¡Hola!

Today we are going to have a tough day, we have to ride 78 kilometer, and it is only 5% paved ... climbing will be about 1800 meters. We start the day with 40 kilometers climb, so a good start of the morning. Climb will goto about 4200 meters, where we will have a bush camp, so let´s prepare for a very cold night. Going out of Ayacucho went ok, we were escorted by the Police, but we lost them already after some turns, even better!! Rob was in front, and after a few kilometers we had to turn, because he wasn´t sure about the road, so turn around ... After finding the right road, it was a steep hill, going up to about 15%, not long, only about 500 meters, but still, when the muscles are cold, and the body still sleepy, it hurts... From there only up, road was unpaved, but in a quite good condition, at least some parts were. Construction is still going on, so a lot of big trucks, machines and workers were present on the road. I came across Peter-Paul, and we cycled together to the lunch spot, which was almost at the top of the climb. Lunch was good, lots of irritating flies, but these don´t eat your arms and legs, so pretty harmless. After climbing to the top, dark clouds start to show up at the other side of the hill. Mmmm ... rain is possible, even hail and snow at 4200 meters. I had all the rain gear in the bag, so if it was needed, I was prepared for some wet weather conditions. From the top it was another 40 kilometers up and down before we reached bushcamp. The scenery was great as always, the oxygen level low as always at this height, and I was feeling pretty ok. Tired, hoping that I reached camp soon, I was still enjoying this ride. The rain started, not much but enough to make me decide to put on my rain gear and long finger gloves. At a certain point the rain turned into hail, but that stopped pretty quick and the sun appeared again. Still having all the rain gear on, it was pretty warm, but better safe then sorry and wet and cold, I kept fully geared up till I got at the bush camp. At the location, there was another bushcamp, so we moved on for another 3 kilometers to find another spot. Dinner was served, but after a few minutes it started it to rain, first a few drops, then it started to poor down from the sky. Another party tent was installed, and everyone was taking shelter underneath it to get some protection from the rain. Rain itself is no big problem, but the cold at this altitude makes it uncomfortable, especially when you have to sleep in your tent after wards, and all the clothes are wet and damp. After some hot chocolate with rum and marshmallows, I helped with the dishes, and went to sleep.

Adios !!