Day 76: Colca Canyon, Peru to Espinar, Peru

Calling All Base Jumpers

Mike here again.  Today was certainly the road less traveled.  We now understand why all the tourist we meet in Chivay said that they came via Arequipa and Juliaca.  Of today's 147 miles, approximately 125 were dirt roads!  The trip took us about 5 hours, with an average of about 30 mph. The roads consisted of a hard rock and dirt pack, with sections turning to fairly loose gravel.  Lots of wash boarding and dust, dust, and more dust.  We probably only saw a dozen other vehicles all day.  GPS decided to try to trick us again and took us about 20 minutes the wrong way before we realized what they were plotting.  We managed to pull into Espinar just as it was getting dark, which was fortunate as Ken's headlamp has given up the ghost.

Along the route we saw a huge reservoir and massive strip mine, and of course locals walking and Llamas llamaing.  Based on the distances between any civilization i'm not sure how they even get from Point A to Point B in a single day.  What there were none of were gas stations, so there was some mild anxiety about fuel levels.

Future Sweaters 

I was a bit apprehensive on the loose stuff and didn't feel in a groove until the last hour or so of the ride.  The climbing and descending switchbacks on the gravel were the most tense part of the day for me.  As we climbed out of the valley and crossed over the mountain, storm clouds were ahead so we got our rain gear on.  Thankfully it didn't rain. It SNOWED.  Certainly was not expecting that!

Overall, I would say today was the best day of riding so far.  The route, scenery and challenge is why I came on this trip.

Tomorrow back to Cusco before I depart on Monday morning.


Trip Summary

Today's Leg: 147 miles (237 km)

Total Distance Traveled: 9,348 miles (15,523 km)

Total Borders Crossed: 10

Total Countries Visited: 11

Total Times Stopped by the Police/Tickets Issued:  16/0

Shaken Down by the Police/Total Times Paid: 5/1

Visits to a Holding Cell: 1

Countries Following this Blog: 30 (Welcome Canada)

Mike's Trip Summary

Today's Leg: 0 miles 147 miles (237 km)

Total Distance Traveled: 809 miles (1,304 km)

Total Borders Crossed: 1

Total Countries Visited: 1

Total Times Stopped by the Police/Tickets Issued:  2/0

Shaken Down by the Police/Total Times Paid: 0/0

Visits to a Holding Cell: 0