Checking my email in the morning, I received one from a friend back in England saying that she was coming over to South America for a couple of months at the beginning of September. Its been over a year since I have seen anyone that I know, and so I am looking forwards to meeting up in Cusco. Now I just have to persuade her to bring over a spare bicycle tyre! What with the news and answering emails, I didn’t hit the road until gone 08.30, which was a little late given what the day had in store for me. A total height gain of 1400 metres over a distance of 51 km is reasonably challenging on a fully loaded bicycle, and more so when the peak of the day was at 4300 metres.The road was in pretty good condition, and at first I did well, despite the gradient. As the day went on though, I started to feel a little drained, and I had also forgotten to charge my I-Not so there was no music to keep me going.  

 As I cycled higher, the trees gave way to shrubs, and then finally to just tufts of grass, and I passed several llama herds.  

 My legs were aching by the time I reached the turn off for Cerro, and at 6 hours of cycling, I had earned the right to call it a day!  

Is it ? 

Cerro de Pasco was quite busy and chaotic to enter, and I wasn’t really in the mood to do the rounds of hotels in the search for the best place. I settled on the first half decent one I saw, and whilst 25 soles is a little pricey, I can live with it! Chicken and chips for dinner. Lovely!