Follow the Andes for a cycling adventure in South America! You\’ll begin in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador; and finish in Ushuaia, Argentina.

This trip, scheduled for 2022, will last 140 days; and cover 6875 miles. That\’s far more than the width of the United States! Maybe an ocean to ocean tour would be a good \”training ride\”?

You\’ll be riding at high altitude. You\’ll be faced with some tough climbing as well. Gosh, rarefied air plus hard climbs! My lungs and legs burn just thinking about it.

In addition, be prepared for the gamut of weather conditions. It can get very hot; it can be the opposite. High altitudes get cold at night even in the hottest part of the year. You might encounter heavy downpours; and the wind can be fierce.

Roads along the route are about 70% paved; but you\’ll also find rough stretches of road, including loose sand and rocks.

Whew. Sounds exhausting. How does a cyclist prepare for this? What would I do?

Lots of miles, no doubt. Megamiles! I\’d have to get used to riding at different times of day; including afternoons/early evenings when  the heat index is over 100 degrees.

It\’s hard to practice climbing when I don\’t have hills. I would have to do longer and longer \”force intervals\” to beef up my leg muscles;  otherwise I wouldn\’t have any chance at all with climbs in the Andes. I would need to use a hypoxic mask to help prepare myself for the thin air of high mountains.

This expedition is supported. No need to carry your own gear; follow the Andes, and just enjoy the ride!