Day 18 /54. Sunday June 5.

Day 18. Sunday June 5.  Moron to Sarga Rd Junction Bush Camp 8.

Distance: 129 km

Cumulative Distance: 2067 km

Time: 8 hrs 40 min

Speed:  14.9 km/hr

Feet Climbed today: 4445

Cumulative Climb: 42,009  ft 

AHR (Average Heart Rate) 111 bpm

Punctures so far: 2.     

Altitude tonight: 5917 ft

All ready to go again after the Rest Day and bags (Permanent and Daily) all ready for loading at 6. Calm morning and mild. But after 20 km drops came and turned heavier as we cycled till 50 km. Today was the first day I didn't carry my rain gear (waterproof and bootees). I didn't get too wet except for my feet. But they dried out before lunch at 72 km.

Just out of town we crossed over the Hirscisteine River in full flow and stayed with it for much of the early part of the day. Along these early stretches there was much gravel and sand and many cyclists fell but none too seriously. I stayed upright for the duration of the day (one of the few) although my legs were caked with muck and sand from the wet roads. Again by lunch it had peeled off and no harm done. Charlie, Per and Peter injured their thigh, knee and shoulder respectively but they should be up and riding in the morning.

While the rain was falling I cycled on to keep my feet active as Mike and Frieder stopped for various reasons. At 50 km I cycled into the town of Burentogtoch (in error) and couldn't find the way out. I searched for the mark of wheels but in vain. I enquirer for Sarga and Ullangom but got blanks.Some I asked said something but I was none the wiser. I was getting a bit worried. No sign of flagging tape, no marks of tyres, no sign of cyclists, no satisfactory response to my queries. I had visions of ending my days cycling around Burentogtoch aimlessly looking for the exit, much like the Japanese soldier in the jungle. Eventually a woman coming back from the shop seemed to understand that I wanted the road for Ullangom ’Up that track and over the hill’ she indicated with her hands. I took her directions on board and followed a tiny track at the back of houses that led up the hill. As I cycled on I was less than convinced that I was on the right track. To be sure I tried to phone Andreas (Tour Leader) but he was out of coverage. I decided to go on another bit and eventually spotted a bit of orange flagging tape by the track. Relief. In fact I was approaching the Pass (Ullan Bogoj Pass. 5057 ft) by a easier route than most of the cyclists who didn't go into the town.

By this stage the rain had ceased and I started to dry out.

On the descent higher mountains than we have been accustomed to appeared ahead across the river. I enjoyed cycling alone along this part. I could admire the sights around and wave to kids playing outside on Sunday morning.

Our Lunch Stop was in a small local restaurant where the children of the house mingled with us. Herself was parading around proudly in Mammy’s shoes .....you know the feeling ,Eimear? Outside son and dad had just come on the motorbike and joined in the action.

This cabin was in a beautiful location in the valley by the river.

Directly after lunch the climb up to Khukh Khutul Pass started. It looked frightening as it rose above me but in time it was conquered like the others. Just to look back at where I’d come from was consoling. I shared the top with two locals out for a Sunday spin on their bikes.

Again a nice descent on hard-packed roads. All these had those bone-shaking corrugations and it was just a matter of picking the least bumpy path. And on occasions it was amateur of upping the bike on the shoulder and hopping over streams.

Our third climb today went up to 6,500 ft after a long torturous 16 km of continuous rising and with over 100 km on the clock already since morning. I was glad to reach that (and no walking) and rest by the ovoo of stones for a period. I noticed that granite was the rock around me as I rested my weary bones and had a banana.  

The final 17 km of the day was more relaxing. Had time to admire the flock - one mountain goat admiring another! I had caught up with Mike and Frieder for those final kms and spotted the campsite ahead on a grassy plain. The heat wasn't oppressive when we pulled into camp at 5.30, not as bad as when we reached Mongol Valley last Thursday.

Fine hearty dinner tonight and ready for more of it tomorrow.

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