Nothing like starting the day with a bowl of spicy hot noodles! After sleeping pretty badly last night, we got up for breakfast at the same place we had dinner last night. The noodles were outstanding with lots of good red chili peppers in them. Love that spicy wake up!

We had a decision to make about how much riding we were going to do today, as much of the road between Stone Drum Town and Shaxi is industrial and busy with large trucks. So we compromised, instead of doing the full 90km, we bypassed much of the worst riding in the van and started riding at 55 km out from Shaxi.

The first bit was pretty flat going through some it farmland, and we’re getting into areas that have a lot more water, so starting to see plenty of rice patties. This is planting season, so if you see a lot of people bent over planting the seedlings in the fields with water up to their ankles.

The last 20 K were all uphill, and the skies opened up! Heavy rain for about 30 minutes; got soaking, but warm enough for it not to matter. So unlike Alaska…

Finally reaching the summit, a 6k downhill into Shaxi was all the reward one could want. Cycling through rice fields to the smallish town built into a sloping hillside. Shaxi isn’t a dumpy town like many, nor a large loud town; it’s just right like baby bear’s porridge.

Checking into the Lao MA Dian Lodge, we are all stunned it is 600 years old! The rooms are very simple, but nicely appointed with modern bathrooms!!! The doors to my room are probably as old as the structure. Amazing! And shortly after arriving, the next thunderstorm downpour begins in dramatic fashion!

After the rain subsides a bit, we head out for a light lunch of noodles and Dali beer. Love those noodles in spicy broth, with fresh cut green onions, cilantro, and bit of mystery meat scrumptious! We will all be out again in a couple hours for dinner, so soup was just right. (Another unintended baby bear reference…sorry)

I’ve run into many young couples traveling do far. Up on TLG, I met Ernest and Anna from Toronto, riding their Surly Long Haul Truckers around Yunnan for a month. I just finished speaking with a couple from Spain, not cycling but also a month in Yunnan province. They will be going to Guilin by 22hr train, so I shared some of my memories with them as I was there a few years ago.

Found the Old Tree Cafe and had an espresso!!! A very rare treat here!! Now, sipping a beer with Jimmy, Jah and the crew I love hangin’ with the crew! So just chillin’ in Shaxi…

Day 9 – Stone Drum Town to Shaxi Village Another memorable day that will take us into the heart of rural Yunnan as we ride along the ‘Old Tibet’ road past tranquil scenes of mud brick villages, bamboo groves, rivers, and paddy fields. After a gentle long climb we have some relatively flat enjoyable riding. A downhill (check that your brakes are working) through rural scenery takes us to Shaxi. (2075 m). You really sense a feeling of timelessness, as the way of life here has remained unchanged for centuries. Stay at a local wonderfully restored hotel. Lao Mandian Hotel. Ride 90km. B L D