March 2 El Retiro to La Pintada







Day 1: El Retiro to La Pintada 63 miles with 6,138  feet of climbing 

We packed up and left El Retiro at 7 am. We all were in matching bright yello jerseys which helped keep us safe. 

Diego, convincing me he can fit the luggage of 12 riders and still have room for 4 passengers

He does it!

We just had to deal with people calling us 'pollitos' (little chickens). In addition to the climbs, we also descended 12,800 feet. 


The climbs reallly took it out of me, trying ot keep up with the pack. I managed, but barely. The descents were the hardest part as I was on a bike with rim brakes and my hands and forearms were burning from the strain.I could swear smoke was coming off my brake pads and I feared a blow out. Some of the descents exceeded 25% and it felt like the slightest bump would launch me over the bars.

I also found myself behind huge trucks. When they flashed their blinkers indicating I could pass, I'd take a deep breath, pedal hard and give it my best. Nothing like going around a semi on a semi blind curve.




View of Medellin




Taking in the views

working our way south


We stopped at the top fo the second biggest climb for a late breakfast, then rolled the next 25 miles to La Pintada. A lot of smiles and congratulations at the finish. We had made good time so we took some time to check out the Cauca River. It was so nice to see so much water. Can we send some of it to New Mexico?



The Cauca River: Almost at our stopping point






Jose and Mike capturing  the view


We arrived at our hotel and stopped for a group picture

Left to right: Me, Diego,Rafa, Flecha, Claudia, Juan Jose, Jose Jairo,Raul, Orlando, Mike. Manolo


We arrived before our rooms were ready, so we found ourselves resting in the lobby.  Someone suggested we should get our jerseys cleaned so that we could wear them the following day. Since each jersey was imprinted with the rider's name, they could all be washed together. A minute later, we were all bare chested (except for Claudia who borrowed a t-shirt from her husband Alberto (aka Flecha)). The hotel staff seemed a bit surprised, but promptly hustled away with our jerseys.

Sending our jerseys out to get washed
The resort was very nice with an open lobby and great views. The rooms were a bit bare. I was sharing a room with Mike and it came with one queen size bed. One vinyl sofa that I thought would do. But this was addressed by bringing an  bare queen size mattress and plopping it on the floor next to the bed. That became my sleeping spot.

Dinner was served around 6 pm and I was famished. The chicken was tender and delicious.Salad, arepas, and rice  complemented the meal. After dinner, some of the riders opted for a dip in the pool. By the time I discovered this, I felt it was too late to enjoy the water so I just sat on the side and enjoyed easy conversation.
View from the lobby

Getting photo bombed



Fun in the pool

night shot
Tomorrow's ride is longer and has even more climbing but I was  told it's not as steep. We shall see/


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