Day 8 - Camping to Ocros (55km Sunday 7th August)

If yesterday was what cycle touring dreams are made of, today was more like sleepwalking on an uphill treadmill. Although waking up refreshed to a picturesque mountain scene at >3200m altitude makes you feel alive, the first 5km cycling on an empty stomach straight through the 'we can get breakfast there' town, because it had no breakfast, shops or supplies at all, quickly changes your mood. As hanger strikes and the road starts to go from the gentle rolling ups and downs that brought much relief this morning, to the long and winding >6% ups, we were eventually greeted by the next village... a closed shop and a bunch of VERY inquisitive kids. Things we have learnt over the last few days... 1-Closed shops will usually open for a loco gringo on a bike looking desperate 2- inquisitive kids will always count and be fascinated by the number of gears on your bike, then they will get their friends to check it to be sure... A great way for me to learn to count to 11 in Spanish then be able to say... And look 2 on the front too!). Armed with some stale bread, stale pastries (that taste exactly the same as the stale bread despite their attractive looks), juice but no water (grrr!!) we felt slightly more prepared for the day ahead.
After a small hissy fit from me (because I couldn't find the baño they said was around the corner and got chased by dogs, pigs and chickens trying to find it... Yes this meant I cycled off down the mountain in tears... So grown up!! Poor Jan and Ant didn't quite know what to do when they caught up with me and asked what was wrong "I got chased by chickens"... Ant was trying not to laugh!) we were finally on our way.
As for the rest of the day a very tough stint if ups and downs, with a lunch stop to break it up (lomi saltado of course... Fairly cold too), a very kind family offered to take us and the bikes half way up the 16km 1000m climb in their pick up truck... I think I love them!
Good job they did as even the last 7km were tough to handle, creeping up at 5km/h panting heavily as we rose to 4200m. But what a sight at the top... Even better for having earned it!
And then wrap up warm for the 25km descent at 4-5% gradient... An hour of pure pleasure! And in our minds Ocras will be a town that brings us hotels and restaurants a plenty... Well at least we found the only hostel in town that doesn't require everyone to share the floor and the next-door neighbours bathroom... We had our own room and a functioning shower and toilet... Ice cold water of course! But at least the only restaurant in town is a good one! Ocras... I don't think we'll be coming back... No offence meant, but you're not the dreamy fluffy hotel we had in mind! Though Ant did charm the young ladies of the town with his volley ball skills.
Let's see what tomorrow brings
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