(August 19 – written by Dave) Today our plan was to visit one of Cusco’s bigger local markets, the Mercado Central de San Pedro.  We made it to the market eventually but had to pass through the Plaza de Armas on the way there and guess what, there was another parade going on.  Peruvians love … Continue reading A market, a parade and a mystery solved in Cusco

(August 17 – written by Dave) We’ve settled into Cusco and made some progress on our list of things to do. Our bikes have been serviced and most importantly, our BBs have been fixed (I hope).  We had Nancy’s BB replaced and mine greased/adjusted.  We’ve been getting creaking sound the last few weeks from them.  … Continue reading Cusco update

(August 15 – written by Nancy) Well, our nice quiet night in the schoolyard was not to be – we should have never been so foolish to think that any night during a fiesta in a Peruvian town would be quiet.  The music in the town square started up just after 10pm and didn’t finish … Continue reading Into the big city – Limatambo to Cusco (77k/19,236k, +5,100ft)

(August 14 – written by Dave) We had a very short day planned today so we got to sleep in and have a proper brekkie at the cafe across the street from the hotel.  The cafe is really out of place in a small Peruvian town, fancy coffees, nice bread and even an American breakfast … Continue reading Mountains and a festival – Curahuasi to Limatambo (45k/19,159k, +3,100ft)

(August 13 – written by Dave) Today we completed pass number 4 from Ayacucho to Cusco and I’m happy to report that everyone rode the entire way.  We started the day with a 35k climb and finished the day with a 35k descent.  We voted this afternoon and everyone prefers going up first better than … Continue reading Pass 4, mountain day – Abancay to Curahuasi (70k/19,114k, +5,250)

(August 12 – written by Dave) I am excited to report that today, I rode the entire distance with the rest of the team – woohoo!  I had no stomach issues of any kind and we had a beautiful day riding in the Andes to boot.  I know that some of the more cautious readers … Continue reading A full day’s ride – Huancarama to Abancay (64k/19,043k, +4,800)

(August 11 – written by Dave) My stomach bug came back today and it was my turn to take it for the team.  We had about 37k to ride to reach the top of the second pass but I was not riding very strong and had to have several bathroom breaks.  We rode about 24k … Continue reading Pass two (mostly) – Andahuaylas to Huancarama (89k/18,979k, +5,000)

(August 10 – written by Dave) Today was the first of 4 days in a row with passes reaching close to 14,000 feet.  Not the most idea conditions for Nancy and I to be less than 100% but you do what you have to do.  The ride from Ayacucho to Cusco actually has five of … Continue reading Pass one – Uripa to Andahuaylas (76k/18,890k, +4,600ft)

(August 9 – written by Dave) Rumours of my demise are greatly exaggerated – after yesterday’s overly fuzzy day, I’m happy to report that today was much better.  I didn’t eat much yesterday and got a little hungry today but overall I felt 100% better and am nearly fully recovered.  And before I go too … Continue reading Rumours of my demise… – Chumbes to Uripa (58k/18,814k, +4,600ft)

(August 8 – written by Nancy) Well, today was an interesting day and even now at 7pm it is still continuing to be interesting!  Our riverside camp was very quiet last night though we did have some traffic passing after it got dark.  It’s always somewhat disconcerting to see headlights on the tent when it’s … Continue reading Man down – Riverside camp to Chumbes (55k/18,757k, +3,300ft)