We thought the we might be at the Casa de Ciclistas for two or three days but broken bicycle and mechanic work load meant we were there camping in the garden for 6 days!
The Casa de Ciclistas, just outside Quito, is a rambling old hacienda-style house with an orchard, run by friendly Ecuadorian bike mechanic Santiago and his family. They have been providing hospitality for cycle-tourists for the last 25 years! We were keen to stop by as it was an opportunity to meet other cyclists, hear their stories and pick their brains about route ideas.
As it happens, Steve’s rear hub had a serious mechanical issue necessitating an emergency 15km cab ride ( both bikes sticking out of the boot! ) to the Casa. Steve’s mechanical issue required a new hub ( it had done 18000km and the Colombian/Ecuadorian roads just finished it off.. ) and the wheel to be re-built. A visit to the “Casa” was a timely event. Apart from getting the bike fixed, we met some great characters, went to a party and visited Quito.
The “Bunker” a dim, concrete cellar where the ciclistas keep their bikes, cook their food, talk about all things cycling and draw or write messages on the wall.Santiago A.K.A The Godfather of cyclists in Ecuador, busy at work.Michelle wanted to clean her bike. Santiago insisted that she virtually strip the whole bike and do a proper job! Steve decided not to get involved with any cleaning.A creatively painted bike owned by Pancho, one of the Argentinians’.Another bike with a creative pannier solution.Benoit, a French cyclist chilling with Atti, one of the Casa hounds.Jaime, an Argentinian cyclist working on his bike.Jaime and Letty from Belgium in the bunker!Pancho, bike mechanicing.Group departure photo for a couple of French cyclists.Leajandro, yet another Argentinian cyclist enjoying himself at the party. He also makes great pizza!Danny and Ana, Santiago’s daughter after several shots of a potent sugar-cane derived spirit.Gabi, another Argentinian cyclist and great character. He’d been there two months working as Santiago’s assistant to earn himself the bits to build a new bike with which to continue his journey.Steve making friends with Atti. He likes cats really but can’t say no to the odd friendly dog! Don’t tell Ziggy!
So, after 6 lovely restful days we wrenched ourselves away from the Casa and continued our journey south with Cotopaxi national park as our next destination at the end of yet another vertically steep cobbled ( what is it with the Ecuadorians and bloody cobbles?! ) Ecuadorian road.
Cotopaxi volcano. 6000m high and normally shrouded in cloud but revealed especially just for us.Bikes propped up next to one of the many huge rocks ejected by the volcano. Wouldn’t want to be in the vicinity when they were raining down!Back on the road again. A happy cyclist with a cloud covered Cotopaxi in the background.Another view of the majestic Cotopaxi.
We thought the landscape looked a bit like Scotland ( mist, cloud, rain and big empty beautiful landscapes ) except for the 6000m volcano obviously!
We’re now in Latacunga planning to get up close and personal with Volcan Chimborazo by cycling around it and up and over a couple of 4000m + passes.
5 thoughts on “Ciclistas, Cotopaxi and more bloody cobbles!”
Party time in Ecuador looks good! Your pictures are beautiful again – Cotopaxi looks almost unreal. Your previous blog made me laugh several times – including the great pic of “Yorkshire with extra mountains”. Nice dog too. Have a great time and look forward to reading more updates!
Joy
Hey Steve and michelle
Cudos to you guys, I can’t believe the altitudes u r getting to
I feel like a wimp when o have a 300 mtgain ovwr 10 km and then I push most of the time. Really impressed. By the way what sleeping mat do u guys use as myexped has a permanent leak?
Anyway keep having a great time we hve just made 700 km and are looking to hire a car in coyhaiqe as the Carretera has defeated us
See ya
Brendan
Hello. If it’s a pinhole leak, try rubbing Puncture repair glue in the hole.
Have you guys abandoned the cycling altogether or are you just taking a break? We got past Coyhaiqe and seem to remember that the road was relatively good north from there…. Xx
Wow!!! Just adore that volcano :-)) Glad you got the bike fixed. Just to let you know we are OK and thinking of you. The photos are awesome! So pleased you are having a brilliant time :-)) Love you both xxx
Hola!
Yep things are going well…. We have just arrived in Peru! You are the first to know…. Keep it a secret! 😀 will hopefully be updating the blog today as we haven’t had a proper wifi connection for the last week or so….
5 thoughts on “Ciclistas, Cotopaxi and more bloody cobbles!”
Party time in Ecuador looks good! Your pictures are beautiful again – Cotopaxi looks almost unreal. Your previous blog made me laugh several times – including the great pic of “Yorkshire with extra mountains”. Nice dog too. Have a great time and look forward to reading more updates!
Joy
Hey Steve and michelle
Cudos to you guys, I can’t believe the altitudes u r getting to
I feel like a wimp when o have a 300 mtgain ovwr 10 km and then I push most of the time. Really impressed. By the way what sleeping mat do u guys use as myexped has a permanent leak?
Anyway keep having a great time we hve just made 700 km and are looking to hire a car in coyhaiqe as the Carretera has defeated us
See ya
Brendan
Hello. If it’s a pinhole leak, try rubbing Puncture repair glue in the hole.
Have you guys abandoned the cycling altogether or are you just taking a break? We got past Coyhaiqe and seem to remember that the road was relatively good north from there…. Xx
Wow!!! Just adore that volcano :-)) Glad you got the bike fixed. Just to let you know we are OK and thinking of you. The photos are awesome! So pleased you are having a brilliant time :-)) Love you both xxx
Hola!
Yep things are going well…. We have just arrived in Peru! You are the first to know…. Keep it a secret! 😀 will hopefully be updating the blog today as we haven’t had a proper wifi connection for the last week or so….
See you after we get back in 5 weeks! Xxxx