The last few days have been really hectic, I lost my bag on a crazy bus ride then after much negotiation got it back and landed in La Paz. Stayed at a sweet hostel called Adventure Brew Hostel which has a brewery inside the hostel. Met up with some travelers from Ireland and we went to a local pub. Had great food then hit the sack. Next day I hit the Black Market and bought a pair of Nike sweatpants, a backpack, pair of sunglasses, and a new camera. I´m such an American!

Yesterday I biked down the world´s most dangerous road through a company called Gravity on a sweet $1,500 mountain bike with disc brake and front shocks. First, we tried to leave La Paz and couldn´t because La Paz had blocked the roads becaue of a strike, so we took off over the side of the mountain on a "shortcut" that supposedly got us around the blockade. A few hours later and many almost disasters, we routed the locals and were on our way, albeit late.

When we arrived at the top of the world´s most dangerous road, it was freezing and foggy. So freezing and foggy that my pants were wet and my glasses covered in dew/ice. First, before we set off, we offered a sacrifice to Pacha Mama by pouring 96% alcohol on our tire and then taking a shot. It was excrutiating. The start of the road is a 19Km paved road that is straight downhill, we reached speeds of 50Km/H, which is darn fast on a mountain bike in freezing temps with fog so thick you cant see 10 ft in front of you!

We reached the gravel road in about an hour and from there is was all bumpy, rough riding. Flying downhill on a narrow road filled with loose gravel is a rush I can´t expain. Also the 400meter dropoff added to the suspense as well! I almost went off the side 5 times and pretty much just got lucky. I took the lead most of the time and went a fast as the bike could go. It warmed up half way down and it was hot! I shed my layers then finished up just in time, I dont think my hands could have taken any more bumps.

The buffet was great, then our group sat around and talked for a few hours. The bus ride back was a grueling 4 hours, and when we arrived John and James from Ireland accompanied me to Burger King for some greasy late night food.