Jono Cane's Blog

Day 54 16/12/2009

Distance Cycled: 210km

I left the Hotel at 6am just before the sun rose, it was still bloody hot but I persisted as I really needed to be in Saigon to sort out my Thai visa, pick up my things from the train station that I had sent from Hanoi and sell my bike.

Seeing as it was my last day cycling it wouldn’t have been special if nothing went wrong, about midday I punctured the rear tire that was easily fixed and as I waited for the rubber cement to dry I munched down some lunch. Towards the afternoon the rear tire got another puncture but seeing as I was only… well 40km away is quite far from Saigon I pushed on with the flat and as it was getting dark and I didn’t want be caught cycling at night.

I don’t think I have ever felt like my life was in such peril before, the roads here were terrible.

Apparently there was a bit of a downpour in HCMC because when I arrived some of the roads were flooded, again even with a punctured rear tire I pushed on through, drenching my shoes and socks.

When I arrived at the Hotel that offered dorm rooms I was in quite a state: sweaty, drenched, exhausted, sunburnt and covered in layer of highway grit. Thinking it was a triumphant moment; I would have liked to have a welcoming party waiting for me, but as I didn’t a beer sufficed.

Being absolutely knacked I had a shower grabbed some dinner and crashed out early, tomorrow Ill celebrate the end of this chapter of my travels. Next stop Thailand.

With only 95km to go!!!

What a sign, read closely

Arriving at the backpackers in Saigon absolutely nackard after cycling 210km and the last 40km with a punctured flat rear tire.