Panama City + Trip Stats

The city is mostly comprised of two distinctive parts when looking at it from a distance — 1. the crusty and colorful older neighborhoods lined with beautiful colonial architecture and remnants of retro Panamericana; and 2. the massive business district skyline. We decided to spend our time in the older parts of town and wander the colorful, cultural maze of people, food and bustle. I figured we were out of the tourist zone when within two blocks I was propositioned by someone I wasn’t sure was a man or woman, and we were told by a bum, ‘I wouldn’t go down that street.’ Walking another 3 blocks, we were comforted by expensive cafés and water front shops. That is kind of how Panama City is… many faces and an ever-changing landscape of sights and experiences (see photos below).

Also, here are some trip stats:

• Total Distance:4,617.68 km / 2,869.29 m
• Total ascent (climbing): 101,027 ft (prior to losing altimeter in Northern Costa Rica)
• Biggest climbing day: 7,024 ft ascending
• Longest day: 125.8 km / 78.2 m
• Shortest day: 9 km / 5.6 m
• Top speed: 68.4 km/h / 42.5 mph
• Falls: 21
• Flat tires: 14
• Most food eaten in 1 day:I think this did it.
• Other touring cyclists we met: 16