Day 10. May 26.

Bush Camp 2 (Dalanjargalan) to Bush Camp 3.

Distance:  145 km

Cumulative Distance: 1109 km

Time: 8 hrs 54 min

Speed:  16.1 km/hr

Feet Climbed:  4434

Cumulative Climb: 23,485 ft 

AHR (Average Heart Rate) 108bpm

Punctures: 2.     

Altitude tonight: 4296 ft.

Another pulverising day. Yesterday it was the last 3 km that was the worst part. Today it was the last 103 km that. Was extremely difficult. Q

When rising at 5 am all was dry and a light headwind blowing. Nothing much to worry about. Wind wouldn't probably get stronger till late in the afternoon like yesterday.

When setting out it was cold. Some reported temperatures of zero while coming to breakfast. Extra layers were on for the early kilometres.

Everything (wind wise) was as expected till about 40 km. Then it picked up coming in from the left. The three of us (Mike, Frieder and I) rotated efficiently as the road rose and fell for the next 60 km. More long climbs today (3km at 4% into a headwind) than yesterday.

At the 100 km the wind came straight at us with a vengeance. At home I wouldn't dream of going out for a cycle in that wind; in fact I wouldn't even go out for a walk. It persisted till we pulled into Bush Camp 3 after 145 km at 5pm after leaving at 6.30, a long day in the saddle.

With conditions like that, little time or interest in surroundings. But, as the day progressed, some rough vegetation appeared and groupings of cattle were a little larger.

We stopped in the town of Choir for a break shortly before lunch. The only town we passed through. Spent a while outside a well-stocked shop and rested in the sheltered sunshine as the staff brought in mutton for the week.

A young dad with his kid on the passenger seat (probably going to school) pulled on by us and we shared chocolate with them.

Today saw the first passenger Mongolian Express on the rails. Those passengers weren't worried about the wind.

Road conditions detiorated after 60 km. it is an older road and in need of repair in spots. Needed to navigate around them.

Tomorrow will be another long day into Ulaanbaatar and a Rest Day. Looking forward to that. Hope winds are a little kinder to us in the morning. Still glad to have finished the day. Quite a few availed of the wagon and gave up while still out on the road.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.