Sunday, January 3, 2016

Vietnam Tour: Day 10 (30th Aug) Phan Rung to Da Lat

I started way before sunrise, the counter staff were like wth? I knew it was gonna be difficult day of climbing. It was so cooling, and heading up towards to mountain with a feeling of excitement and dread. Just before climbing, the road became dirt paths.


I was to be going up those Himalayan mountains, haha.


The first kilometre of climbing, cool views



The road was so bumpy that my ass was sore very quickly, look at the winding climbs, turns after turns, if i were to describe torture, it would be riding up this. Also notice there is so shade on the road, whenever there was, i was zigzagging riding towards shade. Andddd I went out of water.

I got chased by dogs, 1 2 3 times. I stopped by a unmanned shop. Wanted to get water, ask if anyone was around, no reply. So i left, in first gear I wanted to spin up to change, so I spun up fast, only to be charged but a huge black beast, its one of those dogs that looked they took steroids. No kidding. I shouted, "SIT!" to no avail, and got ready to spray water at the dog, except i didn't have any.

I didn't accelerate, I didn't have the legs honestly, so I kept my pace and shouting, then a 2nd dog joined in. Oh great. They eventually stopped and I continued. Albeit with my heart beating a little faster.


Even the good view were no consolation, i was using my last gear available and it was to be on this gear pretty much the rest of the way. What a grind.

Need water. I finally found a lady selling coffee at the top. So overpriced but I had little choice. Thirst quenched! 

Finally a glimpse of some civilization, and the weather.. Torture me slowly.  

Much needed lunch break!

That's how they store their tissue!



The trees here a little different from the bottom of the road, what a different vibe. The weather cooler and it made climbing bearable.




A dirt path I was so tempted to go, there were even sounds of a waterfall! But with no legs and time, I had to push on.

Of course it was to rain me.

Somewhere here 2 guys on a motorbiked rode beside me and shaked my hand, they indicated that they would pull me up. Partly afraid they will gonna make me pay and partly because I wanted to complete this epic climb I politely declined. They looked at me in disbelief, it gave me strength!


Half rain half shine






Another small village i passed, they whole village must be here! I was was pretty lively!








Looks like a World War truck!

There goes the last light.

A clear indication the town is approaching and the climate here very good for flowers!

Fully dark now, laughing Buddha welcomes all.

I can't tell you when good this was, and so, cheap.


The last view I saw before heading into town. Those are lights for each green house growing flowers. That is some tech! A makes for a good night view.


Da lat!

After the mad 10-15% climbs I take a bit to find Dream Hotel 2 and have a much needed rest and shower.

Distance today: 108km
Elevation today: 2207metres (Shut up legs)
Distance to date: 969km
No. of punctures to date: 1

Just a note, 2207 elevation is like climbing Mount Faber 27 times except I had to cover 100km as well. This had to be my most epic climb to date.