Mountain Biking Down the World’s Most Dangerous Road
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The World’s Most Dangerous Road
Bolivia’s Yungas Road is officially known as the most dangerous road in the world. Even locals say their prayers before attempting to tackle this ever-windy cliff side road due to the lack of road side barriers.
You drive on the right hand side here in Bolivia, but not on Yungas Road. Drivers are required to drive on the left hand side in order to be able to steer their vehicles as close to the cliffs edge as possible when an oncoming truck or bus approaches.
The Statistics
- Some of the cliff drop offs are said to be up to 1,830 ft.
- On 24 July 1983, a bus veered off the Yungas Road and into a canyon, killing more than 100 passengers.
- In 1994, 26 vehicles went over the edge – an average of one every two weeks.
- In 1995, the Inter-American Development Bank listed the road as the most dangerous on earth.
- Due to the Danger, Yungas Road became a popular tourist destination in the 1990s, drawing some 25,000 thrillseekers.
- Estimates say that between 200-300 travelers were killed on this road each year.
- At least 18 cyclists have died on Yungas Road since 1998.
- Most of Yunas road is no wider than 3.2 metres (10 ft).
Due to the fact that the words “The World’s Most Dangerous…” with any word on the end seems to attract the adrenaline seekers out there, there are now several companies that offer mountain biking trips down Bolivia’s infamous Death Road.
Check out the video below to see what it’s like to Mountain Bike down “The World’s Most Dangerous Road!”
Video courtesy of: Steven Shoppman
That looks terrifying, though I guess it’s ok to cycle as long as their is no oncoming traffic.
Robin recently posted..100 Top Travel Blogs based on Traffic
Haha, true!
Ahhhh I wanted to do this SO bad when I was in Bolivia. But of course I go and break my ankle a week before. My ex did it and on his trip an Israeli fell off the side of the road and broke his neck. My ex came home like 4 hours later than he was supposed to and I was worried sick. He said that he was trying to help save the Israeli. Crazy!!!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..FAQ’s About My Upcoming Wedding Part 3
I’ll second Gareth, you really do have a great story for every where Andi! Haha. Let’s plan a trip there and do it! ;)
That’s pretty bad ass. This is definitely on my list of things to do while I’m down here in South America.
Andi, you have a great story for everywhere! Haha
Gareth Leonard recently posted..UNDER CONSTRUCTION – A LOOK BACK
Man I can’t tell you how much I want to do this! Looks like so much fun. Plus, how many people can say they’ve done something crazy like that, right!?
We are totally doing this when we are in Bolivia. I can’t wait!
Erica recently posted..Travel Photography – The Grand Canyon
Wow, a thrilling mountain bike road indeed! The word dangerous makes me want to ride it more!
Sonya recently posted..Austria’s Gastro Ski World Cup
I am an avid mountain biker and know the risks involved, last year I actually broke my shoulder on a trail. This looks nuts even to me, but I gotta say given the chance I would definitely go. So why didn’t you go during you time there? Any plans in the near future?
Hi Matt, yeah it does look pretty nuts huh? I actually have never been to Bolivia, I was only highlighting a cool adventure that’s all. I hope to get there one day and take down that trail though!