Mountain Biking La Cumbre - Coroico, Bolivia
Starting point at 14,500 feet , 4850 Meters. Definitely a cold one on this day, need some warm clothing if it snows. Although, the snow brings it to life. The corners are perfect for railing...have fun at the top.
After a quick descent the view is
inviting. The road to the left marks our next down. A great
cruse, a few cars and busses so be careful,....great fun...
Definite exposure on these parts.
A few have died on bike, many have died in cars and busses. We'd
rather be on a bike...On our day it was a little rainy and muddy...
The lower part, after you have dropped
6000 feet or 2000 meters, turns to dirt.
From the Town of Coroico, the view
of the downhill across the way. Our road, carries high and left,
the main road in front is an alternate route that winds its way around
the bottom mountain, it too, looks inviting. Coroico is not your
stopping point. The stopping point is about 20 kilometers short of Coroico.
*Feature written and photographed by Phillips, July 2001. Information regarding Lake Titicaca, exploration and discoveries of island dwellings and other historical information was supplied by Alina Guides.
GUIDE NOTES AND DIRECTIONS:
The Statistics: Vertical descent: 11,080 feet, 3650 meters Length: 48 miles, 78 kilometers-- Biggest Vertical Exposure: 4500 feet
Time of Decent: 5 Hours This Bike ride is truly great fun. It is easy riding leading down a combination of two mountain passes, on a two track road mostly of dirt. For a 34 kilometer section, one will be exposed constantly to deadly cliffs. What makes it a little challenging, is constantly dodging trucks, busses and other cars that use this pass. Weather here can be snowy and rainy especially close to the beginning of the ride. Muddy conditions exist, and descending, one will cross several tunnels, waterfalls, and streams. As you arrive closer to Coroico the weather becomes warm and nice. Be cautious of Bike rentals, many shops don't take good care of there bikes. This includes brakes, gearing and seats. This is great fun, but the road has claimed many lives.
We worked with:
SKY BOLIVIA
CALLE SAGARNAGA 368
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA TEL: 310272
email: [email protected]