Paris Dakar Stage 17 to Cuenca

Stage 17 of 69, day 20 of 71: 107.5 km, 1200m, 4:29, 294 shifts, ave speed 23.9, max speed 61.5

We had a normal 8am breakfast but the unusual thing was how cold it was.

When we started out at 9 I had two jerseys on for the first time. For the first 5 km my fingers were so frozen! But luckily a climb started soon and I warmed up.

There were hints of headwinds so it seemed like we might be in for a repeat of yesterday’s super hard conditions. But no, the winds were friendly and the climbs easy and we soon found ourselves at a gorgeous spot for lunch.

We reformed the pace line after lunch and cruised to the town of Oña. It took some research but we found a little hotel that had an outdoor terrace looking over a lake. We had drinks and cheesecake, so relaxing. Bart actually fell asleep while we discussed politics. Note to self: avoid that.

Then some more riding, one more climb and down to El Ventano del Diablo, a gorgeous view point. All this time we were on very uncrowded roads with super clear blue skies. We dawdled a long time, met Ype, then finally cranked out the last 20 km to camp.

We rode that last 20 km, not in the van. The campground is huge, as in we are lucky to have bikes to get to the showers and bar. Anyway, I set up my tent, ate soup and snacks, then rode off to the showers. While I was showering I heard a voice, “Mr Hoover is that you?” It was Dick Prent, my good friend I originally met in La Paz in 2019. He is joining us here for the rest of the ride to Dakar. He showed me the glamping tent he’s sharing with his wife, Anke, who is here dropping him off. We headed straight to the campground bar and had beers and olives and great conversation until it was time for dinner.

I got to meet our other new rider, Dennis, also from Holland. Dinner was nice but I think most everyone was on expedition (not in shorts).

Today we have a special treat, a rider profile. I probably won’t get to everyone on the trip but starting at the top of the registration page, first is Harry Brown who I rode the Balkan Boulevard tour with in 2022.

How old are you Harry?

Age – in the head space 49, body 99 😩, actual 69.

Where are you from and how much of this crazy adventure are you riding?

I’m an Ozzie, therefore from Straya maaate! Live in Caloundra on the Sunny (Sunshine) Coast. Came to ride the full tour from Paris to Dakar. Hopefully the body holds up.

Tell us about your bike…

Purchased a new Jamis Renegade S3, Reynolds 520 Cromoly frame with carbon fork, gravel bike with hydraulic disc brakes. Tyres are 700 x 32 roadies although when I arrive in west Africa I might swap tyres to gravel, same size. Gearing is GRX, 2 rings with 10 cluster 11 – 37.

What do you hope to get out of Paris Dakar? Do your friends think you’re crazy?

I like Bike Dreams more challenging & adventurous tours, besides have for many years wanted to get to Morocco.

Most friends, Relos, acquaintances know I’m a little “different” so in many ways expect something like this of me. Some of course just don’t comprehend the the cycling of thousands of kilometers to experience different cultures in far off places.

I’m aware that my grown children admire, respect me for (still) “getting of my arse, getting out there” & enjoying what life has to offer.