Thursday March 31, 2016, 285 miles (459 km) – Total so far: 16,102 miles (25,914 km)
This is our fourth day of riding since Nasca. On the second day we made it back to the beach to once again find strong headwinds that have entertained us for 21 days now. Along the way we have been sandblasted in the heat along with being physically and mentally challenged. Peru has miles and miles of beautiful unspoiled beaches with no condos as in our home state of Florida. We look in awe of all the unridden lefts and rights (surf talk for waves). The towns/villages are spaced apart so it is either camping behind a dune or wall or a small hospedaje.
Yesterday we were barely making headway in the afternoon when a car carrier truck stopped ahead of us. He said that the upcoming 40km is a very dangerous climbing coastal road for bicyclists as there is no shoulder. He offered to load our bikes on his truck for this section at the town of Atico. We said ok as we were tried of the strong wind. I was in shock as we drove the high road with no shoulder. In fact there was only an occasional guard rail when the road was wide enough. Riding south on this road is very dangerous as one strong gust of wind or from a passing truck would easily put you over the side and down several hundred feet to the ocean. It was scary just watching this from the truck as he maneuvered when other trucks were headed north on curves as sometimes we were just inches from the side. North bound cyclists would have no problem. When this section was over we thanked him and continued.
Despite the wind we are making good time through the small hilly terrain while spending the entire day riding. Tonight we are staying in Camana.
I am using Jocelyn’s GoPro for pictures now since my other camera is gone.
That truck driver offering to carry you and your bikes through the harrowing sand storm was an answer to prayer!!! This must be the most harrowing attempt to cycle so far in this part of the world! God keep you in His care. See you soon. Esther/Nansea/Aja