Ride the middle of the world

After a breakfast of eggs and toast. Off to check out the city. There was a cool old church. The entrance to the city park. lots of shops. We saw on guy selling coca leaves. (the leaves are legal here as long as they are not processed).
It was intersting to see the mix of cultures.
Dogs on rooftops are common here. We went to Freedom Bike Rentals and checked out the shop and bikes. Tomorrow we ride. Had to include a shot of this guy.

 

After a briefing on what to expect while riding in Ecuador. Things like watch out for busses they own the road here. People at intersections make left turns in front of you and stay close together in the cities. we headed out of Quito. Our first stop was a museum to learn a little about Ecuador. In the Amazon basin there are fish that if you urinate in the water will fallow the urine stream and lodge themselves in your pluming. There are also tribes there that have no contact with outsiders. The Ecuador government does not know how many people live in the Amazon. It is vast and impenetrable. We were shown real shrunken heads and told how they are made.

We headed out to explore the Andes. These mountains are very steep and beautiful.
After a full day of riding we arrived at the lake where we would be staying for the night.
We took a boat ride down the shore and where given some kind of hot cinnamon rum drink. It was a warming treat as the sun set and the temperature dropped.

 

This high in the Andes the morning air is brisk. We headed west & down. Down into the jungle where the air is heavy with humidity.

There are banana and lime trees growing wild here.

We hiked to a waterfall for a much needed cool down. Riding gear is needed here for the "O SHIT" moments, but it's hot here on the equator.

We crossed a suspended bridge and got my favorite photo of the trip.

Recalling my ride, writing about my adventure, I realize one of my dreams came true and how awesome my time in Ecuador was.

As the day begins to fade, we arrive at our destination for the night.

 

Another video i thought you might like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daOm-vSFVVw