The actual biggest day so far...

Kim in Basket Boat in Na Trang

So at the beginning of this 'leisurely holiday' ride through the beautiful country of Vietnam, I was under the impression that the hardest climb was the Hai Van Pass - remember the one we wrote about that was 10kms straight up and we were very chuffed with ourselves at the top. Well that illusion was burst wide open today as we climbed not 10, not 20, but THIRTY kms straight up - from 0 to 1600ms! Oh my weary bones (and other parts that need not be mentioned).

We left the beautiful seaside town of Na Trang this morning, well rested after our day on the boat and swimming yesterday (which was needed after the 70kms the day before). It was such a treat and felt like, amazingly, being on holiday!!

Sally at 1000ms! (sorry about the photo...)

Today we passed rolling hills at the base of the Nui Ba Bi Dop pass, before we began the climb. "Just 15kms to warm up the legs" said our guide Lam, with his ever present giggle. From there we saw the mountain covered in clouds ahead...that was our target. The scenery was stunning and went passed waterfalls, sheer cliff edges and many well wishes from bus and car windows passing by. We stopped for lunch at just above 1000ms, then came the final push. We made it! The cruel twist of mother nature came in the form of gale force blasts at the top of the pass that meant we had to pedal on the downhill too...

The slightly worse-for-wear group at 1600ms in the clouds

I did miss a radio interview as no coverage but not sure how coherent it would have been. Postponed til tomorrow, so tune into Radio Live at 4.55pm NZ time. Also Kim has been interviewed in the Waikato Times and Herald are trying to get hold of her too - the word is getting out there!!

So now in the lovely town of Dalat. Upon entering we saw greenhouses everywhere - this area is in the highlands with very fertile land. We look forward to discovering more tomorrow. For now...a much deserved snickers bar. And no, there is no guilt in eating it after today.

Tune in for tomorrow's update from the cycling sisters,

Sally and Kim x