Future trips
You could not join me on the cross-Andean trip? (Although you still have a chance!) No worry -- I am already planning other adventures. Here is a quick list. If you are interested in any of the trips, do not hesitate to contact me!
(US & Canada) Great Divide
After my Andes ride, I am now looking into a similar adventure on the northern hemisphere. The great divide ride is a perfect candidate for this.
Route: You can get more info about the ride here and here.
Distance: ~4300km
Ascent: TBD (a lot)
Planned time: ~3 months
Planned departure: Summer 2018
Bike & Hike in Peruvian Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash
One of the best views in Peru, this needs to be done properly in the best season.
Route: Get to Huaraz and make it a base for Huayhuash trek (~1+week). Then bike around Cordillera Blanca with side-treks. Continue around Huayhuash and end in Oyon. Potentially ride downhill to Lima as well.
Distance: TBD (+TBD hiking)
Ascent: ATB
Planned time: ~2+ months (~2- weeks if you want to join just for Huayhuash trek, shorter treks and rides are available as well)
Best time to ride: June-August. In September the weather starts to be a bit spotty.
Baja Divide (California & Mexico)
Mountains, deserts, sandy roads and sea views -- Baja divide in Mexico has it all! This is a tough off-pavement ride which will rewards your work with perfect vistas.
Route: You can get more info about the route here.
Distance: ~2700km
Ascent: TBD
Planned time: 2-2.5 months
Best time to ride: November - March
Atacama Pentacross
Five high Andean passes in Atacama? This is a tough ride through remote regions in Chile and Argentina. On top of standard biking crap, be sure to carry up to a week of food and three days of water. In other words, be prepared for 20+ kilos of stuff to just survive. And be sure to have a few pages in a passport free for stamping.
The plan is to start in San Pedro de Atacama, cross to Argentina via Paso Sico and return back to San Pedro by Paso Jama. After a short rehabilitation stay, we would continue to Paso Socompa,the remotest pass on the route. The route then continues through the desert to Fiambala from where we start another pass -- Paso San Francisco and end up in Copiápo. The final cross to Argentina is through Paso Pircas Negras.
Distance: TBD (I need to check with the Garmin map software. If interested just ping me)
Ascent: TBD
Time to ride: ~2 months
Best time to ride: November to February. January and February is going to be a hell in lowlands though.
Bolivia's Yungas
While not very high, Bolivia's Yungas feature an unquestionable riding up and down through a fringe of the rainforest. Expect lots of greenery, nice views, warm temperatures and moskytos.
Route: TBD
Distance: TBD
Ascent: TBD
Time to ride: 1-2 months depending on the route we choose
Best time to ride: May - August
Japan Cultural ride
Tired of high climbs? This time I am planning to go away from constant ups and downs and instead just enjoy the culture.
Route: TBD
Distance: TBD
Time to ride: I would like to explore the country for about 2 months
Madagascar
Sounds exotic? Then count me in. Madagascar should have some good biking possibilities. I just need to find some topographic map ;-)
Route: TBD
Distance: TBD
Time to ride: I think two months should be just enough to explore this big island on bike and on foot.
Marocco
Next to dry desert landscapes and sandy coasts, there are also trans-montane and montane regions so that cyclists of every skill level get their money’s worth. The country’s assets are best experienced in spring or fall.
Route: TBD
Time to ride: TBD
Vietnam & Cambodia
Route: TBD
Time to ride: TBD