Anmyeondo Day 4
Distance: 118km
Average: 20.9km/hr
Actual Cycle Time: 5:38
Weather: Sunny,hot
Issues: Kath – 1 flat
We woke up nice and early, feeling the effects of the previous evening’s celebration. For the Koreans, it was the Chuseok holiday, the day they remembered their ancestors and spent time with their families. For us, it was time to start heading back to Seoul. We ate the food left from the previous evening, an unsatisfying mix of rice, mango juice, and some white bread. We cleaned, packed and departed down a glorious hill that we had had to climb the night before. The weather was lovely and the day held the promise of no flat tires. We debated as to whether to take the most direct route or detour through the mountains and lakes. The distance was only a problem if we were delayed by bicycle problems. We decided to take the scenic route and headed off through some stunning mountains with equally stunning hills to climb. I should mention, at this point, how courteous the majority of Korean motorists are, ensuring to move over as much as possible and patiently waiting when the roads are not wide enough. I think perhaps the sight of four foreigners on bicycles is entertainment enough!
Lunch became a challenge. This important day in Korea is probably the only time when all the restaurants and most of the stores are closed. We made do with some instant stuff from a convenience store, and Jared entertained us be sticking an inch thick block of processed meat in-between two slices of bread – with a slice of processed cheese (for flavor?).
We made good time during the day, saw some beautiful places and ended the day in a very nice ‘love-motel’ called the Ritz. I had always thought they would be quite sleazy, but this room was beautifully decorated in Asian simplicity, and the massive bathroom included a Jacuzzi-tub. We found a Pizza restaurant for dinner. David and I tried to enjoy movies on the large TV in the room, but of course, fell asleep nice and early.
Should I even mention that I had a flat tire during the day?
GPS Map & Download file:
To download a copy of the GPX file click on the link above.