I am tired, so this is gonna be highlights only. A 68k day day started riding down the gorge beside the huge Yangtze. Back down in the valley floor, we headed north up two passes today! At our first break, we had the traditional pita-like bread, cheese, fruit/nut mix, coffee, tea, and FRESH mango! We’ve had this at every stop so far. Then, there is a lunch after that, usually at a local restaurant.

We had a great lunch today; potatoes (shredded and pan fried), chicken, cabbage, shredded lotus, rice, greens, and cauliflower. They all come out on separate plates. Fantastic!

After lunch, we headed uphill and downhill both; we are working our way to Shangri-la tomorrow. (True story! Look it up) But in tonight’s town, very small, we had a dinner similar to the lunch. It was very good.

With a group of just seven, it is so much easier to do everything vs 15. But more often it is just six of us as Jimmy the Singaporan guy who is a smoker is having an ankle problem that seems more severe as the hills continue. Saving face is a huge Asian thing…

After din, we walked up the main street, about the equivalent of two city blocks, and noticed two pool tables outside with locals playing. Kathryn (AUS) and Andrea (GER) somehow talked themselves into a game with the local gang. Paul (USA) and Kathy (NZ) played the second game. It was just so interesting watching people who shared no language whatsoever play this game. I shot some videos. By the time of the second game, a dozen locals had gathered to observe the apparent spectacle. Funny.

Then all back to hotel and in bed by 930pm. It was very hot today, so everyone is pretty beat.

I shot lots of video clips today. All day we were in varying density of pine tree forest. The smells were so wonderful. Another really good day.

Day 5 – Walnut Grove – Bai Shui Tai Cycle out along the spectacular gorge road which is literally carved into the side of the mountain. The first 10 km is downhill to the small village of Heika and from here we start to climb on a nice gradient for 23 km. After the ascent there is of course a great descent into the Naxi village of Haba where we have lunch with a view of the snow capped mountains. After lunch there are more ups and downs and a final push up to our comfortable hotel. Bai Yu Yuan Hotel. Ride 70 km. B L D