Well what a great day, it finally rained and I mean bucketed down – complete with lightening that almost zapped Brad. Our first challenge for the day was to ride up 3 really big hills out of Sihinoukville. I want to take this bike home as the gears are much better than mine, even though I was in “granny gear’, I did not have to get off and walk.
The second challenge was for the group to meet up after we had a staggered start – the more sensible ones who wanted to attack the hills early before the heat and left at 6amish and the ‘Lois and the Speedy Boys’ who left one hour later. I am pleased to say that they caught us up at the 42km mark after ‘Team Elders’ had already dismounted! Stephen enjoyed the cooler weather so much he was the leader of the pack and was heard to proclaim ‘every dog has it’s day’.
The third challenge was more of an individual one, and perhaps more mental rather than physical. ‘Ironbutt’ decided to test if his bike pants worked better with the padding at the front and only noticed after they soaked up large volumes of precipitation. Kevin Rudd would have been proud of this package!! Ever tried to remove a wet pair of bike nicks? It is easier to leave them that way and see if anyone notices.
It was 36 degrees when we arrived in Phnom Penh. There seems to be plenty of lovely architecture to explore tomorrow on our tour. The Cambodia crew are fabulous, polite, happy and cannot do enough for us. We even awarded Ly Heng (trainee guide) the Galah Award tonight. Joe got the Star Award after going up 4 big hills instead 3 when he an Marion took a wrong turn. Neil handed the whistle and badge to Brad who will be the ’rounder upperer’ tomorrow.
Love to all our family and friends, dont worry we are all well and happy.
Posted by Debra Royle (pics to come tomorrow)
