mijn reis

I left early because the trip that I planned was going to be around 120 km and there would be rain, a lot of rain. The streets where already full of water (about 20 cm); so I was completely soaked within 5 minutes. Problem was that my tire was broken and I had to stop 4 times at a repair shop since they dont know how to fix my mountain bike tire. Anyway the 4^th time he knew my type of tire so he fixed it right! And he even bought me a coffee and made me a meal: rice with stir fried pork, hmm! But time to move on, I was just out of the city and I had already been out for an hour. But then I felt really good so I was going smoothly in my highest gear (I have 3x8 gears) and nothing seemed to be a problem. At an average speed of around 28 30 km an hour I raced through the countryside on a good road and a nice view when the fog was gone :(. It stopped raining right when I entered a field full of stone factories so I stopped as well. The people that were working all stopped working and gave me a tour, I didnt understand a thing but it was definitely nice! After the break I continued and soon arrived at the end of the road (according to the manager and to my maps) but on google maps the road continues so I wanted to check it out. The road turned into a dustroad, well more like a dirtroad. The dirtroad went on for a few kilometres and then I arrived at some kind of working camp, there was a small ferry to get across the river and some people who were eating. I asked them whether I could get to the other side and they told me I had to wait, I didnt understand whatever else they were saying so I just waited. At the other side of the river there was a clay mine which was very difficult to climb; my wheels got blocked by the clay every few minutes so I had to carry my bike up. Once up I had to go down again which was just a big slide: braking so that the clay wouldnt stick on my wheels and just trying to balance At least I was faster than the motorbike who was trying the same and crashed multiple times! The road continued as a dirtroad for 12 km, it was very exhausting but incredibly beautiful and I am certain that no tourist has ever done that before by bicycle! When I stopped for a drink this was such an event that they took there phone and called someone that could speak English. I still had to use my phrasebook, but at least she knew the basic words and I found out that she was the only one in the village that spoke a few words of English. Afterwards I continued towards Lake Lac, which is very beautiful but it was very foggy when I was there; giving it a very mysterious look. There is also a minority village there but it is quite touristy and you have to pay to get in I guess Ill have enough opportunities to see minority villages so I didnt go in. After a brief visit to the lake I started the way home: 53 more km to go but over a national way so I though that it would go fast. I was mistaken: as soon as I arrived on the road, the wind started to get stronger. I wanted to go fast since it was already late and today should be the day where I tested my limits. I passed the local public transport: a small tractor pulling a cart. But then the wind was really coming from straight ahead so I decided to save some energy and cycling behind the cart. This really helped a lot but I knew it couldnt last. After merely 7 km the cart stopped at a village and I had to continue on my own. I made the last 50 km in less than 2 hours including some drink stop so I guess I did ok! I was really tired when I arrived in the hotel and went to bed early.

13-11-2010, 12:35 geschreven door zoriander

13-11-2010, 12:13 geschreven door zoriander

13-11-2010, 12:06 geschreven door zoriander