March 8-12, 2025 - Back to El Retiro and Medellin

 March 8, 2025, returning to El Retiro

The ride adventure is over. I've  removed my electronics from my bike, and stuffed everything that's mine in my pack.

This included a hand painted plate that Juan Jose gifted to all of the tour participants. 

Hand painted commemorative plate 

Next it was time to brave the journey back to El Retiro.  We loaded 9 bikes into a team's cycling bus ( 3 bikes went in the SAG SUV) . 

Bike Bus to take us back to El Retiro


I was pleased to see that the bus had seat belts. The driver  made Pepino's SUV driving look conservative and Pepino's driving according to Pepino is 'bruto"!  Wheels squealing  around every bend in the road we raced  through the mountains.  It was a 5 1/2 hour rollercoaster ride.

That night, Manolo's mother passed away and though it was not unexpected, it put us all into a reflective state of mind.  Life is short. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share this adventure with old and new friends. 

March 9: Jose's mother came in from Medellin to pay her respects.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and reminded me much of my own mother.  Mike, Jose and I attended the funeral before heading to Medellin. After dropping off Jose's mother at her assisted living home, we checked into our Airbnb and enjoyed walking down the main streets. 

Medellin is a beautiful, modern city with excellent public  transportation and a booming economy. It's surrounded my mountains and very green.

March 10: By pure chance, Kevin Kee, who I've known since my college days happened to be in Medellin with his family. We agreed to meet at Centro Comercial Santa Fe (a huge mall). First though, Jose, Mike and I stopped to get our hair cut.

Before 

After

Next, Kevin showed up and I got to meet his family. Their excitement to be in Medellin was contagious. Phil, a American friend of Jose who moved to Medellin about 5 years ago, also joined  us. It was wild to consider how easy it is for some to pick up and relocate to a new country. I think my roots have me staying in New Mexico. 

Kevin, Lila, Lauren, Brian, and me

Kevin and me
Jose, me, Phil and Mike enjoying a beer near Phil's village on the outskirts of Medellin
Visiting the local library

Solar panel benches?



Metro ride back to our Airbnb (see the cyclist ?)

March 11: Packing up, coffee stop, taking  the Uber to our airport hotel. Flying back home on the 12th!
Coffee - Bike shop stop for breakfast

Mike and I enjoying a margarita at our airport hotel

My life is richer thanks to the many memories from this trip. The hospitality from my new 'parceros' and even from local merchants was heart warming.  Colombia is a bit Loco-mbia  but full of love and joy..   

It was much more than a cycling adventure. 








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