Two Days in One...

As in two posts in one.  Day 9 proved to be a very challenging day in many areas.  The first problem occurred when the camera on Julie's phone malfunctions and she was unable to get it working again.  This has been the method of sending us updates so we were "in the dark" on that front.  Secondly, they road conditions proved to be a hazard for the cyclists (shoulder turning to grass and gravel and places with 10 inch drop-offs) so after around 120 km and with 100 km still to go before reaching a place to stay and the sun rapidly setting, they decided, for safety reasons, to load up the bikes and drive to Tres Lagoas.  They were able to rest up a bit and started off this morning for another long day.

Day 10 saw them from Tres Lagoas to Aracatuba, a 130 km ride.  Again it was a very hilly ride and appears it will be that way for the remainder of the trip.  The up side is that they have now entered the State of Sao Paulo (just realized I have been spelling this wrong the whole time) and are riding on a brand new highway with about a lane's worth of shoulder.  This will allow for a less stressful ride although terrain will remain hilly from here on out.  For those of you who think this is all just fun for them, I have been assured it is not.  Fun, yes. All fun, not even close.  Here is a look at day 10.

Entering Sao Paulo

They stopped for a rest in the shade outside of a police station.  After seeing what they were up to, the officer had them in for cafezhino (brazilian style coffee) which you will find anywhere you visit.

Mario sitting down for breakfast

Fresh coconut water to rehydrate

They met the guy in grey on the road and he said he has been on the road for a few months now.  He left from Lima, Peru with a final destination of Sao Paulo as well.

Van transportation.  This is what it looks like with ten in the vehicle.  Three up front, five in the middle and two in the back with the supplies. The end of day 10, driving around town.

Tomorrow they ride from Aracatuba to Bauru, a 200 km day.  At this point they have approximately 1580 km or 987.5 mi.  And for those of you who still want to donate to the cause, act now while there are still kilometers to go!