Day 22
Gorgeous scenery abounds but still hilly. We are starting to feel a bit worn and look forward to our first climbing destination in Huu Lung . There is a big difference between riding on flat terrain verses hills and we both now feel the full weight of our gear. I’m starting to get some small cramps in my thigh and Cher had trouble walking down stairs. It will be nice to put the upper body to work while we rest the lower part.
Early in the afternoon we arrived in Lang Som, a sizable city with swarms of scooters. Gary recommended a hotel, which is also recommended by Lonely Planet. However, at a rate of 320,000 VND without a window and 400,000 VND with, we went across the street and found a place with similar facilities for only 250,000 VND. The 70,000 Dong difference only amounts to 3.30 USD, but that’s also the cost of 5 beers or 2 bowls of pho.
We have been riding 7 days without a rest day. However, with our first climbing destination just a day’s ride away, we’ve decided to persevere. We were quite spoiled by the gentle landscape of China and although we are getting stronger, we may have to reconsider some of our choices in gear. Hopefully tomorrow will be more downhill.