More about this programme: www.bbc.co.uk Mark Beaumont, who broke the record for pedalling around the world is back on the road. This time the adventure promises to be more exhilarating and agonising – Mark’s journey will take him from Alaska, USA to Ushuaia, in southern Argentina; cycling the length of the Rockies and Andes, 13000 miles through 12 countries. He’ll also attempt to reach the summits of the highest mountains in North and South America. For nine months, Mark will self-film his intimate adventure at bike speed.
Thanks to Menh, my relative in Malaysia. He help us to arrange the hospitality in Mong Cai. Yesterday, I got the phone number.
We started to ride at 11am. We arrived border. We were noticed to pay RMB 10 for crossing the border! It is ridiculous. Then, we wanted to take the elevator, but failed. Then, we had to carry our heavy bikes When we reached China immigration, we got stuck! The Chinese immigration asked us why we use UK passport, not Hong Kong, Chinese Passport. We spent 5-10min to explain. Then, we were stopped by the Chinese Custom. They requested us for unloading panniers. “Okay , fine!” I think. But, they didn’t check our language after unloaded. We spent around 45minutes for crossing border.
Later, we arrived Vietnam border. Just a river, all the culture and things are different. We only see the alphabets, instead of Chinese. But, the Viet immigration officers don’t speak English. Maybe, less English speakers would cross it. And, no custom checked our stuffs!
Entered to Mong Cai. The first thing is to get a sim card and foreign exchange(SIM THÉ, in Viet). We looked around the town. Suddenly, it’s raining. Then, we found a finical institute. We moved inside. I tried to contact with them. But the worse is: they can’t speak English, and I don’t speak Vietnamese. Suddenly, there was a young beautiful lady, white shirt, to ask us” What may I help you?” ” We got lost.” I said. I showed a number to her. Then, she’s nice to help us call my relative. Then, she allowed us to stay in the insinuate. Then, I exchanged currency with her privately.She is nice to offer a cheap rate for me. We stayed at the bank for 30minutes. Then, my uncle came. We rode to home with just 15 minutes.
We stayed at elegant four stories house. It is still under construction, but it will be finish in two months. After tasting the noodles breakfast, we went to visit the market. Inside the market, over 90% stocks are imported from China.
We originally want to go today. But, the road from Mong Cai to Ha Long is under construction; my uncle doesn’t recommend us to ride because there is 180KM off-road. We may probably take ferry to go.
Maybe, I still one more day should be great, because I met two adventurers, Jason and Ben, on the street. I invited them to visit our house. Then, we chatted and drank tea with my relatives. My uncle asked to learn French from Ben.
Jason is Irish-Canadian; Ben is French. We both have same heading, so we plan to go together.
At night, we went to local café to access the Internet.
View Mong Cai in a larger map
The M-Wave 3-Piece Traveler Pannier Bike Bag is a convenient way to stay organized on and off the bike. This bicycle bag features 3 separate compartments, the top bags and two side panniers.
Top Bag
I use the similar product in my Biking Adventure in Asia.This three bags design is nice for long distance touring. How do I use it? I out all the clothes and laptop at the top gear.
Caution: It’s better for you to put your lovey laptop on the cloths. They can absorb shock when you were pedaling on the road.
The top bag fully detaches from the bottom compartments for on-the-go storage. The Traveler Pannier is constructed of durable tear-proof material and features rain protecting zippers to keep your gear dry and protected.
In order to the side panniers, it is suggested to put the stuffs you would like to use it offer.
Reflective stripes help ensure safety while riding! It’s perfect for hauling gear to work and school on a commuter bike or for carrying a nice picnic on your beach cruiser.
Panniers dimension:
14” L x 7”W x 13” H inches each /
Top Bag Backpack Dimensions:
13.5” L x 18” W x 8.5” L inches
Base on my traveling experience, I highly recommend you don’t only use the side panniers if you carry laptop. And, it is a nice design, separated compartment, because it is easy to care, and maximize the space capity. Good Luck for your ride!
