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Sacred Rides MTB Holidays
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Showtime
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject: Re: reply |
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| I actually have another technical question, which I hope that Mike or Wayo can answer. Have you guys had any problems running airshocks at altitude, and on the long descents? I am running a DHX Air rear shock, and a 66SL air front fork. They have been rock solid, but I have never run them above 5000ft altitude.
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karen
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:11 am Post subject: |
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Hola Mike/Wayo...thanks so much for your time in posting the answers to our booze inspired questions...it is very helpful.
Naoko...look forward to meeting and riding with you! You can borrow my curling iron if you don't bring yours. Those Transition bikes are sweet!
Mike...thanks for helping me post a picture.
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Bobby
Joined: 15 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:49 am Post subject: Hello! |
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Hi all,
Finally getting round to introducing myself...
My name is Bobby, and I'm coming over from Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, where I've been living for a long time now. I'm originally from the south of England, so don't expect kilts or a Scottish accent!
During the week, I work on medical imaging technology. I used to do mostly software engineering, but I seem to have fallen from grace and now I'm more of a manager for my sins. :) Anyway, suffice it to say that it's pretty sedentary, so when I'm not sat at my desk, I'm sat on a plane travelling to a meeting, or sat in a meeting.
Outside work I fit in martial arts and, of course, biking whenever I can, although that's never as often as I'd like. Think I'm going to have to work on my fitness pretty hard between now and May...
I'm currently riding my battered-but-trusty old Orange Patriot, but might build up a new bike for the trip if I get round to it, in which case I'll be riding a shiny (not for long!) new Orange Patriot! I've also got an old Kona Chute, but it doesn't get out much.
Trails-wise, I mostly ride at Glentress (mix of trails) and Innerleithen (DH) in the Scottish Borders. I've done a couple of local DH competitions recently, but just for fun; not likely to post any competitive times there! I've been over to Whistler twice, and the Alps once. It's really just over the last 2-3 years that I've got into the more adventurous types of riding and I might be getting a little old for this, so I hope I can keep up with you guys! :)
Pic of me on the bike from my Flickr page (rare case of wheels off the ground!):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robert_andrew_davey/1356770148/
And off the bike:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robert_andrew_davey/105373028/
Looking forward to riding with you all!
Bobby
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kellyowens
Joined: 19 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Vancouver, B.C.!
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| Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 5:26 pm Post subject: |
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| karen wrote: | Hola Mike/Wayo...thanks so much for your time in posting the answers to our booze inspired questions...it is very helpful.
Naoko...look forward to meeting and riding with you! You can borrow my curling iron if you don't bring yours. Those Transition bikes are sweet!
Mike...thanks for helping me post a picture.
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Hey Karen - great pic!! Is that the picture of Jay Hoots riding all your fine trailwork on Boundary?? Guys, you should know that our Karen is as gifted with a hammer as she is with a curling iron  Wayo, if you are nice maybe she will do your hair for you during the trip.
_________________
Kelly Owens
Live to ride, ride to live!
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Bobby
Joined: 15 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: reply |
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| SacredRides wrote: | | kellyowens wrote: |
9. Immunizations-- do you suggest we get the Rabies innoculation? will we enounter a lot of stray dogs who like to chase etc?
-I'd skip on rabies - expensive and unnecessary. Dogs bark a lot, but they don't generally bite. Neither Wayo nor I have encountered any bites on multiple trips.
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On the topic of rabies, what's the furthest (in terms of travel time) we'll be from a well equipped hospital in case post-exposure treatment is needed? I was planning to skip vaccination as I'm guessing we wouldn't be too far from civilisation, but just to sure.
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wayo
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: reply |
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Well, seems like I will not have to worry too much on how skilled is the group. Looks like we will have a lot of fun!
About the ceviche, for those who have tried sometime but not in Peru, then you haven't eat ceviche. Please wait untill you are in fron of a real ceviche plate. And of course we are well recognized also for our great cousine. Hope we can have the time to try everything.
About the questions, thank's Mike for your help. You are now more peruvian than canadian! (just a joke).
Here are my add-ons:
| SacredRides wrote: | | kellyowens wrote: | Hi Wayo,
Our group of 5 from Vancouver have some questions for you and Mike . We're drinking Pisco sours (i'm surprised Pisco is all around the globe) and eating empanadas planning for our exciting adventure in May with you. Here are our questions so far- please forgive us for asking anything overly obvioius! Some of us have experience guiding here in Canada and have some first aid training/experience--- so we are wanting to plan what we put into our own packs very carefully.
