Distance: 96.55 km
Ride time: 5:40:13
Average: 17.04 km/h
Altitude: 1259 m
Total: 26983 km
The eternal dilemma of a cyclist; I had loved my time in Salta, but I was also getting ready to hit the road again. When the bags were finally packed and I was cycling out of Salta, I was smiling. It was more than a month since I had been cycling, so I was looking forward to see if both the bike and I were fit for fight. It seemed that we were.
With loud music from my new MP3-player I was riding a big gear up the climb towards Jujuy – perhaps with some inspiration from the Giro Italia bicycle race I had watched from the sofa.
I had thought the road would be busy, so I was very happy when I discovered that almost all traffic would go on the highway while I had Ruta 9 almost to myself. In return I would have to do some climbing that the cars and the highway avoided, but that was a price I was only too happy to pay today.
The mountains here near Salta continue to be greener than I have seen since Patagonia. I told myself to enjoy it; soon I will be reaching the Altiplano where things will be much more barren.
After a nice descend I was rolling into San Salvador de Jujuy. I soon discovered that the city was in celebration mode – Argentina must just have won a football match. I hope Argentina will do well in the World Cup – they sure knows how to celebrate!
