Back to the daily grind 9 to 5 now and trying to tell people about the ride – but can’t do it justice. No words to sum it all up adequately..
The biking – cruising on the world’s coolest roads through rift valleys into sunsets – rocky mountains towering above, rivers below, smiling waving locals around every corner – hill tribe kids sitting on buffaloes, little old ladies sharing a joke and a water pipe, old blokes slacking off playing cards, dad in his Uncle Ho helmet sporting a victorious smile taking the wife, three kids and a pig off to market on the family bike.
The unexpected – The early morning funeral of the local Party Chief – entire town marching in the street heads bowed in respect. A cave the size of the Vatican – which you can swim through – and ride out the other side. The world class coffee in the middle of nowhere. An opium warlord fort. Dead preserved crow liquor. An old French tank which got there and didn’t get any further..
The stop-overs – beautifully timed and placed. Clean sheets, cold beer, hot showers, good grub – what more could you ask for..
The company – This is probably the best thing of them all – you set out on the trip with a group of friends – and somewhere in the middle there they all become your brothers. You leave all the bullshit behind in the rivers and the caves, the lakes and the mud, the truck stops and the sun-downers. You’re different people on the other end of it and you get to take that home.
Only trouble is you want to be out there doing it again..