Getting to Quito – TEMBR 2

After a few days rest in Cotacachi, my adventures through the Ecuadorian countryside continued on the TEMBR.  After crossing several fields, running low on water, negotiating a massive wall and locked gate, a few days with an upset tummy (again) and passing through several tunnels on a old scenic railway I found myself at the Dammer farm for some much needed rest.  Another spectacular section on the Dammer / Gilbert route.

I then took the opportunity to check out the unbelievable number of churches and cathedrals in Quito’s Centro Historico.  What the ….? The Spanish really were obsessed with building these things, imagine what else could have been done with the man hours (although they are admittedly spectacular).  A climb on the rather touristy Ruque Pichincha volcano was also squeezed in with a very cloudy summit (an hour and a half from the top of the cable car); the views of Quito on the way up were impressive however.

The video is set to some kind of Ecuadorian pipe music that I stumbled upon:

Laguna Mojanda (3700m). I have a cold water routine every morning, it’s good for the soul.  Here was no different, I sat in its chilly waters for two minutes bearing an interesting blend of pain and pleasure. Followed by a much needed ride uphill to heat up.

Singletrack sections

This was hot but spectacular

This old abandoned trainline runs all the way from the North of Ecuador to the southern part of Ecuador (Cuenca and Guayaquil). Although parts have been subject to landslides and are unrideable, some sections are fantastic.

San Francisco cathedral, Quito

Cass is currently working on the TEMBR website, which will contain complete gpx files and various route notes for the ride. I’ll add a link to it when it’s online.