We’ve been cycling together for close to a month. Most of us were strangers before this. Today we’re a tight knit group and it’s sad to think we’ll be parting ways.
Contrary to what some us might have thought, this ride has brought out the best in us. It’s been supremely difficult to be sure, but instead of putting us at each other's throats, I’ve seen the generosity and kindness that each of us is capable of. We’ve all had our bad days-- the sickness, sunburn, hunger, and broken bike parts -- and each time some member of this team steps up, unprompted, to be the support that was needed. I have to think that this dynamic we have going is incredibly unique… and something each of us will remember about this time.
Something else we’ll always remember is the ride today. It was in the top three most challenging days, and at the same time one of the most special.
It was a long one. 114 km and 11,000 ft. of elevation gain. Everyday has its share of hills but this day included those long 10km climbs-- three of them. I was in the last group of riders wich included Davide, Saz, Kacey, Emma. It was hot and steep, and we kept taking short breaks in the shade wherever we found it. If this part of the ride had taken place a few weeks ago it would be noteworthy for how difficult it was. But this was day 25 and we’re past that. We're hardened cyclists… sort of… except when we’re not. But that’s neither here nor there nor especially memorable.
At the top of the second big climb we stopped for a well deserved coconut and nouc mia. To my utter joy they had fresh fried Vietnamese donuts. But still, that’s not what made this day special.
We drank and rested and watched a dark sky swell up to the south of us. We’ve ridden in rain before-- quite a few times now-- but we decided to wait this one out. It was scorchingly hot on the way up the hill, but as the clouds and wind rushed in the temperature dropped. We rolled ourselves up in the hammocks and listened as the storm dropped down around us. It came in with energy. Hard drops on tin roofs. Wind strong enough to rock us in our hammocks. It was magic and ultimately lulled us to sleep. We went from wide eyed adults storm watching from a peapod-like hammocks to lulled asleep riders cozied up in our personal happy place.
What can I say but a cliché... all good things come to an end.
Mr. Coung, our support van driver woke us with a clap. 15 minutes later we were on the road again, this time cloaked in rain gear since it was still coming down a bit. One more 10km hill climb and we glided down to Lam Ha, our stop over town-- wet, muddy, and inspired.
As mentioned before, I’ll always remember this day with my people. I’m ready to get my normal life back and at the same time I never want this to end.
-Ray
It was so fun and inspiring to read about your trip, the perils and joys you encountered, and your reflections. I look forward to the longer article or book this might become!
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