The final (very sore) leg

Only two days since we last touched base but , my goodness, this challenge just keeps getting better and better.
Thursday, day six, we jumped straight back on our cycles as the birds awake and we head west towards the Thai border. Our destination – Sisophon.
With plenty of rain over the previous few days our unsealed route (the only option) to Sisophon is, well, incredibly muddy. No more than 5km into our cycle we are faced with the first of many traffic jams of the day.
As we very slowly weave our way around the sliding motor bikes, cars, buses and trucks we cannot help but feel for the locals who must contend with this situation day in day out.
What makes this particular experience so enjoyable is the laughter we are causing (and sharing) amongst the locals as we cycle through knee-deep mud covered from head to toe in the stuff – for no perceived purpose other than choice!
Friday, day six , is the final cycle leg of the challenge.  I am confident in saying that the group has surprised themselves as to how good they have managed to pull up after such an intense and demanding physical push. Many would not ave ever thought themselves capable of cycling up mountains, through rivers of mud and heavy down pours – all on the opposite side of the road in a completely different country with limited road rules – they have certainly surprised themselves.
I think the incredibly happy and positive nature of the Cambodin people has played a great role in this accomplishment.
Departing Sisophon the group heads 80km to Cambodia’s second largest city – Battambang.
An entirely flat road through rural country-side – proved an entirely different challenge.
With no mention of sore limbs, bottoms or injuries, the group joyfully pushes  through any pain felt (and trust me, there was pain!). 

Fran

Comments

[The Brent]

Nice work on the posts guys - great reading. Awesome job through the mud - that photo spoke volumes! Going sideways in a bus has Nick and Paul in great admiration Pat!