Training Log Archive: Carbons Offset

From Cauca Viejo to Jericho, a pretty steep climb (harder than the Letras climb) and a solid workout in just 23 km (one way). Hung out at the square in Jericho for quite a while, eating empanadas and drinking fruity drinks, while Nico (6 years old) danced with a singing old Colombian guy. Then the rest of the group headed back to the house while Raul (Seani), Brook and I did the additional short ride up to Tarso (about 5 or 6 km) and back. Enjoyed some fresh fruit at the top.

From Cauca Viejo, took the back way to Fredonia via Bolombola which resulted in several short stretches of gravel/dirt. Had a nice stop in Venezia for pastry, empanadas and drinks. Lots of police presence there, presumably due to the police station near where we took our break. Then the long downhill from Fredonia back to the valley bottom.

The big transfer day from Manizales down to Cauca Viejo. 1770m of climbing and 3400m of descending. A nice steady average speed thanks to all the downhill. A bunch of us were worried about so much distance today but we rolled the first 40 km with minimal effort. The first 10 km through town were a bit exciting with the city traffic but still the drivers here are respectful.
Lots of roadwork on this highway which meant they were stopping and alternating traffic. The bikes and motorbikes were allowed to roll to the front of the line and we would usually only wait a couple of minutes. It worked out great because there were always locals selling cold drinks and snacks. Rather than having to find a town to pull of and re-fuel, for a few pesos we had staffed aid stations along the route! And because of the alternating traffic, we would spent more than half of the time with no traffic around us.
As we quickly dropped in elevation, you could feel the temperature and humidity increase.

From Mariquita to Manizales, up and over Alto de Letras, one of the longest road climbs in the world. Left right after it got light first thing in the morning. Already it was humid, and we were aiming to time things so that our elevation would cool things off as the heat of the day increased. We could see the volcano in the distance, kinda cool. Met some local roadies on the way. We stopped in Fresno and Padua for snacks and drinks.

As we climbed higher, the grade got steeper and it got misty. Eventually, the mist turned to rain. My biggest day of climbing but the angle didn't get too severe so I was able to keep it at a steady rhythm most of the way (mostly in granny gear). Still felt decent at the end, except that we got poured on for about the last hour and everyone got really cold. At the summit, we stopped into a little eatery for hot chocolate and warm food, and they let us stand by their stove to try to warm up. We weren't really getting any warmer, so when the rain let up, we went for it and did the final 25 km down from the pass. We had even contemplated getting taxis and loading the bikes, but there weren't any convenient taxi options, this summit is kind of in the middle of nowhere.
Unfortunately, the summit isn't very scenic, no big open views and not much for monuments to celebrate your accomplishment of the summit/pass, but I would still come and ride this climb again (especially if I somehow knew it would not rain).

Hiked up Monserrate with Carbon, Revy, CBass, Andrea and Nico, plus many locals. Today was a holiday so lots of locals were out. This was good, as the guidebook recommended going when it is busy so that you are less likely to get mugged as a tourist. Several police along the route, checking some backpacks. Views along the way and from the top of the big city down below; the top is at 3200 m.
Took the funicular down, then wandered several streets of La Candelaria, around Plaza Bolivar, the presidential palace, the palace of justice, and saw various interesting looking buildings. Passed by a walking tour of the city's graffiti - looked like a cool tour. Checked the National Police museum but it was closed today.
Bought same big-bottomed ants to try but they were gross.

C • Adventure 3