The shortest long day!

Firstly, let me get the unpleasant details out of the way.  Having spent around 80 hours sitting on the bike recently I was suffering a small amount of chaffing, so today I became "two pant" Harris... What a difference and relief!

We, the remainers, left our overnight stay "Co's Homestay" in Mai Chau after an excellent breakfast.  Co's was perfectly located amongst some local bars and restaurants.  

Today was billed as the longest day by distance at 332 km; however, the roads were so good that we made unbelievably good progress while admiring the amazing views.  Our progress was only slowed by David’s chain making some strange noises.

Interestingly, around here the ladies signify that they are married by a very elaborate top knot... That they wear, even under a crash helmet!

 

On the descent into Dien Bien Phu we encountered 8 kms of ad hoc roadworks that were repairing damage from various landslides.  The star of the day was a push biker, clipped into his pedals bunny hopping over the myriad or ridges and potholes…. A very talented, if somewhat mad, chap.

 

Once in DBP we tried to get our bikes fixed, tried 2 Honda dealers, no joy even though 6 staff poured over them.



We then tried a local garage, “come back tomorrow morning and they will be done” was the translation…. And they were: 2 chains, 4 sprockets and 2 oil changed… £75.  Super service.

 Terry took a fancy to the ice cream shop next to our hotel and has the most appetizing meal yet, roll, salami and cheers!  All that remained was to have a few tower beers at the local bar and call it a night.

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