Intro

Today, March 9th, 2026, was a designated rest day, a necessary pause in the rhythm of daily pedaling. It felt good to wake without the immediate pressure of packing panniers and consulting maps. My mood was one of quiet curiosity, eager to explore possibilities for the journey ahead rather than the immediate path beneath my wheels.

Ride Overview

No kilometres were logged today, no elevation conquered. Instead, the day was spent mostly indoors, a welcome break from the persistent sun, though the weather outside was mostly sunny and mild. This was a day for mental miles, for plotting and dreaming, with the internet as my main conduit to the world.

Highlights

My morning was consumed by the digital exploration of Peru. I delved deep into maps and travel blogs, researching sights like the Nazca Lines, the Colca Canyon, and various smaller Andean towns that might be reachable by bicycle. It was a fascinating exercise, piecing together a rough route that felt both ambitious and achievable, imagining the dusty roads and vibrant markets.

Over lunch time, I tackled the mundane but necessary task of my 2025 tax report. It’s a strange feeling, to be thousands of kilometres from home, yet still tethered to such administrative duties. The satisfaction of prefilling almost 95% of it, getting things in order, was surprisingly grounding. It felt like clearing a small mental obstacle, making space for the road ahead.

Later, I found a quiet corner and called Peter, a dear friend of my father’s, whom I affectionately call my “uncle” in Germany. He’s a keen cyclist himself, and our conversations are always a blend of shared passion and mutual encouragement. It was a grounding exchange, good to hear a familiar voice and talk about something other than the immediate challenges of the road.

Lowlights

I had planned to buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen at the harbour for dinner. I walked down, enjoying the coastal air, but after waiting about fifteen minutes, the boats hadn’t come in, or at least not the ones selling directly. My patience, perhaps dulled by the day’s relaxed pace, wore thin, and I left empty-handed. A small disappointment, but nothing more.

Overnight

I stayed at Hospedaje Cabo Blanco in my flat. It’s a simple, comfortable place, a haven of quiet after the bustling streets. The balcony overlooking the ocean felt like a small oasis, offering shelter from the desert sun and a sense of community with other travelers. It was exactly what I needed: a place to spread out my maps and feel truly at rest.

Reflection

Today confirmed the importance of these pauses, not just for physical recovery but for mental renewal. Stepping away from the immediate grind allows for a broader perspective, for the kind of dreaming and planning that fuels the next stage of the adventure. It’s not always about the kilometres covered, but the intent behind them. I left the day feeling content, ready for whatever Peru might have in store.

Route summary

• Date: 09.03.2026