Lago Yelcho
A few weeks ago I was captain of my expedition responsible for everything: navigating, finding food, finding shelter, etc
I am now one of the crew with much smaller responsibilities: pack my tent, check the white board, ride and ride some more, set up my camp, eat dinner, sleep and do it again.
It is familiar from the TDA ride across Africa in 2013 and a welcome change.
Yesterday was a day for ferry transport and today was a full cycling day of 108km. Of this 48km on gravel with the first half tough with lots of steep bits up to 14%. It was tough but I really got a sense of “we’re on the Carretera Austral”. I was happy though that the entire day had variety including some smooth and even flat roads.
We’re at a camping here near Yelcho Lake. Short update now and more complete with photos at the next rest day with decent wifi.
It is a challenging ride so far through some beautiful country…
What are your riding companions like? From where and do they have the interesting history you carry?
Approximately two dozen riders. The largest number a Canadians but also a number of Americans as well. One Belgian, one German, one Dutch, one Australian. Ten cyclists started in Cartagena and the remainder has come for this segment and typically for some of the previous segments as well.
A number of the riders have done other TDA trips as well, e.g. across Africa, across Asia and others. Some have done self-supported riding as well. I think I came the furthest to start the trip.
I haven’t quite figured out ages yet, but it doesn’t seem like many in their 20s, but instead skews slightly older. These folks are serious and faster riders than I am on my mountain bike.
Otherwise, a nice set of folks and friendly and welcoming for people like me who are joining just at end of their trip.
Sign them all up to purchase your book when you publish 🙂