coto

It's 6:22 on the morning before the two day race and we are confirmed to go. Like most things in Ecuador, the confirmation of this race has been a series of last minute changes and logistical challenges. In summary, I will be traveling to Latacunga tonight with Arturo Stacey, the owner of Hot Bike here in Urdesa, where I bought my first bike in Ecuador and where I have been introduced to the mountain biking scene in Guayaquil. So I have come full circle. Yesterday morning he told me that we (my team consists of me and one other person - Andre - a young racer who I met last weekend) could go in his truck together, then last night he told me he was too sick to go, and then this morning, at 6:23 am, he called me to confirm that yes, he will be going and there is space for me and my partner, and two bikes! Tomorrow the suffering begins: two days - 140km, between 3,000 and 4,000 meters of off road riding in the most well known endurance mountain bike race in Ecuador!!