Cayambe to Pasto
170 Miles
Total PanAm miles 9185
Another border crossing today which took about 4 hours for all of us to get through, apart from Joe who wasn’t allowed in the country because he is Bahrainian, and was told by the embassy that he wouldn’t need a visa. He’s now on his way back to Quito so that he can fly to Panama.
The roads through Ecuador were a bit tedious, there are so many buses and lorries that you are constantly overtaking to make progress. However, allot of the scenery is outstanding. Its a shame there isn't more time to take photographs. We had to change our destination today because of the long border crossing so tomorrow will be a long day. The plan is to get to Bogota, about 800km's away, but I thing this will not be possible on these roads and safety will be an issue.
Friday 23rd April 2010
Azogues to Cayambe
310 Miles
Total PanAm miles 9015
Thursday 22nd April 2010
Mancora to Azogues
240 Miles
The day started off very warm, it must have been in the mid 20’s at breakfast time. We set off at 8.30ish and the temperature on the bike display was 28 deg C. We filled up with fuel at the edge of town and made our way to the border post 85 miles away. Leaving Peru was the easy bit, a quick look at the passport and a stamp and we were done. At the entrance to Ecuador things were slightly different, the first form was completed quickly then we had to go to another office to complete the paperwork for the bikes. Luckily the office was air conditioned but we must have been in there for more than three hours. After that was completed we went for lunch at a roadside restaurant just up the road.
A few of us still have the insect bites on our legs from Lima. Brian’s were so badly swollen that he was struggling to walk. He wasn’t sure whether he would ride today or not. In the end he did, but without Suzanne who went in the truck with Roy and Eric. She was riding pillion with Jason but the heat was getting to her. We were off on our way with 155 miles to cover. The scenery was starting to become very green with mile upon mile of banana trees. The road continued into the mountains with some stunning scenery. The city of Cuenca thankfully had a bypass. We arrived at the Rivera Hotel in Azogues at 6.30pm. Food, beer and off to bed.
Wednesday 21st April 2010
Trujillo to Mancora
375 Miles
We were in quite a good hotel with a pool last night, unfortunately we got there last and there wasn’t enough time to enjoy the facilities. Just time to do my washing, eat and have a couple of beers.
Today we left the hotel at 8am. By that time Barry, Pete and Jo had been on the road for an hour. After fueling up we were on our way to Mancora. The roads to day have been quite boring, especially the hundred miles of desert we road across with nothing to look at but small bushes and sand. This part of the journey was very tiring due to the heat of about 35 degrees. After passing through the desert we stopped at the first town for lunch, a friendly little place with very tasty food.
After a short time back on the road Jonny had an accident, a moto taxi crossed the road in front of him and there was nothing he could do to avoid the accident. Luckily Jonny was not hurt and the bike only suffered a small amount of damage, a broken light and indicator. The last part of the journey was a little more interesting with some nice twisties through the hills. The hotel was found quite easily for a change and what a great place, right on the beach front with a pool. It’s a shame we weren’t hear earlier to enjoy the facilities. I’ve had a swim in the pool and in the sea, the Pacific Ocean no less, nice and warm unlike the sea in England. Another border crossing to look forward to tomorrow – Ecuador!
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