Seems like during the night, Max's bike got attacked by a yellow bear ...
I know the culprit .... but my lips are sealed.
Heading out we teased by the information that we are finally shaking the desert off, and after 10 days, I'm not sorry to see it go.
The roads were mixed ... we started on the Jingzhang Expressway, but then after 2 hours, we wove through Xigùqu, being a polluted dirty smelly city, before starting to climb the G213 into some better scenery. But, the road was strewn with gravel on all the bends, so had to be a little careful taking pics while riding !
I took the lead, and by now, clearly the three of us (John, Jeremy & Me) had formed this alliance and pretty much rode as a group of three for the rest of the tour. Arriving at our destination city, I confidently followed my GPS to our waypoint .... to find the actual spot balancing on a cliff over this lake.
It was clearly in the wrong place again. So then the frustrating hour of calls to the guide, poor explanations of where the hotel should be, and then simply waiting for him to arrive. I'm determined to sort this out and try to provide a correction factor.
Yes, the hotel ... which we drove past about 5 times before the guide arrived. Grrrr,
So after a quick walk, we opted for an evening meal ... coincidentally, there were just two cushions, matching the nationalities perfectly....
I was chuffed to find a Chinese beer that tasted good ... but on closer examination, it was only 2.5% abv. Maybe I'll keep searching.
The evening's routine was one where we eat early ... John & Jeremy would then retire, while I would continue on a quest for night-life, action, company, ... well anything really.... just not bed.
Seems like since the discovery of "cheap" LED lighting, every building has to have some...
China has hundreds of Karaoke bars, but you find that when you walk in, you are presented with an array of private rooms each with ear splitting karaoke machines. You rent the room, buy some beer, (and a lady to serve it), then sing to your hearts content. With a voice like mine, hardly conducive to an entertaining experience.
Well, after 2 hours walking, was about to head back when my eyes caught a sign - "Midi Music Bar". That'll do. No karaoke at least.
Sat down and was brought 5 cans of Budweiser ! Do they know me ?? There was some music, but it died quickly. Then came some sunflower seeds, then some biscuits ? Then more Budweiser !
Then the attempts to talk with me, from five friendly guys and the owner/manager. Oh it was difficult, but after 4 beers and a lot of smiles, I asked for the bill... it wasn't the ride that killed me, it was that bloody 2 hour walk.
And then the surprise ... they would not let me pay for anything. That bit I understood OK. So with more smiles and handshakes, I departed.
Midi music bar, Wuwei : N35.9390 E103.3079 ..... and tell them the Crazy Welshman sent you.
I know the culprit .... but my lips are sealed.
Heading out we teased by the information that we are finally shaking the desert off, and after 10 days, I'm not sorry to see it go.
 |
| Nice entrance to a town... beats a simple sign. |
I took the lead, and by now, clearly the three of us (John, Jeremy & Me) had formed this alliance and pretty much rode as a group of three for the rest of the tour. Arriving at our destination city, I confidently followed my GPS to our waypoint .... to find the actual spot balancing on a cliff over this lake.
It was clearly in the wrong place again. So then the frustrating hour of calls to the guide, poor explanations of where the hotel should be, and then simply waiting for him to arrive. I'm determined to sort this out and try to provide a correction factor.
Yes, the hotel ... which we drove past about 5 times before the guide arrived. Grrrr,
So after a quick walk, we opted for an evening meal ... coincidentally, there were just two cushions, matching the nationalities perfectly....
I was chuffed to find a Chinese beer that tasted good ... but on closer examination, it was only 2.5% abv. Maybe I'll keep searching.
 |
| This was the largest glass they had ! |
Seems like since the discovery of "cheap" LED lighting, every building has to have some...
China has hundreds of Karaoke bars, but you find that when you walk in, you are presented with an array of private rooms each with ear splitting karaoke machines. You rent the room, buy some beer, (and a lady to serve it), then sing to your hearts content. With a voice like mine, hardly conducive to an entertaining experience.
Well, after 2 hours walking, was about to head back when my eyes caught a sign - "Midi Music Bar". That'll do. No karaoke at least.
Sat down and was brought 5 cans of Budweiser ! Do they know me ?? There was some music, but it died quickly. Then came some sunflower seeds, then some biscuits ? Then more Budweiser !
Then the attempts to talk with me, from five friendly guys and the owner/manager. Oh it was difficult, but after 4 beers and a lot of smiles, I asked for the bill... it wasn't the ride that killed me, it was that bloody 2 hour walk.
And then the surprise ... they would not let me pay for anything. That bit I understood OK. So with more smiles and handshakes, I departed.
Midi music bar, Wuwei : N35.9390 E103.3079 ..... and tell them the Crazy Welshman sent you.