Dennis Dawson and Bob Andrews are heading off to cycle South America. 53303
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
THE Warby Ghost Riders are heading off to tackle the towering peaks of the Andes in South America.
Their first overseas trip in 2006, which took in China, the Himalayas and eastern Europe, was such a success, cyclists are this week setting off on a new challenge.
The group will spend 20 days trekking and cycling from Cusco to the “lost city” of Machu Picchu. They will cycle across the Inca Salt pans, through the Sacred Valley and trek along the Urubamba River to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The trek will also take in Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon – the highest navigable lake and the deepest canyon in the world.
Warby Ghost Riders organiser Dennis Dawson said cycling was a great way to see the world and be part of it.
“People in third world countries relate to you better, because you’re travelling on their level,” he said.
“When you’re on a bike you’re conscious of everything – smells, sights, sounds – and you become attuned to your environment.”
Mr Dawson said there were eight cyclists going to Peru, who have had 12 months of “training, preparation, participation, and anticipation”, including lessons in basic Spanish.
Mr Dawson said he was quite surprised when British mountaineer Simon Yates asked to join the Ghost Riders on their trip.
He said Mr Yates must think the group was a bit wild, enjoying high adrenaline activities, but rather the cyclists were looking forward to appreciating the beautiful surroundings.
Mr Yates became well known in a 2003 documentary based on Touching the Void, a book by his former climbing partner Joe Simpson.
Mr Dawson said the high altitude cycling could be difficult, but there would be time to acclimatise before cycling.
“Mountain climbing can be exhausting even though you cover less distance,” he said.
The Warby Ghost Riders cycle the Warburton Trail Ride every Thursday, starting at Woori Yallock at noon.
