June 8th, from Gongbujiangda to Songduo, approximately 97 kilometers.
Today’s total elevation gain is over 800 meters.
At 7:40 in the morning, I went down for breakfast; that’s right, it’s still egg noodles.
Set off after breakfast. It has been drizzling on and off since I arrived yesterday. The ground outside is still wet. Today’s weather forecast said there would be showers and light rain, but fortunately, it didn’t rain until I arrived at the destination in the afternoon. It was sunny all day.
Today! I have to ascend over 800 meters, so I’m basically switching between climbing and descending all day. The first dozen kilometers were similar to yesterday, not much uphill, and I rode very quickly. Towards the end, the slopes increased gradually, and the last 20 kilometers were probably the most challenging.
At 8:44, I reached the 4311 km mark; today’s destination is around the 4400 km mark.
After a leisurely 10-kilometer ride, I arrived at the 4321 km mark, which is the famous “Pillar in the Middle of the Stream” spot on Route 318. It’s now closed for safety reasons. Many people used to stop by the roadside to take photos, which was quite dangerous. The new photo spot has been moved further ahead; you’ll see it as you continue to climb.
Behind the new stone monument, you can see the original “Pillar in the Middle of the Stream” in the distant river.
Jiangda Village, there were no particular views along the way today; everything was quite ordinary, so I spent the whole day rushing.
I saw an abandoned suspension bridge on the road and stopped to take two pictures.
Today, like yesterday, I basically rode along the river all day.
At 10:22, there are still 16 kilometers left to today’s lunch spot, Jindaxiang.
At 11:07, at the 4343 km mark on National Highway 318, there are 2 kilometers left to the lunch spot.
At 11:15, I arrived at Jindaxiang. I had a bowl of dumplings for lunch, which cost 20 yuan. I originally planned to ride to the end of the street to find a restaurant, but none were open, so we had to turn around and ride back to the beginning of the street to find another restaurant. I also bought a bottle of Jianlibao.
After a break following lunch, I set off at 12:00 PM, with over 50 kilometers left to ride in the afternoon.
The weather in the afternoon was particularly good; the sun was so strong that sweat dripped involuntarily, and there were more climbs.
After an hour of cycling, there are still 40 kilometers left to the destination.
It’s too sunny; I’m taking a break to drink some water. There are now 20 kilometers left to the destination.
Luomalin Village
There are still 9 kilometers left to the destination. I’m taking a break. The recent kilometers have more uphill sections, and with the sun shining, I’m eating something and drinking water to replenish my energy.
Seeing the “Songduo Comprehensive Security” sign, then going up a slope, and you’ll arrive in about 2 kilometers.
After going uphill, you will see a hot spring on the right side of the road. If you’re interested, you can soak your feet. The person I’m traveling with soaked their feet, and the entrance fee was 20 yuan.
If you don’t soak, just continue forward. You’ll reach Songduo in about 1 kilometer.
At 16:35, I arrived at the guesthouse. There are standard rooms for 80 and 100 yuan. The 100 yuan one has hot water for a convenient bath. We got one for 100 yuan, which is 50 yuan per person. Including breakfast and dinner, it’s an additional 40 yuan, making it 90 yuan per person.
For dinner, the two of us had two dishes and a soup, which was acceptable.
I need to sleep early today, as I’ll be cycling 180 kilometers directly to Lhasa tomorrow. There’s also a 5000-meter Mila Mountain to cross, which is the longest one-day cycling distance since I started cycling Route 318. I plan to get up at 5:30 a.m. and depart after 6:00 a.m., expecting to arrive in Lhasa before 9:00 p.m., let’s go!
Tomorrow: Songduo to Lhasa!