January 16, 2014:
Got started on the days ride a bit later than what I planned but hey, it really doesn't matter and I'm not sure I even have a plan. I met a guy while fueling and he mentioned that Route 24 through the mountains to Popayan is a very scenic and worth taking. Sounded good!

Magdalena River:
From Neiva to Popayan

From Neiva to Popayan

Just outside of La Plata the pavement ends and for the next 65 miles the rock and potholed road winds into the mountains reaching 11,285 ft and then down into Popayan. Due to the harsh road condition it took me 3.5 hours to ride the 65 miles, my biggest concern was puncturing a tire. The views along the route were fantastic even with the clouds and overcast. In hind sight I should have stayed in La Plata and rode this section in the morning when the weather would have been better and I would have had more time to stop.

From Neiva to Popayan

From Neiva to Popayan

Many small diary farms along the road:
From Neiva to Popayan

Santa Leticia:
From Neiva to Popayan

From Neiva to Popayan

From Neiva to Popayan

From Neiva to Popayan

11,285 feet:
From Neiva to Popayan

From Neiva to Popayan

Water fall:
From Neiva to Popayan

From Neiva to Popayan

Once I reached pavement again I had another issue to deal with. There had been a lot of land slides and for 15 miles or so the road was mostly one lane with a layer of slippery clay covering it. It was like riding on ice with lots of traffic. Reached Popayan just before dark, 173 miles in just over eight hours.