This by far was one of the most epic days we’ve had on our trip. Epic in length, number of activities, and most importantly, epic in the amount of fun one could have in a single day. You may remember our awesome Couchsurfing host Sebas from the Quito posting. On our last full day in Quito he created an agenda that has yet to meet comparison on rest of our trip. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had many great days on our trip thus far, but not as jam packed as this one. Here’s what the agenda looked like.
- Woke up at the crack of dawn and rode our rented mountain bikes through Quito to meet other riders.
- Transported riders (spiked with Cuban rum) and bikes to Cotopaxi National Park.
- Rode rented mountain bikes down some gnarly trails in Cotopaxi National Park.
- Took a quick nap on the ride back to Quito.
- Directly after arriving in Quito joined a city cycling tour for yet more riding.
- After city bike tour rode bikes to a dance club in “Gringolandia” (as it’s know locally) to partake in some delicious beverages and dancing.
- At the wee hours of the morning—the next day—rode bikes from bar to home.
- Slept really well.
This is what happens when a 21 year old who cycles everyday plans your day. Suffice to say, we were beat. But we were also thrilled and grateful for the experience. Thanks again Sebas.
Here are some pictures from the day.
Cotopaxi Volcano (19, 347 ft.) It’s the second highest summit in the country.
Sampling some Cuban rum on the ride to Cotopaxi. It’s better when you know you can’t have it.
Enjoying the ride and mentally preparing for our trip down the mountain. Neither of us had mountain biked before this trip.
Unloading the bikes before the start of the trip.
Sarah is clearly siked for the journey ahead.
That’s right, a tandem mountain bike.
Pre-ride warm ups. Gotta loosen up in preparation for the rough terrain ahead.
Catching a glimpse of Cotopaxi during the ride. It was a bit windy up there, and a little chilly too.
No, thank you Cotopaxi. You rock!!!
The crew.
Most of the ride was beautiful. That’s when you didn’t have your eyes glued to the road of course.
My mean machine posing in front of a beautiful background. You served me well.
A well deserved rest before the roughest part of the ride. The next leg was a very long cobble stone road with a few unwanted uphills along the way.
These guys were taking it a bit slower over the rough terrain.
Sheep moving at a little faster pace than the horses but not by much.
One of the guides demonstrating a proper landing after jumping.
Actually, not such a proper landing. After the crash landing a local puppy came to make sure he was ok.
Proper landing. Back wheel first is better I guess.
Inside of the bike rental/guide service. Pretty sweet mural on the wall.
Sarah chilling with the Beatles before our night ride through Quito.
Sebas organizing the cyclist before the start of the ride.
Posing with Cental Park in the background. Right before this I almost had my leg bitten off by a large stray dog that clearly thought I was encroaching on his turf. You missed me sucka!
Riding through the Historical Center of Quito. They have these security personnel patrolling the area at night. They wear capes and carry swords. That’s what you call old school.
Independence Square looks really cool at night.
Waiting at a stop light for the rest of the group to catch up.
Yup, that one is with me. Sarah (a.k.a. Aunt Jemima) enjoying a deep fried dough ball with a banana inside and a couple of local drinks. The white one is a corn drink I can’t remember the name of. This one wasn’t particularly tasty.
At the Biciaccion headquarters (the group that organized the city ride) where Sebas taught Sarah some salsa moves before heading to the dance club.
Sarah with Sebas and Frank at the dance club with ice cold beverages in hand.
Me with Sebas and Frank, and the locally brewed and Ecuadorian favorite beer in hand.
Frank and Sebas bustin the move whilst hunting for gringas. As you can see from the blond girl behind Sebas, their moves were working.
Peach and Bones 
I have enjoyed reading your Ecuador stories, esp love the cotopaxi pic on this post. Can’t wait to get here myself next year!
Thanks for checking out our blog. You’ll definitely enjoy yourself in Ecuador. Just be prepared to spend more time here than you plan. Ecuador has so much to do in such a small country (relatively small that is).
Looks like it was a great day!! and night!!
Yup, it sure was a lot of fun. I’m not sure how often we can have days like that though. We were exhausted.
Qué hermoso haberlos conocido!… Pasamos de lo mejor en Quito-Ecuador! Suerte y ánimo en todo muchachos!
Thanks Sebas! It was great meeting you too. We had such a good time with you.