On my last day in Peru, I went mountain biking with Julio Olaza which was really sweet. We took a taxi to get us up to the Cordillera Negra, and we traversed for 14 km on an old dirt road, soaking in the incredible views of the Cordillera Blanca on the opposite side of the valley. This was the chill part, before we dropped down towards the city. Julio did an amazing job linking some really fun technical riding for us, which me and Ed (British dude who came riding as well) asked for. From sweet singetrack to non-existing trail over boulders, at some points the trail went through traditional Andean villages, which was absolutely beautiful. We rode on ancient trails that have existed for centuries linking the tiny communities, and they provided surprising technical challenges. On several occasions I walked my bike, not wanting to risk a nasty fall. Even the more peaceful sections were far from boring, as we were riding between farms, dodging piglets and chickens, having the local kids scream "Hola!" at us with huge smiles.

That is one thing I most liked about Peru - no matter how poor most people are, they sport huge smiles and appear to live very happy lifes. The children in particular were unforgottable! As we passed through a small community, a small girl yelled "Good morning!" at me in clear English. The other girls were all giggling and looked at her with respect, all of them laughing. This attitude is something gringos should learn from...

Overall, the ride was a great experience and an amazing way to spend my last day there.

	funny little bike in Huaraz	Rio Santa	driving up to the Negra in a taxi

	passing a sweet looking LandCruiser on the way!	the views begin	gold mine

	gold mine	views of the Cordillera Blanca	Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca

	Cordillera Blanca	Julio assembling the bikes	Me posing with the Cordillera Blanca in the background

	me posing on my bike	the gold mine, with Huascaran and Chopicalqui in the background	Ed, a guy from England who I went biking with

	me posing with my bike	Julio	Cordillera Blanca

	Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca	Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca	Remains of an old mine

		About to drop down a singletrack/no trail

	me riding down an old road	me riding down an old road	laundry time!

		an old LandCruiser (FJ55)