The goal for this day was easy. Get up early, get on the road and ride hard because there were steep mountains ahead and the longest ride. We had been promised a bed and a shower in Chiang Mai 54 miles away. Getting up early was easy because jet lag still had its grip. The 1400 foot ascent was mostly enjoyable because the mountains were cool and stunning in their beauty.
One of the dilemmas of a trike riding photographer is when to be a photographer and when to be a serious cyclist. On this day there were many photo ops but every minute shooting is one minute more riding later during the hottest part of the day. Some pretty shots got left in the mountains.
We made a stop for breakfast at a combination coffee shop and restaurant nestled in an idealic valley with lush vegetation and a gurgling stream nearby. They grow, roast and grind their own beans and the ice coffee was a 10.
The downhill side of the ride was definitely a wheeeee experience. This is the screen shot of my cyclometer showing the profile of the day's ride.
Our host, Robert and his wife Gung have a home in the outskirts of Chiang Mai. He rides a bike and is sympathetic to the needs of fellow cyclists who need a room for the night. A guest from Switzerland was in one of the two guest rooms he has. As a result of the stimulating conversation I was able to stay awake the latest yet for the trip and slept seven hours also a first. Exercise may be the cure for jet lag.
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