Cycling from El Remolino to a Random Esso Station in Colombia

In May 2010 I cycled through Colombia on the way from Alaska to Argentina. This blog post entry covers the day's ride between El Remolino and a random Esso Station!

Cycling out of El Remolino, Colombia

Blog post entry from 28 May 2010

Cycling out of El Remolino in Colombia

 

I was expecting a tough day, and I was in no way disappointed!

mountains near el remolino colombia

To start off with, things were relatively easy as I cycled out of Remolino and hit the first uphill stretch. As it was first thing, I had plenty of strength and powered upwards.

The views out over the hills and valleys near El Remolino, Colombia

 

Time for Breakfast (well, second breakfast)

At the village of El Manzano I met Jeff and Rose again. It turned out that they had also stayed in Remolino, and were in the hotel almost directly opposite me.

From El Manzano it was a short burst up the road to El Tablon where we all stopped for breakfast. I really hope that Ecuador has the same great meals, as I will miss them!

I parted company with Jeff and Rose at the restaurant, as I cycle a little faster than them. A further 6 km of uphill, which equated to nearly an hour in the saddle saw me to the top of a 1500 metre pass.

Cycling over a challenging mountain pass in Colombia

 

Cycling Mountain Downhills and Tunnels in Colombia

The views were absolutely stunning. One of the rewards for putting in so much effort!

tunel de la llana in colombia

There then followed a 19 km downhill section, during which I passed through a tunnel, and lost 600 metres of height.

mountain road in colombia

Although the downhill section was fun, I would much have preferred to keep the height, as another uphill section then began. The section lasted the rest of the days cycling, and over a distance of 13 km I gained 800 metres of height.

Cycling through tunnels in Colombia

 

At two in the afternoon an Esso station with hotel came into view a km or so past the second tunnel of the day. Perfectly placed, as I was sweating a bit!!

Dave Briggs cycling in Colombia / Dave's Travel Pages

Only a 52 km day, but a LOT of climbing involved! Tomorrow promises more of the same, as I will have to peak at 2900 metres high before the descent into Pasto begins. A beer and a couple of Ibuprofen relaxed the muscles nicely !

Read more about cycling from Alaska to Argentina

 

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