Suitable for:

Individuals with good to great fitness, with intermediate to expert riding skills. Due to the variable nature of maintenance on this trail it is possible that the bikes will have to be carried through some sections.

Description:

During 2002 the Jungle Rail Trail was comprehensively overhauled and was in the best condition we have ever seen it. Despite that, the December/January rainy season has caused further degradation of the trail. As such we will have an early start and jeep to the head of the trail at the small truckstop of Chuspipata (3,000m/9,800 feet). From Chuspipata we cycle past the railway station, which marks the start of the section of railway line we bike along. This railway line has been abandoned for decades, but recent maintenance has had the objective of opening it as an alternative trekking, biking and motor biking route to Coroico ... luckily for us there has been no real promotion of the route so we are unlikely to see anyone else out there!

The first section is serious cross-country style riding with exhilarating downhill stretches interrupted by strenuous uphill slogs. Being a railway bed the gradient never gets too tough, but the riding surface is often rough making traction difficult.

Once we reach the pass (which overlooks Coroico) we will bomb down some super-rough and rocky sections, before the trail smooths out again. It's mostly downhill from here, with only a few small but steep uphills to interrupt the flow in a mind-blowing 30 km (19 miles) of double-track descent rapidly losing 1,600m (5,250 feet) of vertical elevation ... a total blast!!

As we near the end of the ride the scenery opens out and we enter a section of rural settlements. From here we descend fast gravel roads to Yolosa (1,100m/3,600 feet) to grab a well-earned beer. From Yolosa we can either return directly to La Paz by jeep or drive 7 km (4 miles) up to Coroico (1,600m/5,250 feet). Once in Coroico you can stay overnight and spend time relaxing by the pool, enjoying a meal and a cold beer, and the magnificent scenery.

Other Options:

It is possible to add various extra sections to the start and the end to make the adventure a 2-day ride, with camping in the jungle at the end of the first day.

Total Time Required: 12-14 hours (return to La Paz)

Approximate Riding Time: 5-7 hours, depending on trail conditions and group fitness

Approximate Downhill: 70%