1. What access to bike parts will we have in the event of various problems? ie; busted rear derailleur or hanger, fried brake pads etc? will Wayo be carrying parts?
-Wayo will have a few parts and there are decent stores in Lima and Cusco, but I suggest you bring:
-rear derailleur hanger (one or two just in case)
-any specialty parts for your bike that are unique to your bike
-bring a spare kit of brake pads.
2. on that note- Wayo, what tools will you be carrying? will we have access to a good shop in lima and Cuzco?
-Wayo will have almost all the tools you'd expect to need on a trip. See above for shops. Yes, all the tools, air pumps for shocks, etc.
3. First aid supplies- again, what will our guides have?
-we have a comprehensive safety and evacuation plan. That means we have a daily trip plan with evacuation protocols for each trail, communications devices (2-way radios, cell phones, sat phones), and full first aid kit, along with splints and spineboards. I have just completed a risk management assessment with Pinnacle Risk Management, and we have gone over our safety protocols with a fine-tooth comb. So rest assured that you will be in safe hands!
Anyway, if you have some "cool" stuff you think will impress me, please bring it. I like color band-aids! Peru is not the best place to find all the "cool" medical equipment but we have the basic equipment that will help in any case of emergency, from a headache to hmmm I expect not to use all the equipment.
4. Food and Drink questions:
- we've been told to be VERY careful about eating and drinking in Peru--
will there be bottled water throughout our days? will the breakfast and lunch menus be safe for us? what kinds of snacks will you offer?
-Bottled water will be provided every day. All restaurants are selected for their attention to health and sanitary concerns, however Peru is a developing country and we can't possibly reduce the risk to zero. One of the best ways to reduce the risk is to bring Purell and wash your hands with it frequently, especially before every meal. As for snacks Wayo will have a good selection of packaged, safe snacks. (Nut's, chocolates, dried fruits, cookies, gatorade, bottled water, etc.)
5. other bike questions:
what kind of tires do you suggest we run? Megan Illingsworth(October trip 2007) told us that we'll get lots of flats --how many tubes should we bring?
-Bring DH tubes, and beefy tires (2.4" or up). I'd suggest bringing at least 4 tubes with you.
-Try to install tubeless on your wheels. Will help a lot. I know it's expensive up there but here I can make a good imitation of the Stan's using the same liquid for half the price.
-Maxxis Minions, High Roller and similar 26x2.5 DH tires are good. We also have some tires for sell at almost half the price of a normal store in the US. If you need tires, make your order because when we start the tour we are not going to have enough time for that.
-Check your brakes, cables, moving parts that work correctly and they don't look too used, almost worn out! 
6. Clothing suggestions: can you give us a better idea re: clothing for the month of May for the areas we are going to? will long pants and long sleeves be the wise choice for most of the rides?
-it's pretty hot in May (as it is most of the year), but it gets chilly at altitude, and most of the rides are at altitude. I usually wear shorts, but long pants wouldn't be out of the question. Long sleeved jersey is a good choice.
-In Cusco we can use our jackets when we are at 4,450 meters above sea level!
7. any advice/suggestions re: insurance coverage for bikes in terms of theft and loss? the trip insurance only covers $500 for "luggage"-
-I have a deal with an insurance company, with insurance tailored for this type of travel. If you need insurance, please e-mail me: ride@sacredrides.com
8. Wayo, will there be a 2nd guide? do you have a satellite phone? what is your First Aid training and background?
-there is a 2nd guide, and a Sat Phone. Wayo has full Wilderness First Aid training.
-Last time Ruso helped me to put in place an ankle and he did a great job!
9. Immunizations-- do you suggest we get the Rabies innoculation? will we enounter a lot of stray dogs who like to chase etc?
-I'd skip on rabies - expensive and unnecessary. Dogs bark a lot, but they don't generally bite. Neither Wayo nor I have encountered any bites on multiple trips.
-You don't need any type of inmunization/vacinnation.
10. Altitude Sickness: do you suggest we take the Altitude Sickness medication before we start our days in Cuzco? do most of your clients opt for this?
-bring Diamox if you want, but I would say keep it on the ready just in case, rather than taking in advance. Most people haven't had any problems, and any problems so far have been minor.
-We are riding some days in Lima where we go to the altitude and we finish at sea level. This is the best acclimatization you can get. in Cusco you will feel like home!
11. a few of us are nervous about the driving and vehicle transportation. we have heard "stories" about how nerve-racking this can be. will we have a good driver and vehicle? what can you tell us about this?
