Today’s ride was not my favorite. It started badly. Because I had to go 153k and 800m, I decided to leave early and get a good start. I set my alarm for six, and I got up, only to find that it was still dark. I checked the weather app and saw that sunrise was not till 7:05. I had breakfast and waited, and I also noticed that it was 6 degrees.

I wore an extra T-shirt and jacket, which I thought would keep me warm. I figured that pedaling would generate enough heat. Man, was I wrong? After ten kilometers, I put on another jacket. Then my toes, legs, and hands got extremely cold, I started to look for a coffee shop or store where I could warm up nothing.

After 25k, I decided I needed some help. I called the team and told them I needed clothes. They said no problem, as soon as they finished their shopping they would come and find me. I rebelled and said forget the shopping.

I came upon a church that had the front door open. I slammed on the brakes, parked my bike on the road so the team could see it, and rushed into the church. It was warm and out of the wind, so I sat and waited for warm clothes to arrive. Finally, the team arrived, and I added a lot of clothes.

After a while, I took off only to find the wind had picked up, and I had to fight a powerful headwind for the next 125k. The scenery was more desert and sand, but I finished, and I am now sitting in the sun, out of the wind, having a beer.

On a different note, I met six road warriors today. They are university classmates from northern Spain, and they are riding from Salta to Ushuiala