Phan Thiet Velo

There will be a day (I hope) that I move back to the US.  At that time, opportunities like this past weekend will be gone.  Not many are willing to stick their necks out there... be laughed at... pointed at... and know that no matter what they do, they will NEVER be a local.  Many just stick to their own...  and there is NOTHING wrong with that...

but for the fine boys of Phan Thiet Velo, thanks for letting me ride with you! 

They arrived at my hotel abotu 7:20.  I had NO idea where we would ride other then the 'upper road'.  Thankfully!  That's an amazing new road that makes traveling to Miu Ne totally worth it.  This hill is just about 1/2 km from the hotel from the lower road to the upper road.  Its about .5km and averaged 9%...  hmm.... you bet I'll be going up and down THIS hill a few times!

Got the 'thumbs up' after the climb.  I was the last to the top... its been a while since I was the last.  All I could think is, "yeah... its gonna be good!"

I know they didn't know what to think of me, "aauuh, are you tired?"  they asked about every 5 minutes.  "NO, I am fine".  I ride w/ Saigon Velo and Quan 7, it is always a race and its no problem!  I TRY to tell them this, but.....

The guy on the mountain bike had no problems keeping up.  Great idea though, he went ahead on teh lower road as there is a lot of sand etc.

on the down hill, I guess I didn't know I looked so stupid stretching!  ha ha

Two (Jerry and Mr. Thinh) were on the motor bike for support!  I couldn't believe it.  After riding in the crap that is HCMC riding.... here I am on an open road, and a motorcycle escort for lights!  WHOA!

Thumbs up for the effort!

could I be any happier?

Stop after the sand dunes.... LOVE this part of the ride...

Not sure what they are pointing at....

Finally, the group shot.

It was a really short ride, only 25km for me with them... after they left, I snuck off for 10 more.  They said I could go again with them.

thanks for letting me join. 

When I came to Taiwan, riding with the locals at first was always a bit like this.  Communication is bad at best, sometimes, depending on who I rode with , there was NO TALKING... only hand motions and my bad Chinese.  But, a few nice ones gave me a chance... eventually, more and more gave me the chance.  By the time I left Taiwan, I had many cycling acquantences and joined many group rides.  Riding among females increased by 20 times as well.  Seeing a chick on a bike was more normal... seeing one that could keep up and actually be stronger, was also becoming, more normal.  Being a westerner.... women have arrived to this level decades ago...

Now, in Vietnam, I am where I was when I first started riding in Taiwan, but even less ladies, and have yet to find a local lady.  But, my riding with these boys is becoming more and more accepted...

the price:

some humilation, some pointing, some laughing, and a load of patience...

but at the end of the day, not one of them has left me with out a tiny bit of respect....  they know... we women are coming!