a self-supported bicycle tour through South America

Yesterday we touched based with the touristy side of Quito by taking in the Old Town, the Angel monument and of course, the Equator. We had a lovely guide, Cara, whom Dr Simon helped out by offering allergy advice and prescribing Zirtec. We also encountered the not so nice side to Quito in the form of a corrupt policemen who tried to solicit money from our driver for overtaking a bus going up a hill. Luckily for us our driver phoned his brother, the General of Police, and got him to have words with the policeman who promptly apologised profusely and wished us a lovely day!

Today we visited the local hospital for our last installment of jabs and wondered around for an hour trying to find X Bikes (a bike shop we had been recommended) hoping to get some info on our journey. No such luck. Not only did we come across Lothario with his smooth Ecuadorian looks, but he didn’t even offer us any advice. An hour and sunburn not well spent to say the least. Nevertheless, we did see a bit more of the city and one really can’t complain about 30p cab rides now can one?????

As I sit here watching Simon eat his last Argentinian steak “Marriot Style” I contemplate the enormity of what we are about to do. Can I get off now? Just jokes.

We were only saying today, that it seems like we have been waiting for this day to come for the best part of the year…and I guess we have really. All we have been thinking about for the best part of the year is being on our bikes and actually cycling, and that day is tomorrow. Time has flown this past week, and each day we discover more and more things that we have to do, or have forgotten to do (even the never-ending lists haven’t helped!).

Had we decided not to let you all in on our little journey, by means of the website, sat phone, GPS, video (I know! And yes Mum, Simon promises that technical difficulties will be far and few between) we probably wouldn’t have that much to pack or worry about, but as this IS the trip of a lifetime we want to share it and document as much of it as we can. We think it makes it fun and allows us to be a little closer to our families. That is important to us. [Jen]

Well as I sit here finishing off this last blog entry for a few days until we get our next Internet installment, I’m struggling to remember all I have to do. All being well the GPS will give us the Lat/Lon in WGS85 decimal notation which I will use to send in an SMS via the satphone to update our current location. The ceramic water filter has already given us our first 2L of water (I wonder how many litres she will have to be milked for?).

I’ve also had to do some research on a drug called azetazolamide (helps one acclimatise more rapidly in extreme altitudes) which we bought today over the counter at the medical centre. This is the drug that our GP in the UK refused to prescribe (privately or otherwise) as he wasn’t experienced enough in mountain medicine and it was too risky for him to prescribe. That said having done lots of research we are aware of the side effects  now and it’s there just in case we need it in extreme circumstances. Some of the height gains will be significant and we anticipate reaching altitudes in-excess of 15,000ft. For those interested:

• Ben Nevis, highest mountain in UK is 4409ft
• Machu Pichu, Peru is 8202ft
• K2, Pakistan is 28,252ft [thanks for the correction Gary]

So just a final quick thanks to everyone who has written in our Guestbook, left comments or sent us satphone messages, they are all warmly received.

GaryJ keep it clean(not), moderating your comments is just so much fun. Nomad, I guess we’ll be seeing you in France, and thanks again, you are a top bloke. Pete, I hope to bring back some pictures for your online gallery of mine Of course everyone else who has helped and supported us, and not to mention laughed at us. Mum, Dad, Wendy & Tamsin the Champas was great and meant so much (even if it doesn’t agree with altitude sickness). Will catch up soon people. Adios [Simon]