The Bikepacking Trip That Wasn’t: Day One

That’s the best my phone could do to capture the thunderstorm I just flew through to get to Bogota. I know, I know, it looks like the plane wing is lit by that bright shiny lightbulb, not by lightning. Trust me, there were airsick passengers and frightened children to go with the lighting effects.

I’m here in Colombia for a philosophy conference, and to do a scouting run for a future bikepacking trip. The Ruta El Dorado is on the someday list as a ride to do with adventure buddies. It’s a long way to fly for a short ride, but what a ride! 112 miles through the Andes, 8,940’ of elevation gain, most of it above 8,000’. Believe it or not, my lazy ass will actually train for this one.

Plus there’s the Andean Bear Corridor project. Super cool.

First report from the scout: this airport is bloody hot. It’s 9:00 PM, we’re at 9,000’ or so, yet somehow it’s about 90° in here. We’re all sweltering.

I’ll report more soon. For now, I’ve been traveling about 18 hours and I’ve still got at least another hour to go. But I landed safely, I didn’t get struck by lightning, and I haven’t been arrested by Migracion or mugged by a taxi driver’s friends. (I’m told that’s a thing that happens here. Always book your taxi! Don’t just hail one on the street.)