We are now seasoned to the early starts – 7am on the bikes cycling out of the hotel. This morning was just beautiful, the temperature had dropped about 20 degrees overnight and the sky looked like there was chance of more rain to come, possibly thunderstorms?
The route took us 24km out of Battambang town, we cycled through villages with plantations and harvest as far as the eye could see. Such a contrast from the day we travelled to Prey Veng for International Women’s Day. These villages had plenty of water, the cows were well feed and the chickens had most of their feathers!
As we cycled people would stop what they were doing to look and stare….hello’s were coming from both sides of the roads, the biggest smiles and frantic exciting waving.
Our half way point for today’s cycle was the Vo Banan, an 11th Century Temple completed by King Jarvarman VII, built on top of a 400 metre high hill. The 350 odd steps to the top were felt by all as our quads had just had a good warm up from the cycle out. The views of course were worth every step.
The region around Battambang produces watermelon, large amounts of watermelon. So, our special treat for today, once we completed our 48km cycle – a watermelon party!! It was fabulous! So refreshing, so juicy and oh so good!
Siem Reap is our destination for today. Sadly, this is the last stop on our Cycle Challenge. To date we have been cycling for 7 days, only 2 to go….
Li Hai for now (goodbye for now)
