(^174) Presidente Figueiredo – Da Tia Restaurant - 128 km
A short but hilly section ran to Da Tia Restaurant, where Ernest previously
overnighted en route to Manaus. The owner (Antonio) was accommodating, and we
pitched out tents under a gazebo adjacent to the restaurant. Our early arrival gave
Ernest time to service his bicycle and fix what was broken. The place was lush, and
a short walk through Antonio’s garden revealed loads to eat, including mangoes,
avocados and bananas.
Roadside restaurant – Petrol station - 76 km
There’s nothing better than waking to the sound of birds; add being offered a
complimentary breakfast made it the perfect start to the day. Luckily, the weather
was overcast, which made the hot and hilly road more bearable. The ride was
incredibly scenic with lush, green trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves,
and I was happy with my decision to bike to the border instead of taking a bus. I
would deal with the visa problem later.
We continued until reaching a petrol station, which Ernest spotted on his way to
Manaus. It made a perfect place to spend the night as it had a gazebo, showers and
toilets. Later, Ernest cooked pasta in anticipation of a long ride the next day.
Petrol station – Vila Jundia - 133 km
Six kilometres after leaving, the road entered the Waimiri indigenous people
reserve. The reserve stretched 120 kilometres, and camping was out of the
question as even stopping or taking photos was prohibited. Nevertheless, it
remained a stunning ride through virgin forest but sadly with nor villages or
roadside restaurants to fill our water bottles.
leana
(Leana)
#1