Didn't do much in Barichara, I arrived late and by the time I got settled I was done for the day. The plan for the day is to ride to Duitama through the mountains. The map I have isn't very detailed and my gps isn't displaying anything in that area. Oh well.

Departing Barichara, town square:
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

I got on a dirt road just out of San Gil and headed east towards Mogotes and meet a couple guys on small motorcycles. I told them my plan and they said to follow them. The road looked good on google earth however, it was rough. We went a few miles and then they stopped at an intersection. They went and spoke with a local guy and then told me we needed to take the path to the right. I wanted to keep going to Mogotes but they said I wouldn't be able to make it to Duitama that way due to some bad spots in the road. Anyway, we took a path through the woods. If I was alone I never would have chanced it. The trail was just big enough for a four wheeler. we rode about three miles and came out on dirt road and then came to a paved road. They told me it would be paved until I got into the higher mountains and this would be my best route.

From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

The road was good for the most part however as I started to climb it started to deteriorate. There were quite a few spots like this however I thought this one was quite funny.
From September 26, 2013

It's safe, they have caution tape that reads, Danger don't pass.
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

Water stop. The pavement had ended a ways back and it was a welcome break. The road is getting rough. I don't remember the name of the village however everyone was very friendly and genuinely concerned. The young ones were fascinated with the moto and my story.
From September 26, 2013

In the small towns I often let the kids sit on the moto and take photo's.
From September 26, 2013

I'm really starting to climb and the road is not looking good. I stopped on this bridge for a water break.
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

Break. The road is getting worse lots of steep turns and sharp rocks. I'm at 7,400 ft at this point. Lots of slow standing up riding.
From September 26, 2013

A sign! I was told back at the village I was two hours from Duitama and I've riding for about an hour. All is good. The road to Belen was very rocky and very steep, I was thinking I'm glad I don't have to take that route.
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

I went a mile and half and met this. I was told I would have to take the mountain road that goes to Belen in order to get to Duitama. It would be a two hour ride
I was about to hit reserve on the fuel and the workers told me that back at the red house I could get some gas.
The man of the house got a gallon of gas for me while his wife took the money while she was breast feeding. I really wanted to take a photo however, I really needed the gas.
From September 26, 2013

The house at the intersection is just visible in the lower center of the photo. The road is very steep with lots of rocks. This was the first place I felt comfortable stopping knowing I could get going again easily.
From September 26, 2013

Getting near the top:
From September 26, 2013

Fewer trees:
From September 26, 2013

I don't think they get many visitors:
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

The land and animals here belonged to this guy. He has lived here all is life.
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

At the summit:
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

The road from here down was great.
From September 26, 2013

A village, I've been riding for almost three hours from the place I got the gallon of gas.
From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

From September 26, 2013

Just as I reached the town of Belen, it started raining.
From September 26, 2013

It was one of the best days of riding I've done. Colombia is a beautiful country and it seems each day there is something more spectacular to experience. The people are very friendly and helpful. Life is Good!

Song of the day: End of The Line, The Traveling Wilburys
(I meant to put this song in my blog into as my theme song)