It's Friday evening and we're back to Oruru

Today must be some kind of big celebration, because it's past 10pm and yet there's a loud marching band in the square below the hotel. The band is quite good, but I know some of our group are trying to get to sleep after another long hard day.

We started out early this morning all wrapped up. Even with our multiple layers we're all freezing in the cold. Cold always seems to find its way into your clothing when riding, so it's important to seal any gaps to prevent cold air getting in. Normally it heats up during the day, but not today; it's cold all day.

The sweeping bends are a distraction from the cold, but on the long straights there's no escaping it. This is winter after all, and at 4000m, so we should have expected it!

Along the route we see desolate hills in the distance that go on for miles. Some are snow capped, which only makes us feel even colder. We stop for lunch in Challapata and enjoy soup, pasta and a hot drink. Steve also manages to get some bars on his phone. His joy is only tempered by the person he's ringing not answering.

Steve finally gets signal - but his call is unanswered

The afternoon makes the day long, because we get two punctures and our pump decides to stop working. We waste at least an hour before we can ride on. We arrive in Oruru again and the traffic delays us even more. The setting sun in our eyes and the dust and fumes, combine to make the final part of the journey harder than it should have been.

Mark contemplates the feasibility of wheelying to the hotel

At last the marching bands have stopped. Time for bed. Tomorrow is our last day of riding.

:
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