Next Stop...Ollantaytambo (Part 2)

Ollantaytambo was still miles away from where we were. Our late start was putting us right back to a place we swore we’d avoid...unknown roads at night. Despite our best intentions we were on course for just that. Travelling like this is has certain unknowns. When do we stop for fuel? When do we stop for a photo? When’s lunch?...and on it goes. There is a goal. There’s just no defined when. Over all I like that way of life. There was nobody looming over you wondering when you’ll be done. You’ll be done when you were and not a moment before.

The twisting roads changed from smooth to rough as we left the asphalt behind once again. The increase in my own confidence made the challenge more enjoyable. The scenes all around us were inspiring and beautiful. Roads dissolved to about a single lane wide with cliffs on one side and sheer walls of stone on the other. A missed corner at any point could prove painful. With a little extra attention you could take it all in while safely navigating. Once again however, the competitiveness s of busses and trucks added an element. The walls of blinding dust would reduce your speed to a near crawl as you simply couldn’t see what lay ahead. Regular construction sites further slowed our progress with the typical delays.

Following Aldo and his F800GS we approached another construction patch. The flag person waved us on with a handheld sign reading “SIGA”. The surface was now a mix of gravel, dry dirt and mud. Things were progressing smoothing although I felt my knees tighten around the Transalps’ tank. Watching Aldo his front wheel slipped into a rut and it started to wrestle him for control. The bike wiggled back and forth and I really felt like he had it when over he went. The soft dirty cushioned his landing and the construction crew was quick to lend assistance. Aldo’s bright yellow jacket was now branded with Peruvian mud. He, like Pepe earlier in the day, jumped back on and continued. I admired the attitude and the eagerness to press on.

The landscape would change dramatically as we descended into a valley. Pier commented “...it’s like BC or Alberta now”. It really was. Lush green grass, tall majestic trees and a fast flowing river painted the backdrop for the next while. It was incredible. The changes in our surroundings were really remarkable.

After lunch we’d press on towards our destination but not before we navigate obstacles I’d never seen on a road before.