After yesterdays wonderful riding, we were wondering how a long section of straights would feel but we need not have worried as there were plenty of curves and many vehicles to pass at the start and end of the ride. To start, we had to ride up a two-track drive for about half a kilometre from the house, and this was surrounded by wet grass, but I had no issue with it. JC rode Ned's bike to the front gate for him.
Colombia receives plenty of rain around here, so everything is very green and lush. It looks and feels like parts of Queensland just north of Brisbane. In altitude, we averaging about 1200 metres up to 2500 metres, so well within the acceptable range to not feel any altitude influences. We had a booked stop at 110km, but no one stopped and we all rode on with me stopping after a Peaje (toll booth) at 260km. Tolls are free for motocycles in Colombia and there is a very narrow track on the right, for moto's to negotiate to avoid the siren, police and fines. I had stopped for a pee and also to get some of my warmer gear off at the lower levels. Normally I would wear just a T shirt, but add a wind vest or a long sleeve shirt if it is cool plus a sock collar, which keeps the rain out, if it pours down.
At 300 km there was a scheduled stop for lunch, and I stopped and waited for ages, while Paul sailed by. Eventually after about 40 minutes the others arrived and we had a very traditional Colombian lunch with soup and other items on the side, including three meats!
We then rode into town to a nice village with a population of less then 10,000, but classic old spanish homes, all painted in many colours.
Sheryle and I went for a walk around the main plaza (called Simon Bolivar after the revolutionary), explored a few shops and bought some coffee and other small gifts, then walked up the many steps on the nearby hill to a fine Mirador (lookout). We walked back to Calle Treis, and the hotel, and enjoyed one quite strong marguerita. Tomorrow we ride to Bogota the capital.
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