Wheel2Wheel

Wheel2Wheel Day 3: Morgan’s Expedition Blog

A day of decisions, the biggest of which was whether to attempt a potentially dangerous 12 hour overnight ride from Hong Kong direct to Yangshuo or fly to Guilin then ride for 90 minutes to Yangshuo.  The reason this unexpected possibility of riding my bike to Yangshuo arose was due to the incredible administrative efficiency of the Hong Kong Transport department.  After the tragic heartache of events on 1 March (Day 1) not being allowed across the Hong Kong border, then being told the missing “Closed Road Permit” paperwork could take one month to obtain – the whole expedition was in jeopardy.  Once hearing about the charitable mission of Wheel2Wheel, the Transport Department, in conjunction with the Customs and Immigration departments, worked miracles to present us with the permit today 3 hours before “Plan B” was about to unfold: me flying to Guilin; and just 46 hours after our rushed application on the stressful afternoon of 1 March.

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After consulting with Levina, Alan and Paige, I decided on the safer option of flying up to Guilin.  Whilst disappointed not to have my bike available at the high school with GECKO on Day 4, this was definitely the right decision.   Thanks to an introduction by Jo James from “On the Road in China” I was able to borrow a bike from Paddy – a cheerful fellow based in Guilin.  Paddy is a legend and a must-use tour guide whenever you visit Guilin.

The Siren crew, Levina, Paige and I arrived in Guilin on dusk – Paddy and his little red 175cc Honda were waiting outside.

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We quickly got underway, I couldn’t believe I was in China, riding a bike – smiling from ear to ear inside my helmet.  After 30 minutes riding, the rain started and the temperature plummeted.  At first it was only my fingers that were numb, but eventually it became my entire body.  Arriving at Riverside Retreat in Yangshuo was a blur as I stumbled with hypothermia to a hot shower.

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After showering and dinner, it was time for a quick drink and stroll down West Street with the GECKO team.   After spending only a few hours with Mihela (Founder of GECKO) I was captivated by her enthusiasm, knowledge, strong sense of purpose and reality.