Cycling The Globe

A Cycle Touring Expedition Around The World

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Day 1276, Los Andes – Paso Los Libertadores: Up we go…

Posted by Thomas Andersen Posted on Mar - 22 - 2014

Distance: 47.39 km
Ride time: 4:19:49
Average: 10.98 km/h
Altitude: 2880 m
Total: 24827 km

If there is something I like to do on a bike it is to climb mountains. Today would be my kind of day! We had done the first 10 km of the climb to Paso Los Libertadores yesterday, but there was still some 47 left for today. From the morning down in the valley it was clear that it was going to be a hot day. Normally I’m doing fine with heat, especially after working in the Australian outback, but I have been a little out of training lately. The 33 degrees hit me hard.

Luckily we were climbing along a river where it was possible to dip the head once in a while when things got too hot.

The famous part of the climb is the 46 switch backs up towards the ski station at Portillo. I had been trying to save a bit of energy for this part of the climb, so when they came I stood up in the pedals and gave all I had. It is never easy to cycle up a mountain, especially on a loaded tour bike, but for some reason I really like this kind of pain. The music in the ears made me push even harder.

Petter looking happy after conquering the climb.

We had heard from Michael, the Danish cyclist, that it would be possible to camp at a ski hotel near the top of the climb. The hotel is located next to Laguna del Inca. That was where we were headed for the night – one of the best camp spot both Petter and I could remember.

A night at 2880 m would be a good test of our new sleeping bags and clothes that we bought in Santiago. As we plan to spend a considerably amount of time above 4000 m and even, if possible, climb a 6000 m peak, this night should hopefully feel rather warm.

Petter likes to sleep outside to watch the stars, and I also skipped putting up the tent. In the night the thermometer showed 3.7 degrees, and we had both felt warm and comfortable. Promising for our next month in the mountains.

Categories: Chile
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3 Responses so far.

  1. Martin says:

    Amazing places Thomas!
    Enjoy!
    73 de LU5DX

  2. Thanks Martin! I am indeed enjoying the cycling very much these days!

  3. If ever there were a TV series called, ‘Great Breakfast Views of the World’, this would be one of them! Stunning!