If anybody has been following our SPOT Messenger tracking page, they would notice that we have been way out in the middle of nowhere.Â
Apparently, the only reason any of the roads we find exist are becuase of the tremendous mining operations they have going out here that are also polluting the area with cyanide and mercury. Â
We are faced with some serious climbs just about every day, usually 1-3000 meters at a time. One day we only made about 5k in progress, spending the entire day carrying our bikes across dangerous landslides.
My bottom bracket completely failed after 9,000 foot descent and had to be welded directly to the frame. Photos will be posted soon.
Yesterday, coming into Tayabamba we were stopped by two SUV´s, pointing a variety of huge guns at us. Apparently they are the campesino security force.  Will write up more about that when I have some time.
Other than that, we have all gotten tremendously sick, and have been calling our illness the swine flu because it has been so strong. Fortunately we were able to find some Cipro and the course of antibiotics has been pretty effective.
Yesterday we had a rest day in Tayabamba and watched a bullfight and then spent the night hanging out with the bullfighters.  Another great story I´ll be sure to post when I have some time.
Great photos and another video should be coming soon. WE´ve been slacking on posting stories because our Alphasmart Word Processor died and writing in ECAFEs is just too miserable. Fortunately a new Alphasmart is on its way and regular postings will return.
