The Hills aren't getting Smaller! and the Bike isn't getting Lighter!

A view from one of our climbs

After our big Day Four, we had a nice rest day in Mojiang (墨江), where we toured the local rice wine factory "Pure Yunnan (地道云南)" and had a photo shoot at the Tropic of Cancer. It was a well needed rest, as the day before was brutal and the days to come were just the same. Over the last three days of cycling, we have slowed the pace a bit, as the hills have been relentless. Today we have arrived in the famous city of Pu'er, and of course sampled there famous tea. Even more so, though, we sampled the local rice wine, as we seem to do every night! I'm not complaining though, because every night from Mojiang to here we have been received by friends who have treated us to great meals, warm hotels, and today even a full body massage! The only down side of seeing friends every night (besides the slow morning recovery), is they keep giving us gifts to deliver to Southeast Asia and I already have enough weight as it is!

Receiving a bottle of rice wine from the manager of the factory.

Still the rides have been amazing, with incredible views of the countryside and very personal interactions with the locals. Though we have had some really tough climbs, it makes it all worth it when a ten year old boy yells from the side of the road "Helloooo!"

The last three days we averaged about 80 kilometers a day, which isn't bad considering the mountains we are crossing. From Mojiang we biked to Tong Guan where we were met by the local Mayor. From Tong Guan we had a great cycle to Ning'er (宁洱). And today we had a milder trek from Ning'er to Pu'er (普洱). There have been some incredible climbs, but even better descents, as long as it isn't raining, foggy, or covered with trucks (very rare to so far to not have at least one of these!)

Here are some more photos of our trip. I can't emphasize enough how we are riding through the heart of China. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the cities you really begin to understand where it all comes from. Between the factories and the immense amount of agriculture, from coffee to tobacco, cabbage to mushrooms, we've passed it all.

A fertile river valley protected by the fog

Riding into the sunset above Tong Guan. The superhighway takes the tunnel, we take the scenic route.

Haidong is prepared for the rain

Li Yuan holding a "Wild Bitter Fruit (山苦瓜)" at lunch after leaving Mojiang

She asked me if my bags were heavy!

This women collected some wild "olives" she gave to us. Very bitter, with a faint taste of olive.

Processing coffee! She was very excited to hear that I could speak Mandarin, and then quite surprised that I had grown coffee too!

Terraces of various grains.

Fei Bao receiving some local specialty tea from the Mayor of Tong Guan. We are all carrying a brick, I somehow was lucky enough to get three!

Jin Fei Biao and David relaxing after tonight's foot message. Nothing to complain about here!