Traffic Report
Whew, where to begin for todays ride? Two tunnels, two decent climbs, two degrees in temperature and a traffic jam (of coal trucks) that stretched not two kilometres but 42 kilometres in either direction!! The morning was crisp and cold with some incredible scenery of surrounding hills and gorges. The roads were rolling up and down, growing incresasingly dustier with each kilometre. While the riders were slugging it out with the traffic, the trucks and 4WD had headed off on different routes after deciding the traffic jam wasn't going to affect us today. For them it turned out to be an extra 100 or so kms plus 4 mountain passes and a traffic jam of apple trucks (a bit healthier than coal trucks). It meant they arrived at the hotel about 6.30pm toinight. The riders continued on the planned route cranking through two very decent climbs (each one with its own traffic jam) and then navigating a 2km tunnel complete with cola trucks bumper to bumper, coal dust everyhwere and a narrow shoulder. Coal trucks, mud, water, scenery, hectic traffic, large trucks, noise all aside - Jean V summed it up tonight by saying 'that was one of the most interesting rides I have done!' The sun has set, the highway near to us is as busy as it was today, our bellies are full of another Cinese banquet and we can look back on a day no one is likely to forget!!!
|
Posted November 03, 2007 by Field Writer
|
|
