55

An all-day outdoor activity which Andi, Lukas and I did together in San Gil was a 55 kilometer mountain bike tour organised by the Colombian Bike Junkies.

The day started early with a breakfast at Gringo Mike's restaurant in the centre of San Gil. That's where we met everyone - 3 Americans and 2 Dutch in addition to us - and started the adventure. We got into the car and drove about half an hour up to a place where we began pedaling.

It was probably the most well organised group tour I have ever participated in, all thanks to our lovely guides, Kat and Mike. Each of us got a thorough guidance for the fancy full suspension downhill bikes which were personally adjusted for every cyclist.

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

This time, Mike was leading the group by bike and Kat was following behind with the Landrover, in case anyone needs anything, injures themself or what might have you. Also part of the trip was done by car.

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Along the way we saw some tabacco fields and the leaves of the plants being dried by the farmers. Actually, before the trip even started we saw some pineapple plants. Did you know pineapple grows in the ground, kind of like a small bush or potato that grows upwards, above the ground?

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

These two fearless guys always had to wait for others who were slower, such as me. Going downhill is definitely not my strength. And the burn in the palms for braking so much!! I want the leg brakes of my Nopsa!

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

The first descend took us to the pittoresque colonial village of Barichará which is one of the best preserved villages in Colombia.

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

That's where Mike told us about the history of the village and we were able to have a snack - mandarine and cookies - to prepare ourselves for the next bit.

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Going uphill, on the other hand, I can do! Not once did I walk my bike because of a "little" uphill. And this time, I was ahead of the guys. ;)

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

The next pit stop was not far, in a little park above the village. That's where Mike showed us the way we were going to go - on the other side of the mountain range - and told us a story about a German guy who once lived and populated the village.

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

After some more posing with the group it was time to continue with the adventure. Next pitstop would be lunch!

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Along the way we saw the green Colombian nature at its best - we passed waterfalls, cows, goats, poultry, drunk farmers... And don't be fooled by the smooth-looking, easy-appearing road. Because it wasn't.

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Andi won the wet T-shirt contest. ;) After the river we packed the car and headed for lunch.

At lunch, we had an amazing scenery over the canyon.

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

Photo by Colombian Bike Junkies

After lunch the trip continued. By then, we had done only about 20 kilometers of the total, which meant more than half was still missing so we had to get on the road again!

We passed another village called Galán. Due to a few flat tires, we had to have a break. The children in the village were really interested in the gringos occupying their plaza!

Afterwards, there was no more time for taking pictures. All in all we did 55 kilometers of cycling that day which is my personal record in distance. Just before dusk we reached the goal. I may have been slow but with Finnish sisu (gut) I did it - all of it! Half of the group gave up and travelled in the luxury of the SUV with Kat. Aching but extremely happy I reached for the beer that was handed to me at the goal.