South America second trip

[ErikGustav2]

It is "finally" time to continue the journey in South America,

I plan to publish some pictures and experience here from time to time.

The trip starts in Cali/Bogota. Where I also plan to end.

First day was to get out of Cali. That was not that bad. Much easier then from Bogota.
Heading towards Ecuador.
There is only one mayor road going south. Twisty and hilly. It is also used by a lot of trucks. Så it was a slow and relaxing start.

Next day I took a longer and smaller road to Pasto. Nice twisty tarmac roads. Peaking at 2 700.

In Pasto, it was time to prepare for Trampolino del Diablo

[ErikGustav2]

Now I have done Trampolin del Diablo.
https://www.dangerousroads.org/south-am ... cisco.html





This was the third ”opportunity”. First time I did not even know about it. But planned to use this road. But it was raining so heave that I was told to don't do it.
Second time I never even consider it. The main road was closed due to a land slide. So all traffic had to take this road. No no.

But this time I tried it. The weather was rather OK, for this area. How was it ?
Riding itself was not that difficult. Mainly hard surface. Some water crossings. All but one had flat concrete. Easy. One had rocks, So there it was needed to be really careful. There was one muddy part due to a land slide.

The things that make it dangerous are.
Blind corners where you can meet even trucks.
One line way, with no place to meet. Except at special places.
Narrow road with areas without protection to fall of.
Land slides that destroy the road. And that can push vehicles down the hill
The often very limited visibility, due to the fog.

I had expected to take a lot of nice photos. But the camera never left the top case. Fog and no places to stay for photo stop...

It was a very mental hard ride. Since you can't relax 1 s. You always have to be alert for oncoming vehicles, Or other things. Those 75 km took around 5 hours to ride the gravel parts. And 2 hours to get to the gravel.
So today ( the day after will be a resting day)

[ErikGustav2]

Some picture that are dedicated to Goodspeed.

The fan of balcony roads.
But I suppose that we both prefer tarmac roads, Roads built in the rock and not mud.
And protections in stone/concrete, even they are only 50 cm,over plastic ropes.
And possibilites for meetings, not single line roads.

[Godspeed]

Excellent Erik, totally excited to be reading another one of your trips. This is adventure at its very best!!!

Loved the balcony roads photos - very much appreciate them

Take care mate, have a wonderful time and keep us all updated

[Flipflop]

Good to see you back in SA Eric - we were in contact with you last year via the ‘going south’ WhatsApp group.
Great memories for us already with your photos - keep them coming and enjoy.

[mark vb]

I'll be following with much interest - we toured the lower half several years ago and are minded to return to do the top half. At least, some of it.

[ErikGustav2]

I'll be following with much interest - we toured the lower half several years ago and are minded to return to do the top half. At least, some of it.

Life is so easy in the north part. Small villages everywhere. Always street restaurants, accomondation.. Twisty nice roads.
Green nature...

Not like in Atacama desert. Or Ruta 40 in Patagonia. Empty desert for days.

I am in Ecuador now. I love it.
So I travel slowly.

[ErikGustav2]

Good to see you back in SA Eric - we were in contact with you last year via the ‘going south’ WhatsApp group.
Great memories for us already with your photos - keep them coming and enjoy.

Yes. The situation in Peru had a huge impact on my trip.
Plans are plans. But I plan to ride some Perubian mountains.
That I had to skip last time.

Passing Ecuador on way is a pure pleasure.

[Tonibe63]

I'm looking forward to the updates Eric, many thanks for the escape from a cold and wet UK

[ErikGustav2]

Common view.
A small bike with the family on.
No proections

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My fantastic room tonight

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