One of the major, if not the major, tourist attractions in La Pas is the Death Road. The Wikipedia piece below explains what it is all about.
As the piece notes, the road gets its name as a result of the number of deaths that occur from trucks and other vehicles going over the edge each year – between 200 to 300 fatalities per year.
A number of operators
It is now a very popular route for mountain bike (MTB) riders. I booked an excursion with a company called Altitude. There were a number of people in the hostel that were booked with same company.
We loaded into a mini bus and headed out of La Pas. It is a seriously congested city and it look us ages to travel out of the built up area. Finally we were clear of the city and climbing quickly. We passed a hydroelectricity dam and some small farms with lamas being tended over by shepherds (or whatever people how look after lamas are called).
Very cold and snowing
We finally arrived at point where the driving stopped and the riding was to begin. This was next to a natural lake. It was very cold with snow flurries. Our guides gave us a safety briefing and we put on our protective clothing. Unsurprisingly it took some time to find a helmet that could accommodate my very large head.
The only Oldie
Our bus was joined by two others, making up about thirty in our group. Looking around, I realised that I was the only person over thirty. In fact, nearly everyone was in their early twenties.
Tarmac road
We headed off. The first part of the ride was on tarmac road. The snow turned to fine drizzle and then into quite heavy rain. Riding on this ride gave me the opportunity to lock into my brain that the right brake lever controls the rear brake. This is the reverse of my bike.
After about 15 kilometres we stopped for some breakfast. We also had to pay 25 boliviano for a park entrance fee. Why this was not simply included in the price of the excursion, I will never know.
After breakfast, we got back into the mini bus for a short ride up a bit of a hill.
On the actual Death Road
We had finally arrived at the start of the Death Road’. This required another safety briefing, including the sensible advise that: “if you have to stop any reason, put your foot on the hill side of the bike”.
Lots of trucks and vans
As we ventured off, we came across a relatively large number of trucks and cars. At one point we all had to press up against the side of the cliff as two trucks passed us. Check out the Flickr link.
There were also bikes from other Altitude groups and other operators. Throw in a few motorbikes, and we had one very busy road.
It is easy to see how large trucks and other motor vehicle fall off the edge.
Stop to take photos
After a while we stopped for photos. This is a point where cliff is sheer. It is a great photo opportunity, however, on this day, the weather was not too flash. We sat on the side of the road with our legs over the cliff for a group shot. A German bloke sitting near to me didn’t like this at all. He suffered from vertigo and was close to fainting.
Girl takes a fall
Not long after the photos, we came across a fallen rider from another group. It was a girl, who had fallen heavily and managed to bite her lip. There was a lot of blood and tears.
Check point
We made very good pace to a checkpoint, where we had yet another stop. The temperature had increased dramatically. We had dropped a lot of metres over the 50 or so kilometres that we had travelled so far.
Steep downhill
From the check point we took and much rougher road that at points, was close to being ‘single’ track. It was much steeper than the previous part of the road and there were no trucks or cars. Albeit it was steep, the drops on the side were not sheer. From and riding point of view, this was the best part of the trip.
Group Photos
Again the pace was good as we made our decent. Some of the party were a bit slow, but that didn’t slow the rest of us down.
It was not long before was reached the end of the ride. It was a relief to take off the protective clothing in the heat.
We were given out T shirts and assembled for group photos.
Late Lunch and Showers at Hotel
Next stop was a hotel where we were able to take a shower.
We were also given lunch, which was pretty good.
It was interesting talking to the other riders. They had some very interesting things to say about their experiences travelling in central and South America. I found their comments on ‘so illicit drugs, including cocaine, very interesting. One newly graduated Swedish Doctor, clearly did believe in the war on drugs.
Very long trip back to La Pas
The trip back to La Pas was on the ‘new’ road. It is all tarmac, but very busy. The 95 kilometres took for ever.
As we entered the city, the traffic was worse than we left. We found out that cause was a football match. Playing football at such a high altitude must take some doing.
Check out the Garmin Link for the details of the descent.
The Flickr videos and photos are courtesy of the tour operator. They use a basic camera, but you get an idea of what the ride is like.
Flickr Links
Video
To be included when the internet speeds permit.
Photos
https://www.flickr.com/gp/twwilko_photos/5d6dDb
Garmin Link
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/768552887
Wikipedia Link
billrider2013 
brutal..