There's always a day you would rather didn't happen, but usually not on the first day!
started off good - Hennie went together easily and was soon loaded up and we headed off to the ferry - the bridge is not bike friendly! a very pleasant ride along a bike path and the ferry journey was short and we were entertained by the sea gulls which were being fed by the passengers throwing food off the deck...
then the nightmare began. My plan to ride on the main road failed as there was another bridge where cycklists not allowed, so there was much zigging and zagging and what should have been an hour ride at the most, turned into 3 hours. unbelievable!!
but eventually got to the Ara bike way after another detour along a wrong bike path... As this had been quite a built up area, the air quality wasn't the best, but was expected.
a little pop-up bike shop allowed me to pump up the tyres and away we went - but only for a few kms, when pfff! a flat tyre! On the 1st day! Wah! thankfully a front tyre, so that was quickly changed.
After sailing along for quite a few kms, I checked my maps, only to realise that somehow, we had got onto another bike path. I had to cross a small bridge and should have turned left instead of following others that turned right. but a very kind lady on an electric trike, led me back to right path!
Eventually I arrived at the Hangang bike path, missing the information booth - yet again! by now I had clocked up 50km instead of the total of 45km and was nowhere near my planned stop. Thankfully I hadn't booked ahead as there was no way I would make it. So I was keeping my eye open for an exit to find a hotel. Unfortunately, there seems to only be exits every 10kms! eventually got off the path and following the active map, I managed to end up in a very flash hotel - I knew it would be way above my budge, but by then, who cares! Credit card nearly died of fright, but once in my room, I filled the bath and soaked my worries away.
after a tasty ! egg sandwich and pineapple desert, I hit the sack! will be taking it easy tomorrow for sure!
Things will only get better - I hope! but enough of the whinging - the actual cycling was really pleasant. no hills, and the paths are well maintained, lots of toilet and water available, although I didn't make use of them as I should have as I was trying to catch up time.
Brutal start but hopefully all goes well from here. Always a nightmare getting out of a big city and flat tyre just not fair!! I always wonder though if these unplanned changes happen for a reason, the universe looking after you, cos you don't know what you avoided on the planned route. Main thing is you're safe : )). And it looks like already the scenery is pretty nice! Here's to a better day today ♡
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