One of the most beautiful days I’ve had on the bike.

Simply stunning.

We drove 10km out of the city and then I started riding, up and up but gradually, through lush valleys framed by rising marble cliffs. Today was the first day of proper climbing, and though it was tough, I had that great feeling of being in control.

Started to see some foreigners, all on motorbikes, as I climbed – the first I’d seen in three days since leaving Hanoi.

The first big climb was the Nà Tềnh Pass, which was reaching 17% near the top.

Here’s the view that Minh captured on his drone:

On the final pass, which was steep and unpaved, six German guys on big motos passed me – one of them actually stalled his bike and fell over! When I got to the top they all cheered and clapped as I rolled in, nice touch…

The next descent was insanely ‘gravel’, times 10!

18 switchbacks on a road that resembled a disaster site, as they were in the process of widening the road.

Then the tarmac descent to Bao Lac, out of this world, hugging the hill side on a long, ribbon-like road, tiers of tea fields below, very special indeed!

Vietnam, you have my heart…