Cycling The Globe

A Cycle Touring Expedition Around The World

« ||| »

Day 1616, Pereira – La Pintada: The Coffee Region

Posted by Thomas Andersen Posted on Feb - 28 - 2015

Distance: 137.34 km
Ride time: 6:33:49
Average: 20.92 km/h
Max speed: 56.88 km/h
Total: 33449 km

I wish I could have stayed a little longer in Pereira. Hanging out with Denise had been a lot of fun, but after that long 2 month break in Cali the legs were still itchy. I managed to wake up earlish to be on the road around 9, but not before Denise had cooked me a tasty omelet, given me a bag of chocolate from a local coffee bean grower, and made me two sandwiches to enjoy for lunch. Thanks for everything Denise, hope to see you soon again!

The last two days had been mostly flat, but flat roads doesn’t last for long in Colombia. Right after leaving Pareira I was once again climbing.

I’m now in the heart of the famous coffee region in central Colombia. The hills are lush and green, and despite the climbs it is truly enjoyable cycling here.

After the initial climb I was following the mighty Rio Cuaca downstream towards the small city of La Pintada at 600 meters above sea level. It is months since I have been down in these kind of altitudes, and the sticky heat hit me hard. I was even considering paying for a hotel room with aircondition, but I thought things would cool down a bit after sunset. They did, but only slightly…

If all goes well I should arrive in Medellin tomorrow!

Categories: Colombia
« ||| »

One Response so far.

  1. Marcos C. says:

    So, while we’re just buying our Colombian coffee beans in the supermarket shelves, you were actually there – and cycled through it – where they’re grown.

    I suppose it’s hard to enjoy a nice cup of fresh Colombian brew when the weather’s that humid…iced coffee, perhaps?

    The city of Medellin should be interesting.

    As always, I’m looking forward for every new posting!