Survivors of "The Worlds Most Dangerous Road"

Heading back to La Paz we met a German guy who had the same make of glasses as mine, quite an unusual and expensive item in the UK, you can even phone the designer in Berlin to discuss any problems. So this was quite a suprise. Here we are....

dont we both look very efficient?

Back in La Paz some big wig was in town and so everyones in Sunday best and there are lots of police about in suprisingly Hollywood style body armour, here they are ....

(click on photos to see larger versions)

Went to an amazing museum of ethnographic stuff, Which was full of modern and ancient carnival regallia. There was a whole room, beautifully lit devoted to masks and we watched as film of Maestro Masqueros making very elaborate designs from Tin, solder and Paint. There were no postcards, luckily Jackie took some sneaky photos, we did get told off. Here they are.....

Mary this reminds me of you dressed up as an old lady on Admin Rep day.

Later on we went to the Theatro Municipal as it only cost a pound. We watched a farce called "who understands women?" and hardly understood any of it and so left at half time (interval).

We thought the shoe shiners of La Paz were part of some hardcore gang. It turns out they cover their faces so as not to bring shame on the family, for having to resort to such a job.. They have frequently tried to polish our trainers and on one occassion even our flip flops.. Here they are.....

This is the most Dangerous Blog in The World

The next morning we get up early and join the rest of the thrill seekers who also took the cheap option (we got picked up outside our hotel though!) of not going with Gravity Bikes who are the most reccomended (saving us $25 each), obviously we were a little worried as we would be descending 3,500m on quality unknown bikes.

The ride starts at La Cumbre at 4,700m heres some pictures of the incredible mountains

We were forcibly dressed up like dicks (for our own protection) and given our bikes, these turned out to be dodgy treks and I went through 4 different bikes before settling on one which was slightly too large had bumpy tyres broken spokes and worn out cones, Here we go!!!!! Jackie picked the bike with the comfiest seat.

The first part is 20km pretty quick on tarmac, with amazing views of the mountains, naturally Jackie and I were constantly at the front hugging the corners like the pros we are, having to slow down for the guide... this was soon to chage when we reached Death rd proper. A couple of smart arsed off roaders whod been hanging back pipped us to the post and lead for the rest of the journey. Jackie and I found ourselves in the middle and on our own but still going at a fair whack.

It was ridiculously bumpy with lots of gravel and large rocks and most of the time inches away from 1000m vertical drops.. it was brilliant..

can you see us atop this cliff?

The views were spectacular as the landscape changed from dry and arid mountains to lush and tropical greenery, and the climate from frosty to humid jungle. Butterflies everywhere gliding effortlessly on the thermals.. and a cacophony of bird and insects after the silence of the altiplano

We had to stop every 20 mins or so at various picturesque points to have our photos taken with thumbs up and for the guide to explain, this is the most dangerous corner.... this is the most dangerous descent ... this is the most dangerous lunch... etc

3,500m downhill in 70km with no uphills to deal with was an asolute joy.

We all survived to the end (3 hrs and 70km later) without falling off (although there were moments) and had a well deserved cold beer before heading to Coroico.