{"id":2107,"date":"2026-02-02T03:48:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T03:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spokesandshoes.com\/wordpress\/?p=2107"},"modified":"2026-02-02T03:48:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T03:48:34","slug":"196-from-santa-ana-to-pomona-and-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spokesandshoes.com\/wordpress\/2026\/02\/196-from-santa-ana-to-pomona-and-return\/","title":{"rendered":"#196 From Santa Ana to Pomona and return"},"content":{"rendered":"
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#196 From Santa Ana to Pomona and return<\/h1>\n
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Intro<\/h3>\n

Day 196, and the road continues to surprise me. After yesterday\u2019s stretch, I found myself drawn to the nearby community of Pomona, a short detour from my resting place in Santa Ana. There was a quiet curiosity about what I might discover, a feeling of openness to the day\u2019s unfolding.<\/p>\n

Ride Overview<\/h3>\n

Today\u2019s loop covered 36.17 kilometers with an elevation gain of 448.81 meters, mostly on excellent paved roads. The weather started partly cloudy, a gentle warmth, though it turned to rain later. The route duration was 347 minutes, with about 190 minutes in motion, averaging a relaxed 11.39 km\/h. What struck me again was the unexpected quality of the infrastructure in this part of Amazonica.<\/p>\n

Highlights<\/h3>\n

The ride itself was mostly flat and smooth, a welcome change after some tougher stretches. It led me through vibrant green landscapes, with the promise of views. And views there were, plenty of them. My first stop was at Hosteria Altos del Pastaza, where the terraces, complete with Roman-style railings, offered a spectacular panorama of the winding Pastaza river below. It was here I first met a group of tourists from nearby Puyo.<\/p>\n

Later, at an observation tower, I encountered them again. They were quite taken aback by my ambition to cycle all the way to Ushuaia. Below the tower, they invited me to share a freshly made sugarcane juice from a small tienda, a sweet gesture I returned with some garlic bread and olives from my own supplies. These small, human connections are often the most memorable parts of the journey.<\/p>\n

On the way back, Mirador Indichuris called to me. Climbing the staircase, I was met with an incredible scene: a front-open bar, a row of twenty hammocks suspended at the cliff's edge, all overlooking the vast, endless jungle. A short wooden boardwalk, adorned with flowers, jutted out into the air. I savored an ice cream from the bar\u2019s freezer and took the chance to launch my drone, capturing the incredible scale of it all. Even the bridge, "Puente de las Boas," was a highlight, its covered sidewalks and roof resembling a giant Amazonian Boa, winding its way over each portal.<\/p>\n

After the ride, back at Anita's, dinner was a delight. She made something resembling a goulash \u2013 beef in small, tender pieces, but no bell peppers or chunks, served with oat pancakes. It was a perfect, comforting meal. Anita joined me, and I tried to teach her some dinner-related German words, sharing laughter across the table.<\/p>\n

Lowlights<\/h3>\n

The last four kilometers were a damp affair. A gentle drizzle began, steadily building into a heavier rain. I was incredibly grateful for my rain poncho, which kept me mostly dry. Without it, I would have been completely soaked by the time I reached Anita\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

Overnight<\/h3>\n

I stayed at Hostal Anita, which is more like a family home. It felt less like a hostel and more like being a guest in someone's home. The warmth of Anita's hospitality, the comfort of a dry bed, and the delicious home-cooked meal made it a true sanctuary after a day of discovery.<\/p>\n

Reflection<\/h3>\n

Today confirmed for me that some of the greatest joys of this journey aren't found in pushing the limits of endurance, but in the small, unexpected detours and the kindness of strangers. It was a day of sensory richness \u2013 stunning views, sweet juice, comforting food, and the unique architecture of a bridge. Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found when you simply allow yourself to be present and open to what unfolds.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Route summary<\/h2>\n