After a poor night’s sleep dreaming of monsters coming down from the mountain (never read kichwa folklore before bed time) and being chased by angry dogs, I gave up on sleep and went down to make breakfast. Geoff, having complained (at fairly regular intervals since 3am that he couldn’t sleep) chose this moment to go back into a deep sleep uninterrupted by the alarm he had failed to set.
After a hearty breakfast followed the usual family bickering, we were collected by our guide Alejandro from Probici , met our co riders Gaba from Chile and Simone from Holland before setting off up the mountain. We stopped en route to see a canyon and learn about local flowers. The fire flower to help with altitude, and oreja de conejo a small blue flower to help you sleep.
We saw the farm where bulls are bred and exported all over S.America for bull fighting. Finally we arrived at the start point. From there most of the group climbed up another km to the refuge.
Cara and Geoff made it up to the Whymper refuge, no small achievement given the altitude and the lack of time to adjust. Gaba practised her yoga at 5100m…….as you do
Sadly as poor Drew was feeling unwell we walked down to the car where a brief snooze followed by a reviving cup of Coca Tea soon had her back on form.
Once the whole group were back it was time to get pedalling. Well actually it was more time to put on every piece of clothing you could find and keep your hands on the brakes.
The first part of the ride was a steep descent on a volcanic dirt road. The road bends sharply round the mountain until it crosses an off road track. After an episode of skidding sideways in the deep dirt I wimped out of the first off road part and Cara and I continued on the road. Cara was cold and not happy, I was having a lovely time but would have been better if I had had a pair of ear defenders or Cara had been wearing a full face helmet so I couldn’t hear her moans. Geoff meanwhile was enjoying the off road track and a few close encounters with the wild vicunya.
After the initial descent we joined up with the van for water and gator-aid, Cara (who by now was very very cross) swapped with Drew and off we went again.
This time the descent was mainly off road, riding on hard packed tracks, through small streams and down a few rocky patches. The temperature started to rise slightly and everyone was having a blast. After a few more van stops and a bathroom stop we tackled the uphill section. What can I say except that it was very hard. Drew and I were a long way at the back before the climb so luckily the van caught us up. I jumped in for the last part then we caught up with Drew who had almost made it but was defeated when she saw the van with me in. Then a welcome stop for lunch. By now the sun was fully out and the layers were coming off and time for a spot more yoga.
Now warmed up and feeling much happier Cara joined us for the afternoon ride. We did an easy descent through mountain meadows down to look at some Inca ruins.
Sadly what Drew, Cara and I had failed to understand was that after seeing the ruins we would have to cycle the 1km uphill back to the track. It may not sound far but in the hot sun, at high altitude, with too many clothes on, it might as well have been the final ascent up to Everest. Drew gave valiant moral support in a few of my over dramatic moments. Whilst Cara once again got very cross.
The final part of the ride took us through small villages and a number of encounters with livestock. The mountain views were spectacular.
The whole ride was 38km descending from the first refuge at Chimborazo down to the outskirts of Riobamba. We started in snow and ended with a race along the tarmac road in brilliant sunshine, mostly it was off road and mostly downhill. Only one minor dog altercation (just Geoff) where I learned that the benefit of being a long way behind is that the dogs are bored by the time you get there. Thank you Simone, Gava, Anna and Carolina for being great company and sharing your photos with us. Thank you to Alejandro and the team from Probici for making the day one of my favourite so far,
And of course thanks to Chimborazo for seeing us safely down and bringing the sunshine
Pirate Travels 