I can cast a light into the surrounding bush if need be, without having to leave my bed.

The last thing I wanted to do was sleep with one ear on alert. At least nothing can approach without making a noise due to all the leaves and dry sticks on the ground.

Penning these two entries here, will also help the night pass.

11/7/2014 Queréncia turnoff to night time camp, gravel road

D124, T12, Av16.14, Max52, 30,133  4,535

Another hot dry day

Well, needless to say, a shitty sleep was not enjoyed. Some sleep was had between 11 and 1 and then a bit early morning.

The imminent attack never happened, infact, the bush was dead quiet all night except for some owls calling and the odd leaf falling to the ground.
Speaking with people they were possibly Capavari.

The problem came from another quarter, that of ticks or as they are called here, Carrapatos.

An irritation above my eyebrow during the night turned out to be a large tick just getting its jaws into me.

It was difficult arising, I felt tired getting up, not good for what lay ahead.

Looking back at where I had camped, once 7km from the spot. It was a large expanse of natural bush so it provided ample habitat for whatever chanced upon me.

A couple of km on, another cyclist was seen coming my way. Gilberto was another one of these long-term Brasilero cyclists, he had been on the road for 20 years.

We had a bit of a yarn, and went our ways, he told me the gravel was heavily corrugated.

His bike had no gearing and he was riding in thongs, both observations probably explain part of the time he has been on the road. He knew the other Brasileiro I had met. Between the two of them that 55yrs on the road!

Some 20km down the road drinks were enjoyed at Fazenda Malu, or just past there. Many of these little Lanchonettes have wifi which is great, here a few pics are sometimes posted on Instagram.

At Villa Campana, a huge buffet was enjoyed with some truck drivers, they are the best people to ask about distances and road conditions.

Knowing now there was 120km gravel ahead and also another lanchonette, at its commencement. Upon arriving, I drank heaps of chilled water, soaked my shirt and hat and topped up on all water containers.

This knowledge also saw me wearing my runners  for the first times in a couple of months.

Once on the gravel an ochre dust was never far away. In the light winds when a truck or car was encountered it hung.

It was not to bad . Help was given to a truck driver who lost all sorts of stuff scattered on the road from one of his storage boxes.

Some 10km into the gravel and the corrugations started. These were as bad as any encountered. You had to ride them, as they were the only solid surface on the road.

Had my front rack not been repaired in Nova Xavantina, it would not have survived this battering.

The country had now changed from cropping to mainly cattle country, it is either one or the other, there are only small patches of natural vegetation between.

Another little loja was stopped at for a can of coke and the owner kindly topped up all my bottles with icy cold water.

I was hoping to get to Confreza to see the world cup final. Hoping that  Argentina would win.

There were still plenty of trucks on the road but they were well spaced thankfully. The road was good and wide. There was plenty of room for all.

About 1530, I pulled into a shady spot secluded from passing traffic, the decision had been made to ride into the night. There was a full moon.

The hammock was unpacked and slung between two trees and a sleep was enjoyed for an hour, this was followed by a coffee and biscuits.

The moon was huge in the eastern sky, parrots were squawking as they were flying home to roost.

Near dark, I was ready to move on. It was a magic evening, dead calm and well defined with moonlight.

Being still, the dust did hang a bit after a vehicle was encountered. My neck warmer helped alleviate its inhalation to some extent.

This section of road was corrugated like roofing iron. There was no escape. Holding the handle bars lightly was the only way to stop my hands going numb.

 It was so bad that I was keeping up with trucks and in one case over took one

The energy required for my progress is a bit more than a big toe sitting on an accelerator. . He passed me not far on.

Trucks coming towards me sounded like someone dragging a pile of scrap metal down the road. The noise especially unladen livestock semis was just a heap of banging metal.

My egghead light gave me great vision. So good, the road was well defined 15m infront of me. Te light cast shadows over the bumps so that aided vision  even more.

There were fires burning on the roadside in some places.

About 2030 my energy was expended, a pack of biscuits, and an energy gel were eaten this helped me keep riding till 2200.

I had covered 30km, it was great to have ridden such a rough piece of road in the coolness of the night.

A track off the road was found. This had to be followed for half a kilometre to be free the air from the dust of the still passing trucks.

Here the hammock was used for the first time. It is great for a quick set up.

