Colombia by bike
17 January 2018 | By Marieke |
We meet up again with Bertrand at Medellin in Colombia, famous for being the most dangerous city in the world. From the 80s to 2000, the city was affected by violence and acts of revenge. Today the city is much more peaceful and young people use street art and hip hop to give energy and happiness to the Comuna 13 area, particularly affected by these difficult times.
After one month in Colombia, it’s time to get back on the road with bike and STD 100 trailer in the direction of Quito in Ecuador.
On the road, Bertrand meets lots of trucks towing at least 4 trailers each. They are filled with sugar cane to be transformed into organic fuel. Teams spend their day on the side of the road waiting for these trucks so they can close the road to other users and let the pass through.
On the famous Panamérica, Bertrand also comes accross roadblocks organised by the indigenous people of the South of Colombia (Naza people). Treaties were signed between these people and the state and were not always respected. This kind of event happens from time to time at special dates.
“You need to negotiate at each roackblock with people armed with machetes, hoods and shovels, in order to pass through. It’s quite hard for about 2 days. Unfortunately I’m not allowed to take pictures as they threaten to seize my camera.”
Luckily, the bike and the trailer help to communicate with these people.
To be noted on this trip :
