Day 909 15th January 2019
61 miles ( Beting Lintang to Kuala Terengganu) Average speed 13.4 mph Top speed 21 mph
Despite being in a double bed with all mod cons I didn’t sleep well and was awake reading from about 4 am.
I got up at 9 and had several coffees in my room with kettle and a chocolate bun. I cleaned my bike with a power hose and cleaned the chain, showered and left at 11.15. I took the road opposite the chalets and passed lots of family houses as I’d already seen the other two roads. Then I rejoined the main road T3. With a tail wind I was flying along saying good morning to many lizards, goats, monkeys and cows along the way. After an hour I was averaging above 15 mph and carried on until I arrived at the beach where I had Nasi Ayam ( chicken and rice) but served with salad and 3 sauces, all for 5 ringgit as the iced tea was free. So I topped up my water bottles with iced water and continued onwards.
Beautiful beach
It was good to be beside the sea but the beaches were full of plastic and rubbish. Once again with wind behind me I flew along and only just had time to wave to the many kids and adults who were saying hi. I needed a few drinks stops as it was very hot again today and my legs now are three tones, brown, red and white under the shorts. I went to a big supermarket to have an energy drink and buy toothpaste and a rest. There were some great roads alongside the beach and I only had to wait for the occasional herd of cows or goats, but on one I found myself having to go through a ford across a river. I didn’t have enough speed to get through and ended up having to pedal but although my feet were fully submerged they dried out in no time and it was quite refreshing.
Ford
I was getting a bit tired and hot but stopped off at a racetrack to look for some horses but no meetings coming up,
No racing yet
so it was on through lots of small seaside villages and I stopped at one for a big tea ice. It’s much better value than supermarkets and I get to fill up my water bottles with ice for one ringgit, while listening to the waves. I considered stopping by the beach especially when I saw the happy endings holiday home!! I took a wrong turn at the airport and had to backtrack and say hi to the people I had already said hi to but I was soon at the airport just as a plane was landing and dumping its fuel, so my eyes were stinging from the kerosene.
The bridge is still being built
Next up was a new road with signs to puset bander (town centre) but as I got to the new bridge across the port it wasn’t finished, so I had to return to find the ferry. The boat I needed was at the end of the departure steps but he came around to pick me up and another skipper helped me carry the bike down the steps. I stood on the front of the boat holding the bike as it could easily have fallen in if I hadn’t.
Keeping hold of my bike on the ferry
The crossing didn’t take long and we avoided a sailing dingy. At the other end was a ramp so I enjoyed cycling onto land. I looked for a bike shop to replace the adapter I lost on the beach yesterday, but it was a trendy cycle cafe without much gear for sale. I felt the need for a beer so found my way to Chinatown and enjoyed a much deserved tiger, before going to the Space Inn hostel. They had a special deal on and despite having to carry my bike up stairs I only had to pay 19 ringgit and the owner even carried my bags up for me!! Now enjoying chicken noodles and another tiger.
Any excuse to celebrate with a beer!
It’s been two great days of cycling covering 120 miles and I look forward meeting my Warmshowers host Tok tomorrow. I know I had a few months off in the UK catching up with family but it’s still 900 days since I left so worth celebrating.
Hostel space inn. 19 ringgit in 12 bed dorm with aircon and plugs and lights next to bed.