Monthly Archives: February 2016

A Ride through the Clouds

Friday February 26, 2016, 130 miles (209 km) – Total so far: 14,724 miles (23,696 km)

February 24, 2016 After a pancake breakfast at our hostel we once again started the morning in rain. It was a long day of climbing from 6,000 feet to 9,200 feet over a steady 40 miles. None of it was very steep but just a gradual ascent. The rain continued all day and once again we were soaked and very cold. While riding through the town of Riobamba we found another nice hostel. Once again it was $8 per person no matter if we shared a room or got separate rooms. In these situations we will take two rooms at $16 total. Next door was an excellent Chinese restaurant where we each indulged in a hot bowl of vegetable soup. Across the street was an excellent bakery where we purchased fresh croissants for breakfast along with chocolate cake and a cookie for dessert. At our lunch spot today in Pelileo the waiter loaded us up with fresh fruit so we will have the croissants and fruit for breakfast. We rode around the backside of Volcan Tungurahua hoping to see the always snow covered peak. But due to heavy clouds and rain we only had an occasional glimpse of the side with recent lava flows.

February 25, 2016 Our goal for the day was to meet up with the Pan-American Highway. We have cycled on this highway very little but it is the only road that heads south over the top of the Andes to Cuenca. We spent most of the day winding through canyons to find it. The best part of the day was that the sun was out for a few hours and it felt great.

We are in very classic Ecuador with the way the people dress and live. Farming is king here and we were surprised how organized the farming is. After another six hours on the bikes and 44 miles we made it to the town of Guamote where it was market day! What a crazy time it was trying to find a home stay through the crowds. We did find the Chuza Longa Home then took off exploring the town. Market day here reminds us of the market days in Asia. Everything imaginable is on the street for sale. Jocelyn bought a really cool colorful belt. Our very pleasant and friendly homestay host, Manabi, cooked us vegetable soup for dinner and this morning a really good breakfast was include. What a nice place to rest.

February 26, 2016 It was a beautiful sunny morning as we took off and cruised the Andes at 10,500 feet. We did climb to over 11,000 feet before descending to 8,000 and climbing back up. The afternoon rain caught us for many hours but this area of the Pan-American Highway is a good ride with wide shoulders, ample drainage and surprisingly little traffic. We surprised ourselves and made in to the city of Canar which is only 72km from our next goal of the Spanish Colonial city of Cuenca.

A fine place in Banos for a beer and food.
A fine place in Banos for a beer and food.
The other side of Volcan Tungurahua where one can see recent lava flows.
The other side of Volcan Tungurahua where one can see recent lava flows.
We dropped down quite a bit here.
We dropped down quite a bit here.

P1150050__1280x433_

The sink was not connected to the wall. This fixed it!
The sink was not connected to the wall. This fixed it!
No groomers here. I gave them some dog biscuits as they were good and didn't chase us.
No groomers here. I gave them some dog biscuits as they were good and didn’t chase us.

P1150064__1280x693_

We reached 10,000 feet yesterday and over 11,000 today. In Tajikistan we were well above 14,000 feet.
We reached 10,000 feet yesterday and over 11,000 today. In Tajikistan we were well above 14,000 feet.
Working in the field.
Working in the field.

P1150083__1280x440_

Very organized farming high in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Very organized farming high in the Ecuadorian Andes.

P1150089__1280x521_

Tough life for school kids as the school was several miles up the road.
Tough life for school kids as the school was several miles up the road.
A tough walk up this road.
A tough walk up this road.

P1150095__1280x960_

Exploring a very interesting market day just like in Asia.
Exploring a very interesting market day just like in Asia.
A lot of chicks.
A lot of chicks.
Going home after another exciting market day.
Going home after another exciting market day.
Sheep: "When does the train come and cut this rope so I can get outta here?"
Sheep: “When does the train come and cut this rope so I can get outta here?”
Homer Simpson: "mmmmm...chicken feet!"
Homer Simpson: “mmmmm…chicken feet!”
A long day at the market for this guy.
A long day at the market for this guy.

P1150110__1280x357_

Sometimes we drop into a beautiful valley that is somewhat flat for several miles.
Sometimes we drop into a beautiful valley that is somewhat flat for several miles.
Where's Waldo?
Where’s Waldo?

P1150114__1280x764_

P1150119__1280x674_

Where's Waldo #2?
Where’s Waldo #2?
We get enveloped into the clouds.
We get enveloped into the clouds.
Alausi, Ecuador.
Alausi, Ecuador.

P1150127__1280x546_

P1150128__1280x392_

A really cool town of Chunghi.
A really cool town of Chunghi.

P1150134__1280x831_

P1150135__1280x484_

There are many cool towns across the Andes.
There are many cool towns across the Andes.
How green can it get?
How green can it get?
A cool profile of Ecuador. We entered Ecuador from Amazonia, Colombia into Amazonia, Ecuador. Then we climbed west into the Andes.
A cool profile of Ecuador. We entered Ecuador from Amazonia, Colombia into Amazonia, Ecuador. Then we climbed west into the Andes.
Canar, Ecuador
Canar, Ecuador