Today was probably the easiest riding of the trip. It was perhaps a third pavement which meant smooth and quick progress. Not the stuff bikepacking dreams are made of, but you take it when you can get it.
The day began with a bunch of rolling hills. Nothing too steep or rough for the most part, but the transitions were nuts. 40+ kph to about 5 in 50 feet. I expect there will be loads more of that in the next few days.
Due to being on pavement and also because I am entering the tourist zone, there’s a lot more traffic. And let me tell you, when you’re on a dirt road and a semi passes you leaving in its wake a 200 meter trail of white out dust, well this happens.
Somewhere around 10 this morning I decided it was time for second breakfast. The morning wasn’t super tough or anything, but I needed a break. Stopped at a roadside soda and had a meal I will remember for the rest of my life. Right time, right food, I don’t know, but it was incredible.
Of course, it was broiling hot again today. Here on the coast, in this season, there is virtually no variation in weather. No rain, no clouds, just full blazing sun, lots of humidity and 32 to 36 degrees. As a result I get off the bike about every 45 minutes for a 10 minute break. Sip some water that’s so warm it’s basically flavorless tea. It’s amazing what a reset will do.
And when all you have to do is spin your legs all day long it’s incredible what you notice. The difference specs of shade will make, a slight change in the direction or intensity of the wind, the position of the sun relative to you, that kind of thing.
Having ridden adjacent but not quite close enough to the ocean all day, it was around 3 that I finally made it to a beach. It was very small and slightly disappointing, but it was wet.
I’m staying at some sort of eco resort tonight. I have a room in a two room cabin and I’m pretty sure the other one is unoccupied. The room itself is nothing super special (other than the rain shower head), but the grounds are gorgeous.
Went to a local beach (ridiculous descent then climb out required), had dinner in the hotel restaurant and am about to call it a day.
Pretty sure tomorrow will be harder riding but also many swimming opportunities. Likely that I’ll camp tomorrow night because there are tons of campgrounds along the beach. To be honest, it’s a little on the warm side for outdoor sleeping I think, but I want to give it a go all the same.
The day after that I’ll be in Samara!
Few more food shots from the day.
Hi Chad,
Thanks for the interesting and entertaining reading and photos. Have you seen any snakes?
Take care,’-David
Only a small dead one :(. Lots of birds and iguanas but not much else so far
I like this simple but true statement: It’s amazing what a reset will do.