02/19/24 Pasó de Cortez

February 19, 2024

A tough but rewarding day

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It took me close to 10 hours to make the climb up the pass. Initially I’d pedal and pause, pedal and pause, then as I got more and more tired I’d pedal and nap, pedal and nap. It got very steep around 11,000 feet and I simply couldn’t pedal anymore and walked until the grade dropped below 10%. I expected it to be a tough day and it was, but the up close volcano views made it worth the effort.

One of several roadside stands. Normally only open on weekends, but many were open today as well in the hopes of higher than normal traffic heading up to the fresh snow

Some flowers which I admired during one of my many breathers

12% grade, I dismounted and walked half a mile after my heart rate went through the roof

Near the top, I stopped here for a coke and quesadilla

Unmanned entrance to Iztaccíhuatl - Popocatépetl National Park

The sign says Pasó de Cortez underneath all the stickers

Iztaccíhuatl up close. It is a popular hike up to the summit

There was a taco stand open at the top but I wasn’t hungry. I had noodles because drinking the broth was pleasant in cold and I figured I’d wake up hungry if I didn’t eat something

I watched it puff until the cold drove me into my tent

Today's ride: 15 miles (24 km)
Total: 1,944 miles (3,129 km)

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Patrick O'HaraNice work! Kudos!
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2 months ago