Hold on tight

We made it to the top. But now we need to get down. Ideally, on the other side.

There is snow aplenty on the far side… but amazingly the snow has been carved out to clear the track (why, one wonders, is such a high rough track kept open?). It is very good news for us - it becomes increasingly clear that otherwise it would be impossible for us to cross the very steep terrain with our bikes.

Onwards and downwards through walls of snow on our narrow dirt road. Alain is fearful the road looks like it is barely strong enough. Hold on tight! But still it is wonderful and on top of the world.

Now comes an unexpected challenge. The road fords a fast stream. Socks and trousers off, crocs and shoes back on. Alain takes the money and passports first, just in case. And we empty Alain’s front panniers which are low to the ground and would be in the water. Then a 2-person effort and the bikes are safely across; our feet scream briefly with the cold.

Soon we are on a new dirt road that leads down from the new tunnel entrance (the missing 1km). Another long descent, on good dirt, through mountain pastures, then a narrow rocky gorge and a steeply wooded gorge. Until finally we join a tarmac road and start the long climb for tomorrow’s 2610m pass.Read more