Day 17 - Winston's different day - Trial by fire: new bike, first tour, first time in Asia

November 11, 2024

Day 17 - Winston's different day

Yes, that’s 0 km ridden. According to our sources of information, often changeable and contradictory, the next road was over 90 km with a 2000 m climb. There were no guesthouses on the maps on this route, but they are often incorrect. Regardless, I didn't think my cycling stamina was up for this, and opted to find motorized transport. In the restaurant last night, a man in military uniform who spoke English well told me there was a bus to Maung Kahm at 8 in the morning. So this morning I prepared for this and was at the main intersection of town waiting for the bus.

The main intersection of Nam Neon - a happening place.

After an hour or so, I was told that the bus comes about 11 or 12. Keep waiting.

Ever curious, children played about before school.

The local temple offered some interesting diversion.

What's the significance of the three-headed dragon?

Now, this is a genuine sports-utility vehicle. Unfortunately, he wasn't going to Maung Kahm.

After about three hours and several unsuccessful attempts to find a ride, a man pulled up in a van with passengers in the back. Using our life-saving googol translate, and pointing to my bike, he agreed to give me a lift to Maung Kahm, and typed out “40” on my keyboard. He carefully secured my bike, and away we went in air-conditioned comfort (about which Ian was derisive).

There were several villages along the way, and I attempted to take photos through the dirty window.

This area is a long dissected ridge. There is a steep climb up, then 40 km of up and down. Although there is extensive deforestation, there were patches of intact forest.