Day 11 - Nov 25

It was another fabulous day.  The weather started out very windy and cool.  Our lodging was up near the top of the mountains.  We had an easier day as it was only 88 kilometers (55 miles) and only 1,575 meters of climbing.  It is a bit absurd to think a 55 mile bike ride that takes you up hills totaling almost a mile of elevation gain is easy.  Back before starting this trip a ride like that would have been a monumental undertaking.  But now it falls into the category of an easy day.  :)

The day started off with stiff cool headwinds.  We began by climbing the remainder of elevation to take us to the top.  Then we had a short descent and then reclaim the drop to get to the top of another, then a short descent then another climb.  You get the picture.  It was up and down over and over again.  And the climbs back up were steep.  Everything seemed to hurt and ache.  The banging and bruises I sustained the other day were doing their best to distract from the beauty of the surroundings.  The riding helped as everything started to ease in as the kilometers melted away.

After multiple ups and downs, I began to think that it was going to be a grueling day.  All I could think was....  please give me a downhill to sink my teeth into.  And low and behold my call was answered!  A downhill appeared that would set your heart afire.  At first the momentum began; 20 kph, 30, 40, 50, 60kph!  Oh, a hairpin turn, apply brakes; then straight away;  50, 60, 70 kph; oh another hairpin turn, apply brakes (yes I did apply brakes); straight away 60, 70, 75 kph;  another hairpin...  You get the idea.  Lean in shift weight, straighten up to slow, accelerate, lean in to the turn, fluid so fluid it was beautiful.  At one point on the Lon descent I came flying up to a bus that was going down.  The people in the bus were amazed to see me fly right up to the back and wave at them.  It did interupt my fun and slow me.  So I waited for a straight away, shifted down and then cranked the pedals and blew past the bus.  The people and bus driver looked on.  I confined me acceleration and got to 78 kph.  Wow what a ride.  Could not have been better!!!

The beautiful valley as seen from the top of the climb.

Colorful flora and fauna...

Scenery from the valley after the descent.

The road and view.

The town of Esteli where we are staying tonight.

Estelle is nestled in a valley surrounded by hills/mountains.

And of course Christmas is everywhere down here.

Here is where we are on the map.

Tomorrow out of Nicaragua and into Honduras.  Then Friday is the killer day with 72 miles of cycling and over 8,400 feet of climbing.  I will need the rest day after that one.  :(