Getting High in Peru: Biking at 15,737 feet

Getting High in Peru: Biking at 15,737 feet

 4740 meters equal 15,737 feet

Misti is behind the GPS. It is just under 20,000 feet

One of my goals while living here in Arequipa was to bike down Mt Chachani. I finally got the call late Monday afternoon that a group was going up Tuesday morning. Could I join them? I said, yes, and I walked down to their office to pay them and to ask questions.

            Tuesday AM, they came early to pick me up. I was ready for the experience. It was mostly a sunny day. They fastened my bike to the roof rack and off we went in the direction of Chachani. We live at about 8000 feet, and unless you are heading into town, the road goes up and up and up. We went along the ridge of the canyon with the Rio Chili below, which was pretty. Soon we reached the level of the Pueblos Jovenes. People from miles away have come to Arequipa to better their lives but have no money to rent a house or an apartment, so they build a small “house” with whatever material is available on the mountainside. As we continue climbing, we reach the area where the electricity ends, but the little houses continue to march up the mountain. Finally, we reach the elevation where all habitation ends and it is just the scrub brush and us. The switchbacks continue and finally end at the elevation of 15,737 feet.Chachani is just over 20,000 feet.

            There is no snow on Misti and no snow at our level, but above us, the multiple peaks of Chachani do have snow. We get our bikes off the roof of our Jeep, we snack and drink water, put on elbow and knee pads in case we fall, and finally we begin the ride. The group takes off leaving me behind in the loose volcanic dust. I do not appreciate my wheels swaying in the loose dust and I went poco poco. The group waits for me at the bottom of this loose dust and then I follow the guide. 

 There's Misti. I'm at 15,737' and it is close to 20,000'

Another view without me

 On my way down, I'm back at Chachani

Looks like Inca or pre-Inca terracing on the left.

            Most of the ride was on rocks so it was a very jarring ride. I have been back now for four hours, and my back is beginning to ache. You are unable to look around as you ride since you might hit a boulder and utilize the pads. But we did stop on occasion to reform, to take pictures, or to eat a snack. There were several flat tires, but not on my personal bike, so I took off to stay ahead. It was a beautiful 30-mile ride from 15,737 feet back to my place at around 8000 feet. Would I do it again? Yes, but it would be more fun with family and friends.

            Two and one-half weeks from now, I plan to climb Mt Misti (just under 20,000 feet) with some of the Calvin students. This too was one of my goals. This too should be a special treat. First though, tomorrow, Wednesday, we leave for Cuzco and Michu Picchu with the Calvin students. After this, we conquer Misti. 

 This is Chachani from our flat. Too bad some other houses are in the way

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 Here's Misti--we plan to climb it Nov 16 - 17, Lord Willing

Paz y Shalom, Neal Bierling