Bike ride along the Andes - day 2

Day 2 – October 8th - From Junin to Allumine.

We left Junin after a bountiful breakfast at 8.30 under a cloudy sky. The weather was cold and we were all wearing gears as “onions”. The first 25 km were on paved road and after few uphill, we had some nice downhill pieces. We crossed a wooden bridge on the Mallao river and there the actual “bike ride” did start. The gravel road started and we didn't stop climbing. Up front, Gustavo, Gaby, Alejandro and Julian were my direct companions. The first stop was after 38 km and we took advantage of the nice sunny weather but beaten with a frisky wind.


At that point, to reach our lunch break spot only 10 km were left, all downhill on loose gravel!!!!! We all made it safe and happy to sit next to the Allumine river under the sunshine: 48 km were behing us.
Sandwiches and fruit were nice to reintegrate some energy, but nothing more refreshing than getting our faces wet in the river.
The entire group started over happily heading on the second part of the day with more challenges ahead.

We crossed the bridge on the Allumine river and we were still 55km away from our first target. Once again the group did split but everyone were able to go ahead at his/her own rythm. The prior to the last streck was very very long with various steep uphill parts all still on gravel. Gustavo Julian and I did lead the group. At a certain moment Gustavo asked me if the road was finally going downhill, but it really did not! and we did enjoy the long descent back to the long-expected paved road.
Additional 15 km were still ahead to the town of Aluminé were we would get off from our bikes.

Our evening was rewarded with a very friendly “parrilla” in the small town of Allumine. It was the good example of the “buena onda” (good feeling) that was established within the group.

 

for more pictures check this out!