A month long trip to Peru in April 2005. Felt honoured to be the only gringo invited to this local three day stage race on MTB from Lake Titicaca (3,812m) to Cusco (3,700m). The start day two listening to the mayor's speech.
The brown sign say's "La region Puno, Les Desea, Feliz Viaje, Altitud 4,335m m.s.n.m."
Tough girls taking in all the action around at the same time trying to make a living selling handicraft!
I got of my bike at this the highest pass robbed of all my energy and with altitude sickness looming. Couldn't figure out how I could feel so sick while being in such wonderful place with a great view and nice folks all around me!
Sick to my stomach I rolled down to the finish together with a friendly local guide that also DNF. After listening to an official hurling abuse we got on the bus for a not so good ride back to Cusco.
Have a vague memory of staying in bed with fever shivering for next week only getting up every half hour to pee. Drank gallons of "Coca de Mate", tee made from fresh coca leaves witch is good for relieving altitude sickness. It's also very nutritious and I hardly eat anything dropping about 5kg.