After a crappy night’s sleep – not sure if because of the altitude or the trucks breaking for a speed bump just outside, anyway. I woke early, got ready – none of my clothes had dried though. And got on the way at 6:10.
on paper this should be a relatively easy day. 120 km more or less flat, followed by 120 km descend, a 1000 m climb followed be a descent to Tingo Maria.
The body felt ok at the altitude. The first 30 km climbed ca 300 m, which can be felt at that altitude.
The weather was perfect.
Stopped in Junin for resupplied, pan con queso x 3 (4) one was dropped and swiftly taken by a dog. Water and a coke.
The following ca 90 km over the high plains were amazing and awe inspiring. It was hard but manageable.
Alapaca herds and vast open spaces with mountains in the back. Given I was already at 4000 m it was clear it wasn’t the Alps.
At the end the road started to climb again towards Cerro de Pasco in about 4500 m. Towards the end the rain came back. Got the rain jacket on and ready for the descend.
Then the most amazing descend started. Or at least the first few km’s and the potholes and missing road sections started and the fun disappeared, and the time schedule evaporated.
Starting in 4500 m and going down “through“ all the climate zones (no idea of how many, nor of it is actually a thing) was cool. After ca 3 hrs, I was down in 2100 m. At this time I had decided to stop in Huánuco.
Approaching Huánuca there was some local carneval celebrations, which involved throwing paint and water balloons at random strangers. One guy splashed paint in my face, another something else and several threw water – I was not amused 🤬. And apparently many from Huánuco comes to the place, so the traffic was stuck and the last 15 km took over an hour.
Made it to Plaza Mayor, found a descent Hotel. Cleaned myself, the bike and went out for dinner.
Random thoughts
I hate the dogs! By far the most dangerous thing on the trip. One of them ripped a hole in my leg warmer. Better that, than my skin. But it is not fun.
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