More tough riding
Got up early and broke camp. Was on the “road” by 8:30am. Another day of the good, the bad and the ugly Mongolian roads. Problem is you get a bit of good firm dirt track were I went up to 50 mph and after 1/2 - 1 mile it suddenly runs out and you have to throw the anker so you don’t hit the bad spot at full tilt….
Stopped for brunch in the shade of a pine tree. Had another first today - got the bike airborne. Was bombing along this good bit and spotted a bump to late. Funny enough no spoke broke on this. Also added one to the dropped bike stat. This time on breaking for this mad hill that came out of nowhere. 30m high and pretty steep so stepped on the breaks, locked the front and when I made it to a stop I kind of forgot to put my foot down.
Made it into Mörön which looks fairly desolate or maybe normal for Mongolia. Staying in a guest house which is super cheap and simple. Arrived by 5:30pm. Absolutely wiped again. Last 40 miles dragged like made - had trouble concentrating, sour arms and shoulders. Also could barely ride standing up anymore because of tired legs and my left calve hurts where the pannier hit it yesterday. Oh forgot to write that down yesterday. Was going thru some mud and the bike swerved so I put the left foot down. Of course the bikes momentum caused the lower edge of the pannier to hit my calve. Even though it hit the back of my boot it still is going to be a nice bruise. I guess that’s how you could also end up breaking your leg.
OK, will see if I can get a shower. So I’m back. Shower was good. Didn’t realize they had to make fire to warm the water and then put it into the water tank on top of the shower house. Told you it was a basic guest house.
Later had dinner, same as the family - boiled mutton (bones with some meat), dumpling Dow and the broth. Now I know what the guidebook meant by “a Mongol can pick a bone clean”. The guy got every last bit from these bones. He probably thought I was the wasteful westerner leaving tendons and cartilage on mine.
Day 74
28. June 2009
Start: somewhere between Bulgan and Khutag-Ondor, Mongolia
End: Mörön, Mongolia
Miles today: 172
Miles total: 11270
Odometer: 17534
Bike Dropped: 4
Speeding Tickets: 1
Your airctle perfectly shows what I needed to know, thanks!