(July 29– written by Dave) Brrr, it was cold this morning.  My cyclo computer read 1C as we left the hostel.  It was very foggy and the extra dampness that comes with fog made it seem much colder.  Everyone was fairly rugged up as we made our way back out to Highway 3N.  We were … Continue reading Peru Independence Day – Junin to Tarma (68k/18,180k, +1,000ft)

(July 27– written by Dave) Last night we slept well (except when Nancy stole all the blankets).  Overall though, we were happy with sleeping sound at 3,300 metres (10,800 feet).  It’s not our highest sleep of the trip but it’s getting up there.  Riding today we climbed to 4,400 metres (14,435 feet) and didn’t really … Continue reading More up, staying high – Highway hotel to Junin (105k/18,113k, +4200ft)

(July 26– written by Dave) Today was a departure from the magnificent scenery that we’ve been riding through for most of Peru.  We rode up the Rio Blanca all day but the river was not overly photogenic and the hills of the canyon were kind of ordinary as well. I had promised Philipp that we … Continue reading Rio Blanca (White River) cruise – Huánuco to highway hotel (81k/18,008k, +5115ft)

(July 25 – written by Dave) We’ve had a productive day here in Huánuco.  Bikes cleaned.  More route planning done.  Natural fruit bowl and yogurt for brekkie.  Slept in until 8:30.  All good.  So this will be a short post. For late lunch (yes lunch) Philipp and Kathrin wanted to try ice cream rolls.  We … Continue reading Huánuco ice cream rolls – who knew?

(July 24 – written by Dave) Today turned out much different than we thought it would.  We had 14k of uphill to start, followed by 60k of downhill.  We rode again with Philipp and Kathrin.  All four of us enjoyed the uphill much more than the downhill.  Yup, you read that right.  It’s all about … Continue reading Up or down, you choose – Chavinillo to Huánuco (74k/17,927k, +1900ft)

(July 23 – written by Nancy) Last night we were so shattered after our long day we both thought there was no way we could do today’s intended ride to Chavinillo.  Our Komoot map showed it to be about 86k with over 1600 meters of climbing.  We met our German friends Philipp and Kathrin in … Continue reading Canyon riding – Huallanca to Chavinillo (87k/17,853k, +3600ft)

 (July 22 – written by Dave) Today was epic... CHECK - Trip record riding height – 4,900 metres (16,000 feet) CHECK - Stunning mountain views all day CHECK - Super hard riding with dirt, rocks and a ripper paved downhill to finish CHECK - 10 hours in the saddle CHECK - Pulling into town at … Continue reading Getting higher – Park entrance to Huallanca (72k/17,766k, +3500ft)

(July 21 – written by Dave) It was hard to leave Huaraz and our lovely hotel, but the show must go on.  Today we started a two day crossing of Huascaran National Park.  We were both excited to see more of the park, if not a little apprehensive about the altitudes we were going to … Continue reading Getting high  – Huaraz to Huascaran National Park entrance (61k/17,694k, +3900ft)

(July 19 – written by Dave) We are enjoying our break here in Huaraz.  Sleeping and breathing was a little hard the first night but our bodies have adjusted pretty well.  We go over a pass that is about 16,000 feet on Sunday so getting to the point that 10,000 feels normal was a good … Continue reading Huaraz Times and mapping tools

 (July 17 – written by Dave) We departed Caraz this morning in a peleton one person smaller than we arrived a few days ago.  Andi, the bikepacker from Germany is taking a slightly different route from there and not leaving until tomorrow.  So Nancy, Kathrin, Philipp and I soldiered on for the team.  I’m sure … Continue reading Banana Passionfruit day – Caraz to Huaraz (72k/17,633k, +3937ft)