Once again we rolled up to the road and fortunately the climb to the summit was only 26 kms and 1000 metres of climbing. I rode with Barry this morning and it was clear he was not his usual self. He was struggling to keep up due to stomach problems over the past few days. We just took our time and took plenty of stops with the main goal of reaching the lunch truck and seeing then whether he wished to continue or catch the truck to Cusco.
When we reached the summit we could see the snow capped mountains which are so beautiful and just gigantic. At least today wasn't as cold as yesterday. We rolled down the other side of the mountain and reached the fire engine at 11 am for an early lunch. Barry had a discussion with the Dr and all was good for Barry to continue. After lunch Barry was much stronger on the bike, but whatever the Dr gave him certainly worked.
The photo above was taken at the 20 km mark after climbing out of Limatambo. Switch backs and all up hill.
We continued on with a couple of more climbs through small villages and some with mud brick homes nestled on the side of the cliffs. If there is any hint of an earth tremor, the whole side of the mountain would come screaming down on the road. Today we had the usual idiots trying to run us over or force us off the road. It seems as we get closer to the major city the crazier the drivers are.
We reached the outskirts of Cusco around 1 pm which gave us a great view over the sprawled out city. I wasn't in the mood to stop and take a photo of a city, all we wanted to do was to get down into the mayhem and find our hotel. The Garmin led us directly to Hotel Carlos V where many of our cyclists were already at. We took our time today and enjoyed an easy ride which is what this holiday is all about. On a side note one the cyclists got bitten by a dog. The dogs in this part of the Peru are downright vicious.
Once given our room we couldn't have a shower because there was no water in the city. We had to wait till about 5 pm to have a shower, and that means the toilet doesn't flush either. That will have to wait. Eventually we got a nice hot shower put our clean clothes on and got our gear ready to take to the laundromat. We've also got to get our gear ready for our 2 day adventure to see the world famous Machu Picchu.
Prior to starting this holiday I had 3 goals, 1, win a stage, accomplished. 2. Visit a Peruvian prison and interview Lewis, accomplished. 3. Visit Machu Picchu, that's tomorrow.
With a nice dinner in good company and a my gear organised for tomorrow, it's now 10.30 pm and time for bed.
I will provide an update with photos of Machu Picchu upon my return in 2 days time. Also, I'm so glad to get off that blasted seat and give my ass a rest. 3 day rest in Cusco, brilliant.
Until tomorrow, safe riding.
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