-the roads are certainly on the 'exciting' side. But the vehicles are top-notch, as are the drivers. For instance, Pablo, your driver in Lima, has driven the road to Olleros about 400 times. Without incident.
-Yeah! Maybe you have heard that drivers in Lima are crazy and they drive like they are going to crash you (I drive like that, I'm from Lima) but you will see that our drivers and cars are very good. The van in Lima has a cooler for our beers!
12. can Karen bring her butane curling iron?
-oh yeah, if you can get it on the plane.
13. is there a good place in Cuzco for Tamara to get a pedicure?
-oh yeah. Seriously.
14. Kirsten wants to know if a Peruvian wax is as "appealing" as a Brazilian?
-ouch. I don't think they have the Brazilian savvy for waxing. (True, they can cause serious damage to your skin )
thank you for reading our questions-- I guess the question about the bike insurance and bike parts are the most pressing at this point. We want to take care of these items in the next few weeks. Thanks in advance for your patience!!
kelly and the Vancouver Amigas! |
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See you amigas y amigos!
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wayo
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: reply |
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| Bobby wrote: | | SacredRides wrote: | | kellyowens wrote: |
9. Immunizations-- do you suggest we get the Rabies innoculation? will we enounter a lot of stray dogs who like to chase etc?
-I'd skip on rabies - expensive and unnecessary. Dogs bark a lot, but they don't generally bite. Neither Wayo nor I have encountered any bites on multiple trips.
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On the topic of rabies, what's the furthest (in terms of travel time) we'll be from a well equipped hospital in case post-exposure treatment is needed? I was planning to skip vaccination as I'm guessing we wouldn't be too far from civilisation, but just to sure. |
It's not an item to worry, you have up to 50 days until the effects of Rabies kill you. We are going to be very close to civilization but you can imagine that on the trails it can take up to 4 hours (approx and in the worst of the cases) to take you to the closest hospital. THis is why we suggest to come with a full coverage insurance that besides covering your bike and luggage, also covers evacuation from any place. This is why I will carry a sat phone, to call the air rescue team (only if you have this insurance).
If anybody uses a special medication and also needs a special diet please tell me. I know a lot of people are allergic to nuts and I will provide nuts on the trip as they are super nutritious.
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wayo
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject: Re: reply |
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| Showtime wrote: | | I actually have another technical question, which I hope that Mike or Wayo can answer. Have you guys had any problems running airshocks at altitude, and on the long descents? I am running a DHX Air rear shock, and a 66SL air front fork. They have been rock solid, but I have never run them above 5000ft altitude. |
No problems with air shocks, specially those beautiful FOX DHX! I have one but a coil one:)
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wayo
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: |
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| Naoko wrote: | I was wondering about Questions 12, 13, 14 myself.
You girls are very funny 
Hi, my name is Naoko. I live in Los Angeles, CA but born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. I work as a physical therapist. I am very excited about the trip. I hear the seafood in Peru is fabulous.
I think I am in pretty good shape but am not sure about the altitude. I will be puffing and huffing some air for sure. I mainly do all mountain type rides plus downhilling but don't quite do jumpings (yet...). I will be bringing Transition Syren which is the first ever women's specific freeride bike. I don't have it yet but have ordered and have been waiting anxiously. I am looking forward to meeting you all!
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Hey nice trail Naoko!
Looks like the easy section of our Peruvian trails! 
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Bevan
Joined: 12 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Location: San Francisco
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| Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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Hola Wayo,
Friends have told me that Cusco is a good party town. I'm assuming you'll be showing us the goods on and off the trail
And, for those who are planning on spending a few extra days in Cusco and Lima, what do you recommend as some things to do/see in these areas?
mucho gracias
B
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wayo
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:43 pm Post subject: |
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| Bevan wrote: | Hola Wayo,
Friends have told me that Cusco is a good party town. I'm assuming you'll be showing us the goods on and off the trail
And, for those who are planning on spending a few extra days in Cusco and Lima, what do you recommend as some things to do/see in these areas?
mucho gracias
B |
Yeah, Cusco is the best place to party! The good thing is that we don't have to ride back to the hotel because it's located on the other side of the main plaza!
Extra days in Lima or Cusco?
Lima:
- Make the city tour (lot of history specially of the spanish colony time)
- Visit Palomino Island and see the sealions (30 minutes away from Lima)
- More mountain biking. Gnarly trails!
