The big downhill drop from the altiplano to Salta (4,500 m/14,700 ft to 1,100 m/3,600 ft) should have been sweet. But, there was wind....
If I've learned anything in the last year, it is to respect the wind. Without exception, every major downhill has had significant wind. It's usually blowing straight uphill, making the downhill stretches a challenge. Nothing worse than grunting all the up a climb to then have to pedal downhill.
Even worse, are the sidewinds on downhill sections. These throw the heavy touring bike back and forth, making any type of speed very dangerous.
Today was no exception. A relatively easy 2+ hour climb to the top and then six hours of tough pedaling into an incredibly strong headwind just to move downhill. Nonetheless, it could be much worse, and... I'm stoked to be a "low-altitude".
I can't believe how easy it is to breathe... and it's warm! Warm enough to only wear a light jacket well after the sunset. And there are birds and trees and people and flowers and buildings and no howling wind to scurry from at night. Life is good!
If I've learned anything in the last year, it is to respect the wind. Without exception, every major downhill has had significant wind. It's usually blowing straight uphill, making the downhill stretches a challenge. Nothing worse than grunting all the up a climb to then have to pedal downhill.
Even worse, are the sidewinds on downhill sections. These throw the heavy touring bike back and forth, making any type of speed very dangerous.
Today was no exception. A relatively easy 2+ hour climb to the top and then six hours of tough pedaling into an incredibly strong headwind just to move downhill. Nonetheless, it could be much worse, and... I'm stoked to be a "low-altitude".
I can't believe how easy it is to breathe... and it's warm! Warm enough to only wear a light jacket well after the sunset. And there are birds and trees and people and flowers and buildings and no howling wind to scurry from at night. Life is good!
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