robert j. mang cycling/travel

Today we rode 50 miles, most of which was on a dirt road.  The climb was 17 miles, with a gain of 4,000’.  I never in my life saw so many switchbacks.  Ever. When we reached the summit our elevation was 16,980’.

The climb today was, in terms of distance, elevation gain, and total elevation not too far off yesterday, and today we rode on dirt.  But today was much easier and enjoyable.  Mostly due to the fact that there was almost no wind, my cold is about completely over, it was warm and sunny, and the scenery was far more interesting.

Then there was the downhill.   It was amazing, with more switchbacks then the uphill side as we descended 3500’ over 8 miles.

 A fantastic downhill ride.

All the while, during the downhill, we were blessed with a view of the Mt. Everest mountain range.  The sight was unbelievable, and it was difficult to keep an eye on the road with such a spectacular view right in your face.

Mt. Everest is one of the most spectacular natural scenes I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.  Superlatives do it no justice.

This is not the best view we had, just one of the first.  When we slept near the Base Camp, we had an amazing view of Everest that I’ll post later.

Tonight is another night camping.  Right behind our tent is a glacial stream with its aquamarine, frigid waters making a serpentine cut through the grassy sheep grazing pasture.   This is the view from my tent.

~ by Robert on June 7, 2011.

Posted in Tibet, Tibet, Nepal & India, Travels