Day 10 Another day on the road - Dong Hoi to Dong Ha

We just had a much-needed day of rest yesterday after 9 consecutive days of riding. In the past 9 days we've cycled 650 kilometres in total. It doesn't seem like much until I look at it on a map.

We did that on a bicycle

In 10 days we've settled into a pattern of waking up early, loading our bags into the vans, stretching, packing our kit pockets with snacks(mostly chocopie, we should really get them as a sponsor), and scouting for Banh Mi stalls.

Today was a long day - 111 kilometres to Dong Ha. Ana, Moe, Linh, Andy and I left early to beat the midday heat. We decided to head out and get 10-15 kilometers in before stopping for breakfast but my stomach was having none of it. Linh and I stopped for a quick Banh Mi and got a couple to go for the others. The next 25km I experienced mild ‘Banh Mi wind resistance’. Obviously not ideal for a pro-cyclist like me.

The weather was mercifully pleasant and the roads mostly flat and undulating. Moe is fast but is content to stop and wait for us to catch up.

Today we officially crossed over into south Vietnam. According to Linh, this is the bridge that delineates the country.

Around midday we stop for lunch to avoid the sun when it's directly overhead. Today we are at a small place with only 1 other table. This table was occupied by a group of locals celebrating a birthday. Let's just say it was a very happy hour of the day. As usual, we were greeted with friendly smiles and enquiries. Occasional disbelief at what we are doing, followed by incredulous expressions wondering why anyone would do such a thing. Cycle from one end of the country to another in the tropical heat. Yep, some would say we're insane. It's all for the kids!

As per usual, Mr.Cuong and Thu, our trusty support van pull up as we were leaving. Jules and Emma were listening to their bodies and giving themselves a much needed rest in the van.

With bellies full of chicken and rice and only 22km to go we quickly pedalled into Cam Lo. On the way we stopped at a beautiful war memorial. It's supposed to be one of four in the country. I really appreciated this stop and I'm glad I'm riding with people who are happy to stop and soak up a bit of the culture and history.

We arrived at our hotel at 4pm, sated, sore, and amazed at our bodies’ resilience. We joked about how a couple of days ago 90km made us feel wretched. Now we were parking our bikes and unloading our bags with smiles on our faces. Everything can be trained, even the mind.

It's hard to believe it's been 10 days already. Day by day, pedal by pedal, mile by mile, town to town. The scenery is breathtaking and we stop often to try to capture those views. Pictures can never do it justice and so we ride on, grateful that we at least witness this in person. Occasionally, you spot a bunch of Giant bikes parked outside a Nuoc Mia stall and you pull over for a quick coconut, cane juice, coffee, and a chat with other riders. At these stops we swap snacks, fill up our bottles, check our maps, lie in a hammock, reapply sunscreen. We partner up and trail off, into the sun, over the hill, beyond the horizon.

-Sabrina

Today’s ride is dedicated to Mr. Biker. Established in Saigon in 2016, Mr. Biker is the destination for anyone who is passionate about cycling or traveling. Their cycling tours are highly recommended if you want to see Vietnam through a new lens. On top of their unique tours, excellent selection of bikes and parts, and their knowledgeable technicians, Mr. Biker is committed to charity work and social responsibility. H2H is proud to have Mr. Biker as a corporate sponsor. Check out their website and Facebook page for more info, or just drop in to their shop!

Our mechanic Thu has been a patient, trustworthy, and constant source of support. We thank Mr. Biker for letting us have Thu on the ride.