With just a few days left in the saddle the atmosphere amongst the riders has become even more jovial, with lots of talk about what we should do in Saigon after we cross the finish line. All the riders from Hanoi have been offered somewhere to sleep and given endless recommendations regarding the best places to eat every type of food from hamburgers to vegan salads.
The thought of cycling 100k no longer fills the riders with dread. We’ve all done it many times now! Still, careful preparation is the order of the day. Breakfast (more bread and eggs...really?) for fuel, and copious amounts of water strapped to the bike. Believe me, if you run out of water, you will soon feel the effects of heat exhaustion. All energy rapidly drains from your body and you can easily end up completely shattered sleeping at the side of the road. (can’t you Ray?) Future riders...be warned!
The ride itself was a grueling slog up and down one hill after another on a main road, the QL20.
We stopped a few times to rest sore legs and drink coffee and maybe the odd can of coke. I pulled up abruptly on one occasion when I heard my name called from inside a small building which had a mountain of watermelons piled outside. A few of the riders had taken shelter from the midday sun and were busy chomping through their own mountains of watermelon.
After the watermelon had been consumed, we made a concerted effort to get to our destination, Bao Loc.
Bao Loc turned out to be a cool little town with plenty of places to eat and drink. There’s also plenty to see in the form of churches and pagodas! I might head back there one day....on a motorbike!
- Moe
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