March 6, 2025 Salento to Manizales

 Salento to Manizales: 55 Miles with 7,000 feet of climbing


Woke up this morning to a light drizzle. A welcome sight compared to the overnight rain!

Rain through the night

Jose's shouting encouragement on the first wet climb of the day



The start of our ride was a bit chilly and wet as  the first 2 miles were downhill. Soon though we warmed up with the first of 4 major climbs.  The roads were smooth abd safe until we rode through the center of Pereira.

Flashback to riding through Pereira 




There we wrestled with busses and trucks spewing diesel exhaust and motorcycles weaving through traffic. We stayed together as a group and basically took up a full lane which helped a lot. After a short break for a breakfast of eggs with rice and beans at mile 25 we faced the last 2 climbs. 

Mike approves breakfast stop

A short break before the final climbs



The final climb gained 3000 feet in 10 miles which made the arrival most welcome.















Photo op at city square
We had no trouble getting strangers to take our photos. Our hapiness and gratitude for being there was contagious.

The Escorial hotel


Flecha, Rafa, and Raul

Stepping into the  Escorial hotel was like stepping back in time. Built in 1936, large black and white tiled floor, marble appointments, and art deco art work. Incredible service. Very professional. As we were unloading our luggage, a well dressed man who I assumed worked for the hotel, took my luggage freeing me up to roll my bike into a storage room.  My trust turned out to be well founded as after checking in my luggage was stacked neatly with everyone elses. 


Still dressed in our cycling clothing, we enjoyed a nice lunch at our hotel. Delicious and beautiful presentation.


Delicious lunch after. a hard ride
A typical "quiet" conversation over lunch

After lunch,  where we celebrated Manolo's birthday, Jose, Mike and I took a short walk. searching unsuccessfully for an ATM where I could extract some Colombian Pesos. On that subject, my math skills were tested as I frequently worked  through a conversion rate of 3,800 pesos to a dollar.

 Dinner was back at the hotel and was superb!

Plans for the next morning were an out and back ride to Alto de Letras, a summit 12,300 feet above sea level.  A nice way to cap the riding adventure?





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