Roads are one of the key elements of civilization. They serve to keep people in touch, to spread culture, and to commerce goods. Deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, there was a vast network of roads that connected the highlands with the coast. It was created long before Spaniards, or even the Incas, arrived in Ecuador. These narrow and twisty roads were indispensable for commerce until the conquest when they were forgotten and got lost in the middle of the forest. Only in the first half of the past century, some of these roads were rediscovered by farmers that, because of the ban to produce and sell alcohol, became smugglers. After some years of use, these roads were abandoned yet again.
Enter the mountain bike.
One of the last trails of this kind, known as "culuncos", narrow tracks reminiscent of toboggans with big walls covered in moss and ferns, is now the famous Mama Rumi. The trail features 12 km of technical terrain, with big rocks and slimy roots, that drops almost 2,000 meters. It begins above 2,800 meters above sea level and it is lined by a humid montane forest that changes quickly into a subtropical forest full of big trees, moss, and critters. The trail itself is a bliss to ride, with natural jumps, berms, and steep rock gardens. Then, add some fast sections full of bumps and holes. To finish, a series of steep chutes and switchbacks crossing sugar cane and banana plantations lead to the small town of Telimbela, where you will be welcomed by a cold river and a tasty meal. Now, race it.
Because of the tight nature of the trail, the fastest riders start first. For day 1, the original Mama Rumi trail is raced and the times decide the starting order of the next day. Then, an alternate trail is used in the lower third of the route and times are added.
Beneath the clouds lies one of the best trails in Ecuador.
RESULTS
Men1. Mario Jarrin
2. Luciano de Neufville
3. Alan Jaramillo
Women1. Diana Marggraff
2. Julia Lasso
3. Daniela Costa