Another day of climbing (stage 106)

In summary

wet overnight, cold in the morning, but dry as we packed up
hung out at camp and was last to leave
hills – lots of hills – big steep, slippery hills
lunch was super early at only 64 km
told the bulk of the climbing was done, but that turned out to be far from true – four hills over 5%, two of them long, and significantly steeper
showers off-and-on, but I mostly stayed dry
stopped at 112 km coke stop and had fun conversations with the locals who couldn’t quite believe what had arrived in their town (me)
raced this boy up the hill (his idea) – he did surprisingly well given he was holding an unwrapped ice-cream and on a tiny bike
Racing this time…
more rain as I crossed the last pass
distances were out towards the end and camp came early – several people got lost as a consequence
long muddy ride into camp
first into camp – Grant was not pleased as he had got lost and then stuck in the mud having just cleaned his bike at a car-wash a few km back
got my tent up between showers
crew had strung up a tarp between trees as an additional shelter and lit an awesome fire which was very welcome
last riders (Ruth and Bruno) got in just as we were having (delayed) dinner – very long day for them, though did spend quite a bit of time sheltering and drinking çay along the way
managed to get most things dry by the fire before heading to (warm, dry) bed.

Stage 106 route notes