So I think we’ll pick up where we left off in the village of Upsallata, high in the Andes. Our guides had been talking with the local gendarmes, or police for some time regarding our tour through this area. In the past they had problems with complaints from the lorry drivers about cyclists on the narrow roads up to the passes and border points with Chile. Consequently the decision was made after long discussions between the tour leaders and the police to have the entire group ride in a convoy with a police escort, not a decision that made me happy at all since I climb so slowly,  especially at altitude with part of my lung missing. It was the complete opposite from my lovely solo ride up into the Andes.

It was actually beautiful country in the high Andes, just had to enjoy riding in a big group. Saw Aconagua, highest peak in South America.

Then next morning we headed the short distance to the pass and the border. We made it through without incident ( well, I lost my banana…no fruit!!). Down, down, down the descent into the lowlands in 21°F (-7°C) at the top.

It was quite the adventure and then we found ourselves back where it was sunny and warm again, piles of extra layers heaped in our bike bags.

A lot has happened since then but I promise catch up. Until then, it’s time fir bed. Ciao!!