July 4th, 2017: Colca Canyon

Tuesday, we made our way via van to Colca Canyon. We made a pit stop along the way to check out the views and drink some coca tea, which is supposed to prevent altitude sickness.

The van dumped us at the highest point which is the Patapampa pass at 4900m. In the morning we cycled downhill for 25k. Although it was fun to blast down the mountain, I stopped frequently for photo ops of the Canyon, and llamas and alpacas. After our picnic lunch we continued on another 25k, but this terrain was, as they say in Peru, 'undulating' since the road had small hills. There was one killer hill, 1k long at this altitude, I chugged along slowly and steadily but wasn't sure if I'd make it. The ride finished on a gravel road that lasted longer than my butt had wanted. We loaded back into the van at the town of Maca to make our way to the town of Cabanaconde, to our lodging for the night, (altitude 3400m).

This is the third day in a row of cycling, I've already beaten my own record (of riding hard two consecutive days). My upper body is feeling a little achy. I'm not sure if it's the change in weather as it's a bit chillier, or if it's altitude or if it's just my body getting accustomed to daily cycling.

So far, the KT tape seems to be preventing a reoccurrence of that nasty debilitating plantar fasciitis. I've been trying to ice my feet when I can get ahold of ice (not much fun). I've also been stretching my leg muscles when I return to my accommodation in the evening. Has anyone had an issue with plantar fasciitis ? What solutions worked for you ?