Well, we knew what to expect, we’d read the route card. Two climbs of 2,200 feet and 3,300 feet, and
then a massive descent of 11,300 feet into the town of Nasca. All along the same smooth, quiet road we’ve
been riding. The day started sunny and
pleasant, temps in the low 60’s. As we
climbed riders adjusted their clothing to the effort of the climb.
As we approached the summit after 50+ km of climbing, it
began to rain. The storm had been
growing and threatening during the last third of the climb. As the rain intensified, it began to
hail. The hail was small, but the stones
that hit the ear hurt. Upon reaching the
summit, we were escorted into our van to wait out the worst of the rain and
hail. When the rain let up we started
our descent in the rain. And the rain
picked up. It was cold, there was water
on the road and the grade was reasonably steep.
I focused on staying upright, was poised to grip the brakes and tried to
see the road ahead through rain soaked glasses.
I’ve ridden one downhill that was as cold and treacherous. So I was experienced in the effort. But this was much longer. The rain relented and slowed. While not exactly comfortable, it was a
relief except when the wind was blowing directly into your face. Finally after battling the elements for 48
km’s we reached the restaurant for lunch.
Hot soup and hot coffee made us start to feel normal again. As other riders we shared the van at the
summit arrived we commiserated and congratulated each other on the adventure.
Then we set off on the remainder of the downhill. Fifty kilometers of dry, smooth downhill
riding. Exhilarating and a little scary
in the hairpin turns and where the guard rail had been knocked down. I covered the last 31 miles in an hour and a
quarter. The temperature rose from 45 to
70 and the wind helped dry out my cycling gear.
Entering Nasca we are back in the big city. We rode thru neighborhoods to reach our urban
hotel. Luxury! We have hot water, towels, cleanliness and
even a swimming pool. It is a great
comfort to be comfortable, and yes, report me to the tautology police.
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| Agriculture |
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| Rugged downhill |
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Sheep herder
|
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| Cows on parade |
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| Bob |
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| Don Agucho Hotel |
Puquio from above
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Susan
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