The area had all been burnt recently, there was ash all over the ground.

The moon light made it easy to see.

It was quite cold, as the night wore on I had to put my raincoat and pants on to keep warm in the hammock.

It is a Hennesey hammock for those interested. It comes with a built in fly and mosquito net. A brilliant piece of gear.

 

12/7/2014 Near Alto boa Vista turnoff to Posto Do Mata at Luciara turnoff

Data lost in cyberspace

Fine 30+

Another pretty ordinary nights sleep had been had. My water was low, so just a coffee and a can of Tuna and chopped onion were had for breakfast.

Anything I had put on the ground had black ash on it.

I was filthy, covered in red dust and the ash. Back on the road, the need to get water was paramount.

Luckily a driver in an old Merc stopped. He asked me if I wanted a lift. I politely declined and asked if he had water. He had none, by this time a semi had stopped with us, the driver had plenty of icy water. It was so good and perfectly timed.

About accepting lifts:

For me .It’s like over extending yourself with a mortgage. It is great at the time but will impact on you every day thereafter.

You will always be looking for a ride when the going gets tough, or a loan if you can’t afford that holiday.

It will get to a point where you are always looking for a lift or a loan.

Both offer little reward coupled with plenty of burden long after the pleasures are gone.

Taking a lift for me will only occur,  if the situation is posing a health issue or to eliminate danger.

Soon  upon the Fazenda Rio Preto, here a huge meal was enjoyed and lots of refreshments. Many of the younger male staff at the huge 35,00ha property were heading into Confreza for the weekend on their  motos.

They had a TV here, I even  thought about camping and watching the final here.  

Riding on the road  improved. Though, I was reasonably physically stressed but still in control of the situation, the time had come to get into harmony with my predicament from a mental aspect.

I was trying to get to Confresa to watch the football final. About now i was having doubts as to my ability to do this.

The moment I put this thought aside, the ride suddenly became so much more enjoyable. I had time to look at the bush, stop and view wetlands and take photos of whatever caught my eye. I had again become aware of all around me and the beauty it had to offer.

Just putting the thought of having to be somewhere at a certain time, had transformed this section of  the passage into somewhat of a burden.

Relating this to most peoples’ lives. It is such a gift to have this time. I had seen this aspect in its purest form. Money wasn’t involved or other people, it was just myself and a concept.

My situation unlike most peoples, had allowed me to turn it into something enjoyable.

Maybe someday, when you are in a hurry to get somewhere, just pull over and see if you can find something interesting in the roadside vegetation, maybe a flower or some ants doing what they do,  most things really can wait.

Many people my age have no idea of this concept, they are often prisoners of their own success.


In many respects, this concept has enabled me to continue enjoying cycling in trying conditions for extended periods.

I had a glimpse of what the Mato Grosso must have really been like through this stretch of road when the  burden of time was lifted from my already heavy bike.

The lush bush was heavy with vines, palms and an emergent canopy. Though it was incredibly hot and dry, there was water in many places.

This road had just pushed straight though it, at one point a deep cutting was passed. The red soil was all of 10m deep .

Pushing on in a great frame of mind, another lanchonette was arrived at. Icy water was drank, clothes soaked and a large fanta drank.

A few km from here in the searing mid afternoon heat, a stop was made to bathe my feet in a roadside pond come creek.

Here in the talcum powder like dust on the side of the road, bliss was found. The water felt so good. There were fish swimming in the turquoise water. A couple of the species were ones we buy for fresh water aquariums back home. Tetras, I think?

I am now wearing a peak hat with flaps down to my neck and over my ears. The afternoon sun is giving me a hard time with my left side of my face getting quite burnt.

Always heading north creates  this situation.

My neck tube is now protecting my whole face and ears, also keeping the dust out.

I have never used sun bloc except in lip balms. Anyway, with the perspiration always being wiped off,  it would not last long.

Reading the chemical makeup of its composition, I feel physical protection is the better option. 

It is a bit like people who don’t want to eat natural sugar to sweeten coffee for example, but will gladly intake a chemical cocktail of manmade sweeteners.

“ I’ll have a burger and a Diet Coke,please!!?

From here, the woman told me it was 20km to the end of the asphalt.

Seeing the asphalt up ahead was like a mirage, only as you got closer it became real.

Oh! It was so nice to be on the smooth black top.

