The long road north to the border

There are two roads that take you the 340km from Jining to Erenhot on the border with Mongolia – the G55 highway, and the smaller G208 running 1-5km parallel to it. We chose the latter. We took off on what was to be a short days riding, only to realise 6km in that Kate's brand new bottom bracket didn’t allow any more adjustment in my gears, and her chain was rubbing. Back to the bike store we went. It was a bit of a different reception this time, and we think it offended them that we were back – I know there is something about always letting the Chinese save face, but it is really hard when your communication is limited. However, a small spacer was inserted as a solution, and off we rode again.

This was our first taste of a head wind, and unbeknown to us it was our first experience of the winds that come off the Gobi dessert. After a late start, and some 16km of extra riding to sort the gears, we made it to our next stop.

Fighting the wind downhill

Chahar Yougi Houqi – Tomortei – Zhurihe – Saihan Tal – Erenhot

After facing a couple of days of clear blue skies and hefty head winds that seriously worked the body and the mind, we were not so positive that we could make it the final 120km from Saihan Tal to Erenhot in one day as planned. We packed provisions for food, expecting no villages along the way, and assuming we would have to camp. We rose at 6:30am hoping to catch calm air and tick off the first few kilometers at ease, bracing ourselves for a tough afternoon of head winds. However, as is often the way when you prepare for the worst, the wind kept mostly at bay for the morning, and early into the afternoon. That left us with only a couple of hours slog against the wind and our tiring bodies to make it all the way in to Erenhot. Our longest day in distance and time.

The regular morning crowd wondering what we are doing, where we are from, how our panniers, clip pedals and mud guards work.

7km down, 111km to go

Erenhot is our last destination in Northern China, and here we plan to rest and regroup for three days before crossing the border. China was always a wild card in our trip, and after four weeks we are feeling pretty comfortable with the language, communication, and the way things are done. Now it’s time to sit back, relax and let the calm wash over us before we set out on our next journey. With a side trip to the Geological Park (aka Dinosaur Park) of course!

Entering Erenhot, home of the dinosaurs

Exiting the Geological Park

"I'll save you Calvin!"