After leaving the cool temps of Nevado del Ruiz, we spent the day coasting downhill into the Magdalene river valley. As we dropped in elevation the temperatures climbed and by the time we were ready to end our short day (not wanting to push it with Mark’s stomach on the fritz) we were back into a hot and humid climate at only 200 meters elevation.
Given the heat and the sensitivity of Mark’s bowels we opted to stay in hotels to be close to a bathroom as well as to enjoy a fan or a/c on our way to a Warm Shower host in Neiva.
Despite our best efforts, Mark still spent the three days of hot riding battling heat exhaustion and dehydration.
So last night when our hosts offered to have us stay another day we accepted. We were glad to have a day of rest, especially since my stomach also decided to play for the other team, attacking with a full expulsion of its contents shortly after I woke up this morning.
We have enjoyed talking with our host family and are incredibly grateful for their hospitality and patience.
We have had a lazy day today, hydrating and catching up on sleep. We look forward to being on the road tomorrow, hopefully climbing into some slightly cooler temperatures.
– Nic