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Published: March 19th 2007
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Monday 19th March 2007
La Cambre to Coroico by the “Most Dangerous road in the World” on a mountain Bike
The road from La Paz to CoroicoThe road was first built by the Americans and finished in 1931/32 it had taken 7 years in the incredible hostile environment and dangerous mountainside
It s the only link to Coroico and from then 7000 people have fallen off the road and been killed hence “The Most Dangerous road in the World”
It was an early start, had to be at the place by 7-45am, lots of milling around, there were 33 people on today’s run. Each was fitted out with over trousers, florescent jacket, gloves and a full crash helmet. As we were starting at 4600 metres it wasadvised beforehand to bring a warm jacket and waterproof, there being no guarantee of the weather. It had been raining all day Saturday and only stopped on Sunday in the afternoon. We were lucky come Monday out came the sun, we were still advised to wear the waterproofs as it maybe raining at 4600metres.we then all piled into the 4WD ,bus or minibus
After 1-1/2hours we reached La Cumbre, Aaron was the leading
guide, he got all the bikes allocated depending on what you had rented and gave us a briefing on the bikes.
I.E. discs breaks and gears the use of.
We were then to be off down the first part of tarmac road, we were to stop after 5 mins to check everyone was okay and the bike also. the next stop in 20mins ,we were away to descend from 4600 metres down to 1300metres . you pick up some speed on the winding tarmac road ,50KPH.just as well you have good disc breaks, some were quicker than others I was really enjoying myself and soon found myself on the tail of Aaron the leader who you were not allowed to pass. At the 1st 20 min stop we waited for people to catch up, to check everyone ok, and then we were off again hell for leather but in a disciplined way. Remember off to you left, no barriers and a sheer drop of up to 600metres, go over and you’re toast.
At the next stop where the sealed road finished you were to be split into groups of 8 with a guide,the fastest riders to go 1st.Aaron asked me
if I wanted to go in the 1st group, being surrounded by super fit experienced mountain bikers and this being my 1st experience of mountain bikes I declined and went in the 2nd group.
Then we were off again in our groups plunging down the rock striven
Death Road thank goodness for hydraulic suspension. The next stop involved the Police who collected 15 Bolivianos from each off us.1.5 Euro.
As the terrain is constantly changing you never set into a routine. At one stop there was a memorial to a Israeli girl who had gone over the side a few years ago, that was not the only biker who had done so, only the previous week another Israeli and the week before that a French girl had gone over, it brought home the need for discipline in your riding as both, through their own stupidity and lack of discipline had lost their lives. At 2800 metres we stopped for a snack and drink, then away again down the mountain ,you travel 40klms in all 4600metres down to 1300 metres on the ride there are 3 bits that you have to go up a gradual gradient absolute agony and I got
cramp in both legs ,the big thigh muscles at the front .I thought this is going to do me in as I got slower and slower, the group up ahead disappeared up front. I wouldn’t give up and ploughed through the pain for 15 mins absolute hell, going very slowly and then there were the group. they had waited for me and gave me a big cheer, during this time the third group had not caught up which pleased me .It was then onward to the finish at 1300metres where we all had a well deserved beers. It was some ½ hour later the final group arrived to a rousing cheer, photos were taken, the bikes loaded onto the 4WD and minibus and we adjourned to the hotel where a buffet had been laid on and more beer, some went for a swim .At 18-00 we loaded into the transport for the 4 hour return drive to La Paz ,this was the worst part of the day .the first hour was spent on the most incredible rough road and then finally on to the new road that has been open 3 weeks ago to La Paz ,the driver maintaining 20kph
all the way. We got back at 22-00pm and I returned to the hostel, happy that I had achieved the ride on the Worlds Most Dangerous Road totally knackered my thigh muscles protesting at the treatment they had received.
Phileas
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Lorraine and Lionel
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Bike Ride
Hi Roger, What spectacular scenery, but I do not envy you the bike ride! Well done you made it and in the second group. It all looked a bit hairy to me. Love L and L