Dec 15th - Chiang Saen to Chiang Khong - Kim and Glory - Cycling beyond

December 15, 2023

Dec 15th - Chiang Saen to Chiang Khong

Hills from hell

"If you build it they will come. Could someone build me a moving sidewalk for these hills?! 😂. So far short and manageable, but definitely a couple steep ones. Already covered 17 miles as I am trying to beat the hot sun. It’s 9:40am for me. Thankful for the cloud cover and cooler morning so far. I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t want to see blue sky! Keep praying for me, in about 10-15 more miles I don’t think I will be looking so happy! If other cyclists mention the hills coming you know I’m potentially doomed! 😂😂 okay, bye, rest break is over! 🚴"The above was said on FB as I was feeling somewhat optimistic. Things went downhill after that — downhill, not in a good way …

This is why I am detouring to the river road. The main road 1290 has even more elevation gain as evidenced above

Still in a good mood at a bus shelter rest break

Pleasant cycling through the lush landscape

My second rest break at a fancy cafe. I actually sat at the cafe instead of out enjoying this amazing river view

Couldn't see as the sun was in my eyes. Good thing I took the next picture as evidence I was not over exaggerating the hills

looking up and you know how the pictures never do the steepness justice

Kim’s 5 stages of dealing with hills today...

Stage one: no denial, but anxiety. Was stressed for at least an hour this morning thinking about the hills at the end and wondering how hot and humid it would be. Despite getting a 7:20am start, progress was very slow the last 10 miles meaning I was hitting them in the heat of the day. 😩

Stage two: acceptance. It’s going to be okay. You can walk them and it will be fine. 🙂

Stage three: bargaining. Making deals with myself on the hills. Just take 30 more steps, then you can rest again 🥵 or, you have to start walking again when Corey finishes this song because yes, I had my headphones in

Stage four: I’m dying!! Trying to pace myself while pushing 90+ lb bike (bike and gear). It’s a fine line of not getting too out of breath and nauseous vs. If I stop and rest, I’m in the sun which doesn’t help things 🤢 🥵

Stage five: anger at seeing the last hill. Me: F*CK! F*ck! F*ck! F*ck! 😡😠 😡 😠

Do I look tired and nauseous because I am!

Took a rest break on these swings at the top of the first hillside. Thought about launching myself off the hillside so as to not deal with any more hills

Man, I was one hurting person this afternoon. 😢 I have to leave Thailand tomorrow per passport or I would take a rest day to recover. I had trouble finding the “side street” to my hotel. Went down a super steep hill. So steep I briefly debated walking it. Only to discover my hotel and the next side street over I had to push back up to the entrance. I literally, could barely do it it was so steep! Upon arrival, a few tears fell as I was exhausted and relieved to have arrived.

I was lucky though. I took a break at the top of first hill which was the steepest and longest. I got snacks and water out. I failed to close my front pannier up and did not notice. (Nothing went back in like would usually be the case.) I zoomed down the hill at 30-40mph. It wasn’t until I stopped on the next uphill that I saw it wasn’t closed and that means a strap was flying loose. Thank God it did not go into spokes!!!

Looking back downhill. It was a 12% climb

One last hill, but I'm on the verge of tears here. Not every day on the bike can be a good day

In the home stretch. The views opposite the river are incredible!

The ride was actually quite pleasant and scenic until I hit the hills. I have never liked climbing and I’m not good at it. This early in the trip, it makes it even worse. I did take a nice walk along the riverfront of Chiang Khong and really enjoyed it. Would have been a great place to take a rest day.

I stayed at Day Riverside Hotel which has excellent reviews. The room was pretty basic and I actually pulled out my air mattress for the bed as it was a bit hard, but the owners were incredibly thoughtful and kind and speak fluent English which for me, is always a plus.