Quito > Alausi – 297km > Cuenca – 178 km

Just want to say again that Court and Willie from Freedom Rentals, and Diego who serviced our motorbikes are all top guys. They all went the extra mile, especially considering the time of year and holidays.  They are the people to see in Quito if you need any help.  Diego gave the bikes a good look over and did some key preventative maintenance so that will save us any hiccups down the road.

We got away about 1:00pm but were soon stopping again to put on a couple of extra layers – boy it was cold.

The road just south of Riobabamba was fast, sweeping curves, and almost empty of traffic while riding through countryside like this… loved it

Throughout the day we got caught in a bit of rain, a bit of holiday traffic,  and then for the last 15km in such thick fog in the dark. Charlie didn’t even see the truck in front of him until he was almost on it.  I just followed the little red light in front of me !!  I wasn’t too keen on that last bit.

Have you got secure parking?  Sure, inside by the reception desk!  (We had to put both bikes on their mainstands so that people could get past to get to their rooms).  And yes Charlie managed to get it in without having to take the other pannier off.

Alausi > Cuenca – 178km

Went for a walk around town before taking off, some pics

Waiting outside a bank

She had a baby in the bundle on her back

This cute little guy had cake all over his face, that’s what you get for breakfast when your brother is looking after you

A very gentle and reserved people, only the older women would respond to a greeting, the others avoided eye contact.

St Peter towering over the town

Very little traffic again today, our pace was only hampered by the need to take photos

If you look closely at this photo…

…you will see these people working  – they cultivate anywhere there is dirt.

A well, just a bit of muddy water in the bottom today

Video of the town and surroundings we stayed in last night

Food for sale on the side of the road

Another valley

The road

Charlie needs a new battery for his bike so Court and Willie gave us a contact in Cuenca who could help us.  What a treat to meet this family.  Here we were complete strangers, and they firstly put us up in their self contained apartment, then their lovely daughter Daniella drove us all over town until we finally found a battery.  On top of that we were invited for dinner, talk about an international table – Ecuador, Bosnia, Germany, Argentina and us Kiwis.  We had a wonderful meal and a great night of family.

Then we were invited for breakfast and lunch!  Such hospitable friendly people, we are so glad to have met them.

Next year Luis, New Zealand!