Back in the Saddle

Another 85 km down and I did every hill and dale! We took off on the bikes pretty soon after breakfast. Riding out of town was a challenge in the morning traffic but we all managed to survive. 
Once out of town it was back roads and rolling hills. We passed through a very lively fishing village. Geoff was able to get some really good shots.  

As we were leaving the village, I heard the thump, thump, yup - flat tire - and, of course, it was the rear.  Geoff and I stopped on

a bridge and watched three guys fishing in the river. We were waiting for Binh (our guide) and Dave.  It seemed like quite a while. We tried to hail someone down to use their cell phone to call, but everyone just thought we were saying hi. So they would wave and say hello.  As you pass through all these villages, everyone comes out and says hello. They want to know where you are from. It's a real hoot. Finally, the boys showed up. Apparently, Dave took a wrong turn and ended up at a market. Binh had to go find him. 

Now it was time to change the tire. That took a while. We were really behind now and the plan was to go swimming at the beach restaurant. I really didn't want to miss that - especially having bought the damn towels!  So we plodded on only to run into school letting out. The other day we were behind a funeral procession and now the school bell rang. There must have been 100's of kids on bikes just pouring out - and we were right in the middle of them. Finally got free of the kids and we were back up to speed - just had to watch out for cows in the road. Got to the restaurant and immediately headed to change into our suits and hit the beach. This beach was absolutely pristine. The water was perfect, the sand was fine with no pebbles or rocks, and the waves were just right for playing.  What a treat after 45km.  Took and shower and went in for lunch. 


The last 40 km were up and down through villages, rice paddies, pagodas, and wonderful scenery. We got into Tuy Hoa at around 4pm. Another huge hotel with in the middle of nowhere with no people in it. We went up to our room, changed and hit the pool.  Nice and refreshing. 

Tuy Hoa is formulated mainly from alluvial of the downstream of Đà Rằng River. There are two mountains in the center of the city: Chóp Chài Mountain and Nhạn Mountain.Đà Rằng River and Nhan Mountain create a poetic landscape. There is a Champa Temple on the top of Nhạn Mountain. Standing at this place, visitors easily enjoy a full view of Tuy Hoa city. Tuy Hoà has a fine white sand beach, which is a popular tourist destination.

Dinner was at a restaurant around back of the hotel. Ate on the outside deck.  Didn't even count the courses tonight.  After dinner, Geoff, Olivia, Sue, and I went up to the hotel restaurant  on the 17th floor to see the view. Not too much to see at night. We'll have breakfast there in the morning. Speaking of morning - we leave here at 7:30 and take the bus to our starting point for another 70 some odd km. We were told the terrain will be easier - we'll see.

Next time....Coastin' the coast