Back up in the High Andes, the teddy bear faced Alpacas are well equiped for freezing conditions
Well I'm glad to say that the Gringo Circus has arrived in Huancayo which seems a bit more civilised so I will use the opportunity to bring the blog right up to date before heading to bush camps back in the mountains this week.
In my last blog, I gloated that we had a 70k downhill 4 days ago... well did we pay for that downhill. On Friday, we had a 2700M 120k uphill into a headwind. I know its not a major incline over 120k but it just would not end and with 40% less oxygen, it was difficult. We got home just before dark after 10 hours in the saddle. All we could say on arrival is "Me duele el culito!"(My ass hurts)
And so we arrived at Cerro Del Pasco, a mining town which is the highest town in the world at 4,400M! Although tired and very cold (its winter here), Equipo xtremepaddies immediately seized the opportunity to find the worlds highest pub and so we had a pint at 4,301 Meters in bar 'Trapiche'. When we ventured back outside, it was snowing!
Sean, Bene, Mick, Kirsten, Len & Ewald in the worlds highest unheated pub (we think). Check out the altimeter showing 4,301 Meters - Johnny Foxes take note!
Bene (sun-kissed from the 36C temperatures a few hours earlier) decides to record our short visit to Cerro Del Pasco... what a STAR!
And the following morning was a cold start to a 134km spin through the Andes while staying above 4000M.
Sean & Mick making plans for a new ski resort in the Andes... and the scenery is spectacular! Below 7am on the road again...
Down at 3,600 M, the sun warms us up a little
Andre shows the off his road rash and celebrates becoming the 8th official member of the Xtremepaddies awarded for bravery in this case - 17 intermuscular stitches after 4 or 5 hours standing on the side of the road and not a whimper out of him. Fortunately, it wasnt his drinking arm and his general performance has not been affected!
FYI - The Xtremepaddies was formed when myself and Mick skied over the roof of an inhabited house in St. Anton on a powder day 7 years ago - a relatively small 15 foot drop into fresh snow -- but then we had only just learned how to ski! This remains the basic entry requirement but we will always consider outstanding achievements - evidence required. Don't be stupid though - thats for the Darwin Awards. S.
Adios amigos.
3 comments:
Ahh babes,
You'll have to bring me back one of the lamas now...the white ones ok. they're adorable but I know that they spit.
I love the latest blog, wonderful photos, well done all of you. Really is quite the trail huh!! I should say that you all deserve those beers more than we'll ever know. Wish I was there to share one with ya darlin.
You look great, miss ya Sean, talk soon.
Love Cxxx
Excellent stuff big red! I'm more and more impressed every time I log on and read the next installment!!! I hope you're keeping a diary - I smell a potential best seller...among X-paddies anyway!!
Glad to hear you're still loving the buzz. Would love to be there with youz having the 'craic'. It's a far shout from 3Rock on a cold January Sunday morning!
You ain't missing nuthing back here, although you're solely missed!! Keep 'er lit!
Marko
WE WANT MORE, WE WANT MORE, WE WANT MORE...
Fear Dearg, a cracking addition to the log - but your fans in XtremePaddy land want more! So if you could thaw your pretty little ginger fingers out a bit more and keep typing please?!!!
Those gargantuan ascents & descents must be an unbelievable buzz - seriously jealous. Enjoy Machu Picchu this weekend.
- Big T
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