June 7th, from Nyingchi to Gongbujiangda, approximately 130 kilometers.
Last night was a disaster; I hardly slept at all. Before midnight, the temperature was tricky—under the blanket I’d sweat, but without it, I felt a bit cold, making it hard to sleep. After midnight, the mattress was uneven, causing an uncomfortable backache. I tossed and turned all night, from the edge of the bed to the middle, and from one end to the other, unable to fall asleep.
Next time, I’ll definitely check the bed before staying in a hotel.
I went downstairs at 7:50 a.m. today, set off directly, and looked for breakfast on the way.
Passed by a Shandong breakfast shop, had breakfast, then navigated out of town; the roads leaving town were mostly flat.
After leaving the city, there was a section of undulating downhill road. The total distance for today is 130 kilometers, with a small amount of uphill, and the rest are basically flat or downhill roads, with minor undulations.
I love walking on these forest roads; the scenery is great.
Followed by a section of flat road and downhill, it’s incredibly refreshing.
At around 9 a.m., arrived at the fifth construction area, which seems to be a construction zone.
The low altitude along the way is very good; the oxygen content is high.
At the entrance of a local scenic area called Kagou Scenic Area.
Duobu Village
At the end of Duobu Village, there is a field of rapeseed flowers.
After passing the rapeseed field, I arrived at what I think is the most beautiful spot today. This section of the Linla Expressway crosses the river, with the emerald river below and the distant green mountains reflecting off each other, making for a very beautiful scene.
Gengzhang Township, after Gengzhang is Baiba Township, today’s lunch spot.
After Gengzhang Township, there is a long uphill, and after that, you’ll directly reach the 4208 km marker on National Highway 318.
After passing Gengzhang Township, there is a Gengzhang Village. The village signs are quite something; I found two signs in a row that say “Beware of bears,” which scared me into preparing to find a stick by the road for self-defense.
In Zadi Village, I saw many Tibetan fragrant pigs by the roadside, which, like yaks, are free-range.
The pigs are not very big; many of them look quite thin and forage for food by the roadside.
One kilometer left to today’s lunch spot, Baiba Township; I’ve ridden about 63 kilometers this morning.
Lunch is the same as usual, twice-cooked pork over rice for 25 yuan; the twice-cooked pork I’ve had along the way has been very authentic.
After lunch, at around 12:30, I saw many peach trees by the roadside; the peaches are relatively small. Our timing is a bit awkward; we missed the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival two months ago, and we won’t be here for the peach harvest in two months, only catching the growth period of the peaches. Actually, there was an embarrassing moment this morning because I don’t like peaches. I observed for a long time along the way, not knowing what kind of fruit tree this was, until my friend told me they were peach trees, and then it dawned on me that Nyingchi has a Peach Blossom Festival every year, so of course, they are peach trees.
There’s a lot of wheat or barley in the fields here? They are starting to turn yellow, and the harvest season might not be far off.
Passed by a small scenic spot: Wujin Zapu Cave.
When I arrived at Zhe Ba Village, the sun was at its harshest, and it was scorching my back again.
Saw the “Welcome to Gongbujiangda” sign; it was too close to capture the whole thing. This marks the beginning of entering the area of today’s destination, Gongbujiangda County.
This is the 4247 km marker on National Highway 318; there are about 53 kilometers left to the destination.
Arrived at Xiuba Ancient Fort.
The guide says this ancient fort has a thousand-year history, similar to ancient beacon towers.
Didn’t stay long, continued on after taking photos.
Passed by Bahe Town.
My friend’s rear tire was punctured, changing the tire by the roadside. It’s been a long time since the last puncture; the last time was on the day of the Tibetan King Cave.
The guide mentioned that previously, cyclists found monkeys around the 4263 km marker on the national highway. When taking photos, the monkeys would tug at bags, so be aware. I saw two monkeys after passing the 4265 km sign and quickly and quietly sped up to avoid unnecessary trouble.
At 3 p.m., there are about 30 kilometers left to the destination; there are dark clouds ahead, and it might already be raining.
At 4 p.m., at the 4287 km marker on National Highway 318, light rain has started, accompanied by a headwind; there are 13 kilometers left to the destination.
Due to the headwind, our speed has slowed down; there are still 10 kilometers left to Gongbujiangda.
At 4:30 p.m., arrived at Apei Village; the drizzle isn’t heavy, but the headwind is really uncomfortable. Because of the poor sleep last night, I’m physically drained today; these last 10 kilometers are exhausting and tiring.
At 4:50 p.m., about 1 kilometer left to the accommodation.
Gongbujiangda County landmark.
Arrived at the guesthouse at 5 p.m.; didn’t sleep well last night, so today I specially rented a single standard room for 90 yuan, with two beds. If one bed is uncomfortable, I can switch to the other. I was really afraid of last night’s bed because the daily cycling tasks are heavy, and if I don’t rest well at night, it’s really deadly.
Then I added 45 yuan for breakfast and dinner here. When I finished eating, it started raining outside. I need to rest well today; there are 97 kilometers of uphill climbing tomorrow, and the elevation of tomorrow night’s accommodation is over 4200 meters. The high altitude won’t allow for good sleep quality, so I need to rest early.
Tomorrow: Gongbujiangda to Songduo, 97 kilometers, uphill climb of over 800 meters, only two days left to Lhasa, keep going.