Update:

We conquered the Andes!

photos

Alongside my friend Steve Fenby I cycled the equivalent of Mount Everest (8848m) not once, but twice! Total elevation gain 18,173m. The highest altitude pass of Salcantay (4600m) was not possible to pass with bicycles! So we quickly hatched plan B….. The bicycles attached to the top of a mule…. (No joke) this was the first time the muleteer had ever seen this in his 30 years of mountain experience. Guinness World Records, please check your records!

Then as it started to snow on the 4600m summit, we bravely (or foolishly) tried to cycle down the mountain against the fading natural light and the sudden darkness (without cycle lights) pushing, pulling, sliding, lifting, dodging our bicycles over gigantic rocks! We finally made it down to around 3800m in total darkness, where we set up camp for the night, cold, wet, exhausted and struggling for air…. is this really a holiday?

A total distance of 853km/530 miles

This link provides detailed information and statistics of our specific route. Data was taken from Steve’s data collection watch. You can also follow our route by selecting the ‘player’ tab on the top right of the page.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/377572989

This was the most challenging of my independent and unsupported expeditions. Long days of cycling at high altitudes, whilst carrying more potatoes and vegetables than Peru’s national output production! However, it was also the most fun, everyday was a laugh with amazing views and meeting great people. Peru really is an amazing country to explore with so much variety. From the desert to jungle, natural hot springs, ancient ruins to buzzing markets and cities. To see it all via bicycle and to raise funds for charity was a special experience. Indeed this was a fantastic holiday ;-)

 Thank you to all who have donated and thank you to the team at 511 Lima Hostel http://www.511limahostel.com for their advice and fantastic humor.

Story:

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I hope to cycle (Independent and unsupported) high up in the Andes Mountain chain at crazy altitudes and speeds (downhill). All equipment for the expedition will be carried on the bike, including cooking, sleeping, spare cycle components and food and water supplies. No specific planned route, but a freestyle plan of cyling the Peruvian, Bolivian and Chilean parts of the Andes mixed with local chicken bus transport. I will encounter language, temperature (-20) physical, mental, altitude, navigational, safety, logisitical and many other challenges!

Bliss is the UK charity working to provide the best possible care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families. So please dig deep and donate now.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Mucho amor

Rayees Rashid

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