Luang Prabang -> Bio Bamboo HueanPhae NamOu, across the river from Pak Chek
Distance cycled: 47.8 km Ave: 16.8km/h Max speed: 44.7 km/h Elevation gained: 454m
We enjoyed our last Lotus breakfast (I concluded that the optimal order was coffee with hot milk, platter of fresh fruit, fresh pineapple juice, a croissant with tamarind and coconut jam, and khao soi – pork and noodle soup).Then we loaded up for riding.We left town via a side road with multiple local artisans, which slowed down our effective departure time, notably.Golden naga serpents guarding a Wat on our way out.
The main road is paved, more or less, but dusty and with massive potholes, sometimes the full width of the road, and substantial enough that traffic sometimes moves slower than a bicycle.
There are no lanes or center markings; the rule of the road is everyone dodges potholes.It was dusty, hot, and loud.
I must have done a poor job tightening my right pedal during reassembly, as it came loose and a bunch of the threads got mutilated about 10 km into the ride.
Fortunately, with a bit of help from a couple of keen locals, we were able to get the pedal re-inserted with the remaining threads holding correctly.
The views of the mountains are both intimidating and enticing, but today we were mostly following the Mekong and then the Nam Ou River.
We stopped to recoup and refuel at a gas station where there was a table in the shade.
A group of young men (at least one of whom was operating the gas station) were hanging out all singing along to a guitar and what sounded like finger cymbals.
We were pretty toast after 46km…… and are very happily lounging on the porch of a stilted riverfront cabin Felicity found us to stay at where we:1. Loaded ourselves, bikes and gear onto the boat to cross the river2. Swam in the river (very slippery gooey entry and exit!)
3. Saw a giant water serpent in the river 4. Decided not to swim again
5. Tried Lao bbq overlooking the river (basket of burning charcoal on a platter of water, then tray on top of the basket that has grill function on top and boil function around in its trough)
Goodnight!
Alice (with the usual edits and photos from Flis and Jeannie)
BC by Cycle 
Great options for the cooking set-up! I am glad you weren’t eaten by the serpent…
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We have now seen several more (sizeable!) water snakes and are very happy we didn’t see any before swimming!
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Yikes!
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