@scrooger's 700km+ Cross Country - South Korea - Cycling Trip - Day 5 - Cycled 72.2km
Day 5 - 72.2km
Day 5 of my bike trip started off really well. I woke up pretty well rested, my legs were still on fire from the 115km I did before but I knew as soon as I warm them up I will be well on my way for another long day. Day 4 was by far the longest and fastest day of cycling. spoke to some cyclists at the motel where I was staying and they said there will be one rather big hill and then all smooth sailing after that... Until I reach the extreme downhill.
Day 5 started with the weather in my favor. There was a slight breeze and the air was cool. I left my motel around 8AM (a little later than I planned but needed some good rest.)
I was not as motivated to take pictures today. Told myself that I need to focus more on the road and make less stops. Take some mental pics. =)
I am not a big soccer fan but who wouldn't want to play on this amazing field!?
Since I was on the 4 rivers trail that goes all over Korea I knew there were going to many bridges, I crossed on every now and then and really enjoyed each one of them. To me, a bridge was not just another bridge anymore. Each one had it's own style and character that I enjoyed more and more as I cycled over them.
The never ending mountain range...
About 2 hours in I came across these funky looking wooden sculptures. They were huge! About twice as tall as I am. There were about 10 of them in total but I found these two the most interesting.
I know there is a meme here somewhere... Let's say whoever comes up with a nice meme for the above pic and post it in the comments will win 1SBD when post reaches payout.
Memes aside, these must have been carved out of massive trees and I was amazed at craftsmanship.
How can anyone say no to this sign? I had to go in and investigate!
Sadly there was no cool statue, but still a pretty nice temple... Darm was really hoping for a cool cow statue!
Met two other cyclists and asked how the next few kilometers would be. They told me there is a big hill up ahead and then I will eventually get a really cool downhill a few hours later. Sweet!
Where are the pictures of the mountain I just pushed my bike up? There are none! I was too busy concentrating on not dying! Those two cyclists weren't kidding! I pushed a good 20minutes, this is taking soooo long! I eventually reached the top and the view and sweat was totally worth it. I could see the straight path right next to those rice fields, that is where I will be cycling next!
WOW!
I tried freeing down but it was just to steep with a lot of little twists and turns and felt like I mess up my breaks if I constantly break while going down. So once again I pushed my bike all the way down.
One thing I learned about South Koreans is that they will fish anywhere. Like this dude, then again who wouldn't want to fish here. Looks so relaxing!
Let's take a shortcut!
So I looked at this farm and thought heck yeah let's take a shortcut through it. I awed and fell in love with the view that I forgot about my map and where I was actually going. I checked my map and knew that shortcut was a terrible mistake... I went back and knew I wasted a good 40 or so minutes. Then again, the view was worth it.
After my shortcut, it was back to full focus stop F***ing around mode. No time to waste! Had to stop for these beauties though.
I eventually reached a little town and decided to look far a bike shop to get a new tube since I don't have a spare and If I should get another bad puncture I would be a little stuck. It was still part of Chuseok (think Korean thanksgiving) and I was out of luck since most of the shops were closed. I decided to take a rest and I was absolutely starving! I knew it might be a while till I find a nice town with a good meal (was getting tired of convenience store food).
This little mountain of sweet and sour fried pork.
Didn't expect it to be that much when I ordered but I was so hungry that I didn't care. I gobbled it all up and knew it will keep me fueled for a while.
The little town featured some cool recreational activities. =)
Think it might rain soon...
Little church with it's own little rice garden.
The longest downhill of my life.
I was well on my way to Mungyeong, a little town surrounded by mountains. I knew it was going to be a challenge since some cyclists told me that it's the most intense part of the entire trip. Heading into Mungyeong it was all downhill. I was thankful since my legs were killing me and I started to feel pretty tired.
Bumber to bumper traffic for a few kilometers while I carefully made my way down.
The traffic was insane and guess many people had to go through Mungyeong, narrow roads and being a public holiday the traffic was pretty bad. Not for me though! See ya suckers! I did not snap many pictures since I know it was getting late and there is no way I am slowing down while I have this awesome downhill to keep me going.
I kid you not, it was a good 30-45 minutes of no peddling. It was amazing.
Cool little waterfall.
One of the most amazing places I have been while in South Korea. Mungyeong
I was completely surrounded by mountains. In every direction I looked, I just saw mountains. Was such a cool feeling.
Panorama shot
Cycling through the farms and enjoying the views I knew that I did not have the strength to go up what is waiting for me. I decided to call it a day since Mungyeong was filled with motels and a few good restaurants. I asked around at a few motels to get a good price and booked in.
Went out to get some food and after my bath and meal I passed out. Tired and happy with my progress.
Tomorrow will be a big day, I need to rest...
Day 5 DONE!
Day 1 - Cycled 93km
Day 2 - Cycled 73km
Day 3 - Cycled 101km
Day 4 - Cycled 115km
Good = I cycled 72.2km, will get plenty of rest.
Bad = I'm freaking tired and "THE MOUNTAIN" is coming...
Day 6 here I come!
Camera: Samsung Note 8.
Thank you for reading! Steem on Steemians!
Day 2 - Cycled 73km
Day 3 - Cycled 101km
Day 4 - Cycled 115km
Awesome keep going ;)
I did! =)
Is it considered nice if it involves farts??
When farts are not considered please start downvoting me. lol
I am a guy and a fart joke is always funny. ALWAYS!
You are in the lead!
Haha awesome! I'll keep up with the fart jokes.... Pffft!
That is amazing how far you have gone. Actually you were crossing the whole country.
I am more convinced that South Korea is a very beautiful coutry thanks to your pictures.
I love reading about your journey and as usual I am looking forward to the next day 😀
It truly is. The cities are dense and crazy but once you get to the countryside it is truly amazing and beautiful.
I will be crossing most of the country... Will be a 8 day trip i total
The enviroment looks stunning, the second picture is my favorite
I also really liked the 2nd pic! =)
Love it! This is so inspirational for me, I always wanted to go on a trip like this but I'm probably too scared to do it. Thaks for inspiration.
South Korea is extremely safe. Bike up. Gear up. Do it!
72 km of cycling how can you do that !!!
This was one of the slower days. =P
Other ones were 100km+
I take it slow and easy
keep going man!
That's amazing trip you're doing! and the blog is great by the way!
Thanks, man! It was a wonderful and challenging trip indeed!
I'm very impress keep it up and keep us posted on how the trip is going.
Will do! Will try and keep the posts coming in, have some more time lately so will be posting more. =)
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