WTF That’s steep

My day off was sucessful. I walked about town ate some lunch then lay in bed for lots of the afternoon. Then ate some dinner. I found a redturant thet looked clean. And the served a great egg fried rice, i had two 🤷‍♂️.

I was in bed early then up at about 6.30. I left the hotel at 7.15. Into my local coffee spot

Out of Nha Trang on a road paralell to the main road. I was hoping for quiet roads today.

Unfortunately very soon after this photo was take i joined the main highway to Da Lat. And feom then on i was accompanied by the usual suspects all blowing their horns all of the time. Also the road was norrower so i was squeezed to the side, a couple of times ejected off the side

I had carefully checked the weather for both Nha Trang and Da Lat. Both said no rain and possible only a few clouds. I put sun tan cream on arms and face before i left the hotel. But just after i hit the base of the climb the heavens opened. Only small spits at first then just a torrential downpour and it didnt stop until got to my hotel. Grrrrrrrrrrr

I switched my flashing back lights on, put my rain jacked on and just rode. The mountain road was about 30kms so i reckoned about 3 hours. (And my stats page tells me 3 hours and 5 mins so a good guestimate.)

The traffic was horrendous. Every motorbike scared to move into the main road so all nearly scraping my handlebars.

One time a lorry was passing me, hooting his horn, a motorbike passed me on my right, hooting his horn, and another guy on a motorbike on my left shouted at me (no idea if it was a nice of obnoxious shout) Cars and lorries also coming down the mountain visibility is so low I had taken my glasses off as they were covered in rain. I jumped out of my skin.

Eventually i was riding only a few kilometers and having to stop i was so tired. Every time i drank a stream of cold rain water went inside my jacket down my armpits and sides. And at above 1500 meters and wet it starts to get colder. I could see my breath as i huffed and puffed.

I had locked my Garmin as the rain was tapping and changing the screen. So I could not find how far i had to go up the mountain or to the end. Obviously the phone was too wet to touch. So i just rode on.

I did stop at one point thinking i was there but found i was only half way.

Anyway eventually the road started to dip and a brightness, still cloudy filled the sky. Down hill is so much better.

I’m at Chappi Mountain Bungalow. I sat for 15 mins just staring blankly. Then to my bungalow which is a steep walk, i slipped and fell on my ass.

Its been a tough day but I got here at 2.45 instead of my anticipated 4 or 5. And possiblyva short day tomorrow, see what the weather brings.