Dusty roads
The further we head into the mountains, the more remote everything feels. Roads getting smaller, less people and easier to find camping spots. This, and the whole route in Peru is full of climbing and descending, but it’s extremely beautiful! Every time we get up a hill we got rewarded with amazing views. When we reach Huamachuco we check into a hotel, call our loved ones and head to the hospital for the second shot. I tell my brother that from here it will only become more beautiful. I’ve been looking forward to this next section with its crazy climbs and canyons.
Extending our roots
We head out of Huamachuco and very soon we find ourselves on a traffic free dirt road. We relax and enjoy the views! The uphill is not too steep but after a couple of hours we reach 3600m, a new altitude record for my brother. His previous one was at 3400m, Pico d’Aneto. That was my (and his) first mountain we climbed about 18 years ago. We cycled from Belgium to the Pyrenees, traversed them in the length and climbed the highest mountain there. That’s where it all started for me and I’m grateful we can share these big milestones. We continue over low traffic routes to another section I have been looking forward to. Mollebamba and the everlasting hairpin turns. Maybe it’s the masochist in me, because I knew this was going to be hard. A steep descent over countless switchbacks, only to climb up the other side of the valley in the same way. Pretty tough on a loaded bike, but oh so rewarding!
Canyon life
Once we were up in Pallasca another beautiful descent of about 60km lay ahead of us. Because it’s off road, our brakes got tested to the limit. We went from one canyon to the other, offering amazing views the whole way down and up. My neck still hurts from tossing it to all sides to enjoy the view. It’s never a dull moment in these places and the variation is just mind blowing. The last section before Caraz, there’s the Cañon Del Pato. A narrow road with many tunnels to cross. Another breathtaking section of crazy views and steep canyons. Crazy to see how cars and busses are able to pass here… Our progress is slow, mainly because of the time we take before and after every tunnel to see the views and take some pictures. The steep cliffs we’re cycling along are impressive.
Crazy driving
The road from Caraz to Huaraz was full of amazing views as well. This time no canyons but many +6000m peaks. Another treat to be cycling under these giants but the only downside was that the closer we got the more intense and crazy traffic was. The contrast is always difficult, after cycling on nearly traffic empty roads, it’s hard to process the constant noise and threat of traffic. It’s exhausting and we find ourselves frustrated after a while. In the last part the views are blocked by a hill ridge and we just want to get to our goal! When we reach Huaraz, a big relief comes up. We made it after 830 km of difficult cycling, I’m very proud of my little big brother!
Lonesome town
I can make this post on how strong I feel, how motivated I am to finish this. And while this is true, I feel vulnerable again. My brother is headed back home, and I’m continuing alone again. I feel strong and motivated. But vulnerable at the same time. Finding a new rhythm and balance again. Making decisions on my own, it makes it easy, but difficult at the same time. It’s a new phase again and I’m curious and excited but the first couple of days will be with a heavy heart on the road…