New Year's Resolution

[boomer61]

I recognise the beach and well in the pictures Digger
Say Hi to Bai Xep
We stayed at Haven on recommendation of a friend form Hanoi and had a great time.
Trish and Anthony
Keep pedaling, life is not over yet!!!

[Digger]

I had reluctantly reached Highway 1. I’ve been trying to avoid this road where I can.


Turn right to go to Hanoi or, in my case, turn left to go to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).


Ol’ mate over cooked the corner. This sort of thing scares the bejesus outta me hence my desire to use backroads where I can.



I did the Vietnam equivalent of Australia’s Great Ocean Road on Wednesday. Some moderate climbs but rewarded with some great ocean views and vistas

[Digger]

One of the many fishing communities I went thru during the same day. Some very protected harbours along this coastline



Here is a picture of a goat, sitting on top of a rock


A PERSONAL BEST for this trip...that’s flyin’. I overtook a SUV during the descent. The driver was a little surprised lol

[Digger]

Had to go back onto Highway One. It was inevitable...if you spend enough time on the roads you’re bound to experience the mayhem that is possible.
Nobody was attempting first aid so I assumed he was already a fatality. He was wearing a helmet but had a wound to his temple



The ambulance was on his way to another job. He didn’t even check for a pulse. RIP buddy!


Within 10km I came across this scene. It had obviously been on its side.

I’ll try and stay off this road wherever possible.

[Digger]

Today (Thursday) I arrived at Nha Trang, a major regional city, where I’ll stay for two nights, possibly three.


Nha Trang traffic on a roundabout.



This one’s for you Trev, Nha Trang beachfront; about a two minute ride from my hotel.


SPOT Link is here.
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

[Goldie1]

Digger another good write up with great scenery the country looks amazing but the road carnage looks horrendous probably safer to stay on the out back roads in oz, only gotta worry about Roos,snakes,camels,emus,etc. Stay upright

[Bozo]

Digger
I understand the ABC Bakery in Nha Trang is OK. Seems you might have time for some pastry therapy.
Was the sitting goat a subtle reference to our national parliament which is currently sitting? Please explain.
Bozo

[Digger]

Digger
Was the sitting goat a subtle reference to our national parliament which is currently sitting? Please explain.
Bozo

I was actually thinking about what was going thru the goats mind. All the others seem content with standing and grazing. I was left wondering why this goat in particular just wanted to be just that little bit different then the rest. Maybe the view was better from the rock. He seemed happy.

[Digger]

I’ve had 48 hours rest...time to get back in the saddle for the final sprint to Ho Chi Minh City.


Nha Trang (Beach) skyline looking south


There is a big contingent of Russian tourists here and the locals make allowances for that


Ohhh, those Russians!

I’ll continue hugging the coastline which will mean harder going but it will keep me off Highway 1 for the most part.

SPOT Link is here;

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

Distance cycled to date - 1,624km.

[Digger]

Had breakfast with ‘Andrew’, a local (Vietnam) Rider a couple of days ago. He was on his way northward to Hanoi.



I thought I was a tough old bastard. This is his saddle. Anybody who has ridden a bike would know that this would be (extremely) painful for the first three days. After that, your arse become numb to the pain!


Wifi’s playing up...will update more in a day or two.

[Bozo]

Digger
I understand that the Vertu seat is a knock off of the ten times more expensive Tioga Spider Twintail. The sting in the tail is the recommendation by the manufacturer to replace it each year.
Good to see your smiling dial and appreciate the effort you go to to post photos as you go.
Bozo

[Digger]

Digger
The sting in the tail is the recommendation by the manufacturer to replace it each year.
Bozo

Really??? Shampoo manufacturers doubled their income by simply using two words; Rinse, Repeat.

[Digger]

Coastal routes involves climbing and descending around headland. The steeper the terrain, the tighter the turns (switchbacks).




I’ve had a tail wind for the last three days (which I expected based on my research)....great boost to my average speed and a welcome change.

[Digger]

A scene more akin to coastal Oz and not something you would associate with Vietnam...



They even have their own set of Lancelin dunes that people use for adventure driving...photo taken from about 2 km away.

My journey is coming to an end. I am currently in Phan Thiet where I will catch a train to HCMC for the final 170km. That will save me a lot of misery with increased traffic, congested roads and difficulties with navigation in a very busy city.

Distance cycled to date - 1,930km.

SPOT Link is here;
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

[Digger]

On my final approach to my last town of riding I passed a landscape that would be more akin to Outback Australia. These guys were sandboarding down the slopes.



Recce’d the train station to ensure the train does operate (only one train daily...I don’t like leaving things to chance).



Reunification was in 1975 after the US pulled out and Saigon was renamed as Ho Chi Minh City. The wheels of progress move slowly. The sign translates to ‘SPT1 Phan Thiet to Saigon’.