Rode 85km
A tough day in the saddle by anybody’s standards. We thought we were going to get wet but the short storm half an hour before the ride ended as quickly as it started. We were two members down before we started today; Kev and Baz sensibly elected to ride in the bus today due to the lergy. We hit the road a little later than planned due to a bike change. It was a persistent headwind right from the start. The first thing we noticed was the huge amount of aquaculture going on along this stretch of coast. It comes in all shapes and sizes, lobster, fish, prawns, mussels, oysters and seaweed. The vast majority of it is grown in the sea with the use of nets or levee banks. The famous conical boats play an important role in helping to maintain the system.
Trong also took us off the beaten track, through paddy fields and back lanes where we saw how people live here. They often laughed and yelled out hello. We also rode across a very rickety bridge that the locals had built to form a shortcut. We stopped at a few places for drinks and snacks, it funny how much one can eat on these trips.
They also took us to see the very popular Da Dai Reef which is an unusual hexagonal rock formation which formed millions of years ago when lava from a volcano hit the ocean.
Not long after that (about the 55km mark) we stopped for some spring rolls and watermelon as lunch was going to be a little late. Another two decided to hop into the bus as they weren’t well either. It’s a worry as we’ve all been riding in the bus together for a few days now.
The last 25km was very hilly and the wind continued to pound us from the front. But about 4:30pm we made it to the restaurant where we had lunch. An Aussie bloke runs it with his local spouse. The food started with pizzas and then progressed to steak, chips and corn. All very well cooked and presented.
It was good to get that done with and be driven to the hotel, The Seagulls, which is supposed to be four stars but I doubt that it actually is.
After washing my very grubby cycle clothes I had a wander around the area. The local authorities seem to take a lot of pride and there’s gardens, statues and parks everywhere.
It wasn’t long before I was back in my room and getting ready for bed.
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