Day 1064 19th June 2019
49 miles ( Danong to phu Loc ) Average speed 10.5 mph
What a great day of ups and downs!
I got up late after last night’s party on the beach.
I went for breakfast at 9 after going to an atm for cash. I bought two banh my from next to the mart I was at last night, where I met a new friend from Saigon bikers, who gave me a Velcro badge. I had one banh my at the coffee shop next door with iced coffee and then went back to pack and shower. The receptionist was very friendly and wished me well.
I hit the road knowing that a climb was imminent but found a road to cross to the main road. I also found a great waterfall/ river to swim in with some friendly locals.
Lovely river
Then I started the climb at midday in the heat. At the top as I tried to get to the main road a security guard told me I could not go any further and needed to go back and join the main road up. I chose to ignore him, though the road ahead was closed, so climbed up the embankment and lifted the bike over the guard rail onto to the road. I was soon thwarted by another guard who informed me that no bikes were allowed in the tunnel. I took some time debating what to do while a third guard offered me water and shade. I considered hitch hiking to get a lift through the tunnel, but as I have never done this before, unless physically impossible I decided to go back the way I’d just climbed and start again on the other much tougher road. In all this cost me two hours but at least I had a swim!!!
I ate my second banh my with two expensive cans of revive at 20000 each. I knew they were ripping me off as I hadn’t even started to climb but I had to pay up. At least I made their patio dirty by cleaning my chain and wiping my greasy hands on a cloth! Then it was uphill all the way for about 8 miles. There were lots of Europeans cheering me on from their motos. Some Americans said I should be very proud, but I wouldn’t feel that until I reached the top. I only stopped twice, once at a leaky water pipe for a shower and once for another shower and a coke where the owner gave me some pineapple and I filled my bottles with ice.
A fortunate stop for a cooling shower
When I finally reached the top I was met by hundreds of tourists getting off their coaches to take some photos and have a drink as they were so tired from their coach ride up!!! It felt good to have got there by my own steam and sweat. At least I deserved my cold drink!! I donned my helmet once again for the descent, thanks to Lee for the gift back in Pontian.
The view from the top of the climb
Preparing for the descent
The road down was variable to say the least but at least there was not much traffic and I went twenty minutes before anybody passed me. It was good fun dodging potholes and different surfaces, sometimes on the wrong side of the road; if it’s good enough for the locals then it’s fine by me!! I was buzzing by the time I reached the bottom and I felt great for the next few flat miles, but needed a wash and a cold sugar cane drink to keep me going. I stopped at a garage for a toilet break and then continued, singing as I went. I’m sure the people all think I’m mad: what with talking to animals and singing buffalo soldier as I progressed. I had at least found a motel to stay at even if I hadn’t researched the tunnel!!!
I checked in after a refreshing drink in local shop and then while I waited for the boiler to heat up I went back for a beer! After a shower I ventured down to the main road for a magnificent seafood dinner and watched as the restaurants tried to lure people in with a torch!! Three beers, sardines, prawns, rice and veg for just 85000. Delicious.
A much-needed dinner and beer
Hotel huang Cuc 200000.