Junin to Tarma

Given how difficult I'd found the last few kilometres of yesterday's ride, as soon as the route map / profile was handed out last night, I decided that instead I'd take the less scenic and more direct route to Tarma.

What surprised me this morning however was how many other people also opted to do the same thing, with about fifteen people joining me in sticking to the main (and paved) road between the two towns.

What was particularly nice is that we rode as a coordinated grupetto at a moderate pace, set to an extent by an elderly Dutch couple, the result being, no one seemed to struggle or be put under any pressure, an important concept given just how dammed hard it is riding at this altitude.

At around the 30KM stage a restaurant was found and a round of coffees (instant - less you think that a decent coffee had suddenly been found) was purchased for all, before we tackled the climb to today's mountain peak and the subsequent descent into Tarma.

At this point, I've gotta tell you it was a lovely not too technical descent of some fifteen odd on a wonderfully paved road. What could be better than arriving into town just on midday knowing that the day's work was done. Ah bliss! Decision vindicated.