After stocking up with snacks, water, and coke I hit the road again. Now began the start of a dirt track that would take me all the way to the border with Peru. Of the blogs I had read covering this section, most people were plagued by muddy roads due to rainfall, and had to wild camp as they could not make it to the next town. Either due to good luck, or good planning (maybe a bit of both!), I had an ideal days cycling weather. Neither raining nor too hot, the temperature was ideal, and the sky clear for some great views.

  Start of the dirt roads 

That’s not to say that the day was an easy one though. The initial 6 km climb out of Yangana had me sweating nicely, especially when trying to force the bike up the many 20% gradients. It my not have been muddy, but that meant that on these super steep sections, my rear wheel would struggle to gain traction, and in some places, I would turn the pedals twice just to stay in the same spot, with the rear wheel spinning on the dust and rocks.

  There were the occasional obstacles. 

Even the odd traffic jam. 

That’s my “Why the fuck am I doing this” expression. 

A bit happier there, with the awesome view behind. 

There was even a river crossing or two. 

Up and down the day went, and by the time I got to the last downhill section, I had cycled uphill over 2100 metres, which considering the road quality was pretty good going.   

Start of the descent 

The last downhill section lasted for 14 km, and I dropped nearly 1000 metres over that distance. Tired, hungry, but ultimately happy, pleased and content with a monumental days cycling with some great scenery, I cycled into the small village of Valladolid, where I was more than pleased to find that there was a hostal of sorts. The tiny price of 3.50 got me a big room with shared bathroom facilities, and having a nice meal and a couple of beers filled in the evening. With more of the same on the cards for the next day, an early night was in order !