Now we're up and running (or should that be pedaling!)

The predominant colour for today was grey.
I woke up really early having only slept for about 4 hours. I was eager to put the disappointment of yesterday behind me. The wheels were so clean in fact that you could almost sell them as brand new in any bike shop.

I left around 6 to the blissfully quite and empty streets. After some brief words of encouragement from an old Chinese guy at a set of traffic lights I set about making my way to Longyan This wasn’t my original plan, I had intended to ride directly into the Tulous (Round Houses famed in this part of China) However having been there before I decided to make a beeline for Longyan. I knew I was in for a good long day as it’s around the 120km mark just on the expressway. I knew I could certainly be adding another 20-30 on top of that given that cyclists can’t use the expressway and have to take the more winding and mountainous routes.

I’d managed about 20km before it once again started to rain.
Poncho on - onwards I went.

This was the day that saw me tackle my first big mountain of the trip, coming at around the 90km mark it wasn’t the best news. The conditions on top of the mountain were a complete joke. Thick fog covered the summit and I could barely see anything. Next came a couple of those dark, damp almost terrifying tunnels so common in this region. I wasn’t worried about the oncoming traffic it was what was coming up behind me that gave me most concern. Thankfully I was able to pass through both without a having to encounter one of those mega tone trucks.

Other highlights of the day:

The brass band ensemble that I passed decked out in white jackets and sailor hats.
My first riding companions, a group of teenage boys on their bikes on their way home from school.
The final 30 km’s or so a joyful almost 30km roll down into Longyan.
Unfortunately I also saw the second dead dog of the trip.

I've only been able to upload one picture for some reason, I'll keep trying to get the rest uploaded