O.K what happened in the last week?
We left Huanuco and we were send of by Yasmin and her Father and sister.
Soon we found ourselves climbing towards Cerro del Pasco.
After about one hour we had a break in Ambo, a lovely quiet village with a beautiful plaza.
We met a man by the name of Parzival Wind and we got into a conversation.
Parzival presented us with a book called "El Imperio de los Yarus" written by his daughter Margit Wind a archaeologist.
Apparently Peru's Pre-Inca history dates back 4000 years.
There are ruins of castles in Peru made by the Yarus.
These ruins have the same architecture as the castles found in Europe.
Very interesting and something I think most of us are not aware of.
We continued our climb up.
After 40 km we met Juan Jose a truck driver from Lima.
He offered us a ride up the mountain.
It was a good chance as we had battled strong headwinds.
We travelled in the comfort of a brand new Volvo Truck.
Just before dark we were dropped of in La Oroya a mining town high up in the Central Andes.
I think we stayed that night in a hotel that rented rooms for the hour!
The following morning we continued our ride to Jauja clocking up 83 km.
We followed the Rio Mantaro one of Peru's most polluted rivers caused by irresponsible mining practices.
We ended up staying 2 nights in Jauja as we had such a good hotel room,the size of a average living room.
The ride to Huancayo was easy and we did 53 km in less than 2.5 hours.
Huancayo is Peru's fourth largest city and it has a pleasant centre.
We have been here now four days and enjoy all the things a city of this size has to offer.
Our plans are to move onwards to Ayacucho in a few days a trip of roughly 275 km.
We will have to climb Alto de Imperial a pass at 3988 metres.
According to fellow cyclist we will have to deal with annoying bloodsucking little flies called Zancudos.
They leave bites that itch like mosquito
Most of the road ahead will be dirt.
We see how we go!!
To be continued......
Yasmin was there to say goodbye when we were ready to leave for Huancayo.
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The beautiful plaza in Ambo, about one hour cycling from Huanuco.
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We had a break and some refreshments.
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Jesse surprisingly met up with some girls from Huanuco.
They socialized the day before on the plaza in Huanuco.
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Truck driver Juan Jose from Lima posing with Ciska and the boys.
Juan drives regulary from Lima to Pucallpa in the Peruvian Amazonas.
His load is tropical Mahony hard wood.
The trip takes 36 hours one way.
Juan Jose offered us a lift up the mountain past Cerro Del Pasco.
It turned out the right decision as the road was busy and there were constant head winds.
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We travelled in comfort as Juan's truck was a brand new Volvo.
Jesse and Michael sat outside on the trailer to guard the tandems and luggage.
After a while they were forced to move inside as the sun disappeared behind the mountains and the temperatures dropped rapidly at 4330 metres altitude.
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We stayed in la Oroya a mining town at 3747 metres altitude.
The town suffers from the economic down turn.
More than 3000 men are out of work.
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Getting ready early in the morning for the 83 km trip to Jauja.
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This was our breakfast place.
We had a good meal, fried eggs, fresh breadrolls and a good cup of coffee.
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When we left La Oroya we followed the Rio Mantaro.
This river is one of the most polluted rivers in Peru.
Mining caused the damage resulting in serious health problems within the local communities living along the river.
Ironically most of the mines are foreign owned.
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The entrance to Jauja.
The road from La Oroya to Jauja was busy.
We counted more than 137 crosses on the road side.
The last 25 km there was no shoulder.
We rate this road the most dangerous stretch in Peru.
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In Huancayo we stayed with Gladys and Miguel.
We met Gladys 26 years ago in Huaraz.
They opened their doors to us and we shared some special moments together.
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The boys photographed with Claudia and Allison the daughters of Gladys and Miguel.
Together they had some good times going to the movies and hanging out in the centre of Huancayo.
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Our new picture give away postcard.
While travelling it is at times nice to be able to give something in return.
People treasure the photo and reactions are always positive.
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This is one of the most valuable items on our bike.
The dog stick, made of a PVC pipe with a rubber handle-bar grip.
Jesse and Sammy each have one to protect ourselves against vicious dogs.
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This is the road we travelled from Trujillo via Huaraz to Huancayo.
Total distance 1045 km.
Highest point 4884 metres.
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This is the road ahead.
The Roller-coaster Ride!!
Huancayo via Ayacucho to Cuzco.
Total distance 969 km.
Highest Point 4281 metres.
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