(Jennifer's Reflections)
As we pulled out of Coyhaique a couple months ago, we whizzed off on pavement. Hitting pavement for the first time since a quick 20 minute stint back in March had me zooming along, faster than usual at 18 -24km/hr (11-15miles/hour) and speedier when cruising downhill. I felt like I could go forever if it were not for an aching knee. That day, I doubled the daily miles of the entire trip. It is true that pavement is a faster and smoother ride!!
As we pulled out of Coyhaique a couple months ago, we whizzed off on pavement. Hitting pavement for the first time since a quick 20 minute stint back in March had me zooming along, faster than usual at 18 -24km/hr (11-15miles/hour) and speedier when cruising downhill. I felt like I could go forever if it were not for an aching knee. That day, I doubled the daily miles of the entire trip. It is true that pavement is a faster and smoother ride!!
After biking to a cargo ship, we hopped a ride to Puerto Mont, further north to try and catch some warmer weather in the Lake District. My confidence was soaring now that I could zip along without giant rocks and sandy gravel to slow me down. The only obstacles were barking dogs and a bit of car traffic. I was able to “fly” and loving it. The end of gravel roads meant the end of daily glacier vistas. With pavement came views of volcanoes in the distance seemingly looming over us.
Unfortunately, while “flying” down a hill at almost 50km/hour (30miles/hour), I hit it hard. I honestly don’t remember anything except feeling wobbling, screaming for Matt who was ahead of me and then being in an ambulance and not knowing what country I was in. Matt reports that I was talking up a storm with the medic people and not making sense all of the time though speaking in Spanish too…freaking out a bit I suppose. Fortunately, it was the best outcome with no broken bones, and only some serious right side of my body bruising and a concussion.
Unfortunately, while “flying” down a hill at almost 50km/hour (30miles/hour), I hit it hard. I honestly don’t remember anything except feeling wobbling, screaming for Matt who was ahead of me and then being in an ambulance and not knowing what country I was in. Matt reports that I was talking up a storm with the medic people and not making sense all of the time though speaking in Spanish too…freaking out a bit I suppose. Fortunately, it was the best outcome with no broken bones, and only some serious right side of my body bruising and a concussion.
Having gotten sick at a high elevation two weeks ago and out of breath easily on a just a day ride, the idea of biking through the Bolivian altiplano at an even higher elevation and enduring -20degree C night weather did not sound so appealing. So I will sit this next leg of the journey out. No two wheels for me for a while. In the same breath, I am psyched for Matt to push it while making his way from Argentina to Bolivia.
Some thoughts on biking:
· My favorite roads are deserted packed dirt ones with little to no traffic.
· I like cruising along enjoying the scenery and not pushing it too hard.
· I love being in a place where you can just pull over and wild camp wherever you please. A place where sharing your land with travelers is common.
· If I knew what I was getting into I would have definitely bought a mountain bike with front suspension.
· I still have to concentrate to keep in the space of a small shoulder and avoid being in the way of passing cars…this makes really busy roads no fun.
· I cannot keep motivated for extended, seemingly never ending trips. I do best with short attainable goals…like three weeks, with a clear start and destination.
Some thoughts on biking:
· My favorite roads are deserted packed dirt ones with little to no traffic.
· I like cruising along enjoying the scenery and not pushing it too hard.
· I love being in a place where you can just pull over and wild camp wherever you please. A place where sharing your land with travelers is common.
· If I knew what I was getting into I would have definitely bought a mountain bike with front suspension.
· I still have to concentrate to keep in the space of a small shoulder and avoid being in the way of passing cars…this makes really busy roads no fun.
· I cannot keep motivated for extended, seemingly never ending trips. I do best with short attainable goals…like three weeks, with a clear start and destination.
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