Friday 14 April 2017

Day 2: Cho Ben to Cam Thuy

Day 2 of the 2017 H2H ride is now complete with our intrepid group finding itself in the small town of Cam Thuy - Hanoi is now 160km in our wake. Today kicked off with the daily stretching routine, expertly coordinated by Rhiannon and Travis; followed (for most) by a hearty noodle breakfast in Cho Ben washed down with some Vietnamese coffee that could have woken the dead.


We were on the road for 8.30AM on an 80KM ride that offered some stunning scenery: rolling rice paddies, flowing rivers and beautiful limestone outcrops. Besides a slight headwind the weather was near perfect with a smattering of short climbs to remind us that sometimes even cycling down the globe is no mean feat. At one point we climbed just high enough to see a coffee plantation.


The fresh air and relatively quiet roads were a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. To many locals (particularly the children) the appearance of so many lycra clad cyclists created quite a stir with cheery hellos being launched at us from all directions.


Our arrival in Cam Thuy was followed by a very refreshing coconut drink. After a  well earned break at the hotel our fearless leader Zak demonstrated how to correctly repair a flat and handed  out the daily 'Mr Sexy time' award. This award is given to a rider who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Today's winner was Andrew who despite being the most senior member of the group arrived in Cam Thuy 2 hours before everyone else despite an 11km detour. So far he is also this year's most successful fund-raiser.

-- Oli Southern








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