Sacred Rides MTB Holidays

kellyowens wrote:Hi Wayo,

Our group of 5 from Vancouver have some questions for you and Mike . We're drinking Pisco sours 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
-any specialty parts for your bike that are unique to your bike

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

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.

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!

karen wrote:MMMM...ceviche. I tried some on New Years! I'm sure it is not as good as the Peruvian ceviche but it certainly was delish. So I look forward to it as well.

Justin: The picture of you riding the structure...is that the "Pimp Coaster" on Lower Crippler, Mt. Fromme? Good shot.

Karen.

P.S.: How do I post a picture? I'm computer challenged. Thanks.