Earphones in and just cruising. These are the rewards that you are robbed of when sitting in a vehicle having accepted a lift.

Last night in my hammock with my long pants on the zip had dug into my bum, all this bumping about had broken the skin, it was bloody painful.

This had happened before, the only way to sort it out is keep it dry, not ride and wait for it to heal .This will be done in Confresa, once again, it is nice to have time as an ally not an enemy.

Fifteen km into the asphalt, I needed more water. A posto was seen at the turnoff to Luciara.

I was a bus stop for Xavante buses. They had water here and a toilet come shower. Taking my shoes off a shower was had fully clothed.

The shower floor looked like a silt laden river. Another tick was found attached in my groin area.

I bought a beer and had a yarn with the owners, we understood most things. I sat down and started watching the football. They said I could camp out the back.

I was set up before dark.

The woman came over to see if I wanted dinner with them.

My first home cooked meal here in Brasil. It was great and they had these picked onions, they were divine.

It was so nice to sleep easy on private property for a change.

The fly was not used on the tent, the air is so dry here, condensation is not a problem.

13/7/2014 Posto de Mata to Confreza

D48, T6, Av18.34, Max46 30,236 4713 ( I remember the figure of 129km yesterday)

Slight nor easter, hot, dry

A great nights sleep was had.

Upon getting up the young guy in the house was taking a small pig from a bag. He held it to the ground and pushed a long knife into its heart, the sand took on a red hue near the animals chest. It squealed for a time and then suddenly became food rather than a living animal.

In no hurry to leave, we chatted for awhile.

I thanked them at length for their hospitality and meandered off.

All was good, the footy could be watch and there was only a few hours to do the 50km to Confreza on the flat road.

Once there, like most towns the entrance was a mix of businesses servicing trucks.

Ag related businesses were scattered amongst them .

It took an hour ro find a suitable hotel. The Anapolis was found. They had a religious group staying who said I could eat with them.

The footy was watched in the comfort of a lounge with the owners. For me it was disappointing not to see Argentina win. Germany always looked dangerous during the game.

Washing was done. A couple of huge ice creams were eaten after dinner.

The heat now is really dominant in the days proceedings.

I am now at 10 degrees 39 minutes of latitude,  Cape York in Australia is 10 degrees 41 minutes. The northern most point in Australia.

Buenos Aires lattitude is 34 degrees 35 minutes the equivalent location in Australia is
about 480 km north of Wilsons Promontory.

My room is great, two single beds, one for me one for gear and AC. With internet.

Two nights were booked.

The Ciprol, now nearly finished, has sorted the phlegm problem out. Interestingly, it is the first line of treatment from an antibiotic point of view for the American Peace Corps people here in South America. It has worked for me.


Picture
It didn't take long for the guard in the tower to spot me taking photos of his prison. A wave sorted his concern.
Picture
Seeing things like this on the road can leave one a little concerned as to its importance.
Picture
Bush scene, possibly Capavari, I will never know.
Picture
The beginning of dusty times
Picture
Mato Grosso full moon
Picture
Lucky guy!
Picture
Still cold at night, first night in hammock, really easy to set up at night
Picture
Rear light set up.
Picture
Some colour in an otherwise charred environment, a tree snake.
Picture
Another "watering hole"
Picture
No mirages here.
Picture
one cool, everso friendly dog.
Picture
Great BBQs
Picture
Every ant hill had an access hole for the anteaters searching elongated tongue.
Picture
First night behind barn.
Picture
Ready for the dogs, prodding spear, easily climbed tree and tent without fly.
Picture
Gilberto
Picture
Late afternoon rest before night riding
Picture
Early evening
Picture
Great visibility offered by the headlight.
Picture
Front light mounted on Tubus racks
Picture
Entrance to Fazenda Rio Preta, 35,000 ha. 6 head of cattle to the ha
Picture
Dust and sun protection, note brown leaves.
Picture
Foot bath full of tropical fish
Picture
I was here 1 night to early to have enjoyed my favorite meat.
Picture
These silos were like a bees nest of these monsters.
Picture
Picture
new Power Grip straps after 30,000km. This system works so well for my needs.
Picture
Picture
Typical roadside diner with great buffets for about $6. if trucks are parked outside it will be a good hearty meal at a fair price.
Picture
There were patches of what the natural environment must have been like.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.