- Visit the zoo. (1 hour from Lima)
- Go to Paracas and Ballestas Island (2 1/2 hours from Lima)
- Fly the Nazca lines (expensive)
- Go to the discos
- Go rafting to the Cañete Valley and eat lot's of shrimps and drink pisco(2 1/2 hours from Lima)
Cusco:
- More options than Lima.
- City tour (chappels, Inca sites and museums)
- Horse Back tour. (Cusco or Sacred Valley)
- Dirt Bike tour (I'm the man!) 
- Bungee Jumping
- River Rafting (Class 3 or 4)
- Inca Trail
- Choquequirao (New place 4 hours away from Cusco and it's a 5 days trekking tour).
- Visit the Amazon Jungle (4 days)
- Go to the Colca Canyon (3 days)
- etc.
I'm re-building again my bike that was almost distroyed after the Megavalanche Race in March.
Prepare for the good trails that the APU's have for us.
APU: God in Quechua. The Incas named Apu's to the main mountains. They used to adore this places
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Bevan
Joined: 12 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Location: San Francisco
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| Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the info Wayo!
What's the availability for most of these other activities? Do we need to book a few weeks ahead, or will it be fairly easy to book these during or after the biking?
Good luck with the bike rebuilding and hopefully the APU's will bless us with good weather in May.
Cheers,
Bevan
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wayo
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:06 am Post subject: |
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| Bevan wrote: | Thanks for the info Wayo!
What's the availability for most of these other activities? Do we need to book a few weeks ahead, or will it be fairly easy to book these during or after the biking?
Good luck with the bike rebuilding and hopefully the APU's will bless us with good weather in May.
Cheers,
Bevan |
Yeah, it's not necessary to book in advance for all these tours.
I was forgetting another good attraction for those who like history: It's Caral. Caral is located 2 1/2 hours from Lima and was reacently discovered. Caral is the oldest civilization in America with 5,000 years old. It's compared to civilizations like Egipt, China or Mesopotamia.
I'm happy to return to Cusco again because I didn't offerd myself to the Apus last time and that caused me to crash badly on the Megavalanche. Now I will give an offer to the APU Veronica. Of course with coca leaves.
See you!
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kellyowens
Joined: 19 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Vancouver, B.C.!
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| Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:30 am Post subject: introducing myself |
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hi there folks,
I haven't read the forum notes for a few weeks- very exciting to see everyone's questions and also Wayo's info and responses. Thank you Wayo for all your info and additional notes to our questions posted during our drunken Pisco sours night!
I haven't yet introduced myself-- I'm Kelly Owens and I'm the one who kinda "hooped" my 4 buddies here in Vancouver into launching onto this exciting adventure with me.....ya, like it was a difficult to convince any of them to come!
Me: I've been a teacher here in the Vancouver area for about 12 years-- I have been teaching grade 1/2 for the past 6-7 years. yes, they are VERY cute, it's true. Riding: I've been riding more seriously for about 8 years, done some coaching/instructing, and a bunch of professional guiding here in BC in the past 5 years. I quit guiding and instructing about a year and half ago, and now I run a club for kids and mountain bike for fun and with my friends. To say that I really love bicycles and anything connected to the 2-wheeled steeds would be a bit of an understatement, (I'm told). I'll be bringing my specialized Demo 8 for the trip- currently falling in love with this bike, now that the snowline is finally receding here in Vancovuer!! I also LOVE travelling and can not wait to see the sights and wonders of Peru in just a few weeks!
A note about the 4 "amigas" that are coming with me: they are an amazing group of women and are all excellent riders and beautiful people. this will be our first overseas bike trip together- we're pretty keen on the whole idea. Footnote on Karen Gillich's photo of her latest section on her trail "Boundary": she is one of maybe 2-3 seriously dedicated female trail builders/designers here in BC-- her work is highly respected here in the North Shore.
anyway, we are a fully stoked to come and ride with Wayo and the rest of the crew on May 9th-- can't wait!!!#$%!!!
any further tips on packing etc-- feel free to post them!!
kelly
p.s. i'll pop up a pic of me on my next post- just gotta find one first![/img]
_________________
Kelly Owens
Live to ride, ride to live!
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Bobby
Joined: 15 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:53 am Post subject: Currency |
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I see from the trip dossier just getting cash from ATM's is easiest for spending money. If I wanted to bring some cash just in case, it sounds like US Dollars are widely accepted. Is that the case?
What would you recommend to bring, USD or Sol? Probably easier for me to get USD in the UK.
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