Peru Part 2

The last few weeks our route has included many roads less travelled! The climbs and descents have been significant in shaping this section of the trip. They have brought about the greatest challenges both physically and mentally of the trip.....and yet we roll on! ¨Wilber¨ was our roommate for a night, snorting around the door to our room. He became the inspiration for how to deal with the constant staring from kids as we slowly climb up the mountains. Now our passing by is highlighted by animal noises, calves, sheep, but our favorite is pig snorts. We figure if you are going to stare, might as well be something good to stare at!

We´ve seen our share of dogs on the road. This of the friendly variety was our guard dog for a while until he had cattle round up duty. On the road it´s a little more challenging. I now have rocks in my jersey pocket for Christie to grab and throw (currently she is hitting 47%). A highlight to one riding day was two chasing dogs, one of which got hit with a rock and backed off. As the other one came closer Christie shouted, ´´I have one for you too´´. Priceless memories! (HEY...you would do it too after months of nipping dogs)

Moving in slow motion! Hills and gravel have made for some long cycling days. A few unexpected paved sections were never so welcomed.

Sharing the road. Our path has crossed many a Shepard. Usually seems to be an old woman who spends a good chunk of her time spinning yarn by hand.

Think we´ll walk here. Like I said, paved roads are certainly a blessing!

Down and up. Many people saw SPOT on this day and commented on the descent and climb. Yep, it was that challenging! Down 4,000´and up 5,000´.

We are getting a little too good at changing spokes. Luckily my dad decided he needed to see Machu Picchu....he will also play delivery boy with a new wheel and other goodies!

Rocky roads in the darkness of a tunnel. Had to turn on the light for these. This was also a mining area, so each of the 40 tunnels offered the possibility of getting up close and personal with a mining truck.

Bridge out! Glad it hadn´t rained the few days beforehand. Jojo, Bob and the bags got a free ride across the swift current on our backs.

The Oxygen levels were slightly higher at plant level. We needed all the help we could get conquering the passes! We´ve also found our sleep a little more restless above 11,000 feet. The curse of the flatlanders bites us again!

While we missed the Minnesota winter, we are still catching snow. A day after we passed this area, there was a rain and hail storm that made the whole area white.

16,000 feet in the second highest mountain range in the world on bike. It hasn´t sunk in for us yet either!

Bundled up. Even late in the day we were wearing most of our warm clothes. The Cordilla Blanca stretches out behind Christie.

A shack for the night. $2-3 rents a room with a light, electrical outlet, straw bed and maybe running water. Here at 2,000 feet the cold shower felt good!

A room with a view. We tucked in behind the rocks next to the road and were sheltered in this cave. It offered a wonderful view of the sunrise.

Our neighbor to the North. Our path crossed this Canadian´s at a small remote town. Due to a few problems with his motorcycle, we were able to meet him a few more times down the road.

Always fun to see tourists and these Italians were no exception. Their month long trip included a stop at the famous Cañon del Pato. Our common language turned out to be Spanish.

Werner and Maria hosted us for a few nights. This German-Peruvian couple are working on starting up a hostel. With their location, knowledge of the area and Maria´s cooking - it is sure to be a success!

Christie is on the right. This lady sat down and shared her story as we stopped for a rest.

We were greeted by this mother-daughter crew as we entered the Huascaran National Park.

As we end a few grueling weeks, we are excited about pavement for a while, some flatter areas in our path and the prospect of visitors coming at the end of the month.