Wow what a journey that was! We had an amazing time riding our manual bike to Hoi An from Hue. Me and Garath wrode with Chris and Emily, Hannah and Donna, and Leanne and Dawn. We stopped off at a beach and had a swim, whilst we were in the sea a storm passed over our heads. I did think it was a bit choppy, the storm was the blame for this! 1st beach and sea action for the start of the travels, and lots more to come!

After leaving the beach we headed off on our crazy tour. We had a 100cc Honda Dream II, a beast of a bike. It was an old and beaten up bike. It was not letting us down like all the others though, on their new Yamaha automatics hahahahahah! They were all having troubles starting the damn things when ever we stopped.

Chris and Emily were in charge of the map reading for the first part of the journey, they followed it very well, taking in the information we had been given about which road to take out of Hue. We were told it was a straight road there from Hue to Hoi An! I do not think so!!!! The roads were some of the worst roads in the world, even Clarkson knows this. However the sights were really breath taking, out of this world, even with the rain and wind thrashing you in the face (open face helmet) at 60-70 km an hour. If we had taken the right road we would have missed alot of scenery that was unforgettable.

The poor Honda didn't like the mountains that we climbed! To be honest neither did we. As the others stormed off ahead, leaving us in the rising mist. It was quite spooky no sound apart from the screaming sound of our gear box!

People out here are such Crazy drivers, really surprised that no one got hurt. There seems to be no rules, just beep you horn and gun it when approaching cross road sections. We hit the worst traffic when we got to Danang, frightning! You just have to drive like them to survive. We took it in turns, though Garath was in control for the longest (hogger).

This simple ride which was susposed to to take 5-6 hours allowing plenty of time for stop overs, actually took a staggering 9 hours! Though I am glad we did this little detour because the experience was unforgettable and this will certaintly stay with us forever!

As a result of this little trip I am now hooked on bikes! Im hoping to get a Lambretta or Vespa when we get home (nothing too big to start off with). Garath is also liking the idea of getting a little 50cc to start, then a 125 or something.

Once we reached Hoi An it was a case of getting a room. The people we traveled down with got theres at the first place we stopped at. Me and Garath went to seek out our $10 a night, air con, fridge, en-suit, t.v, comfy bed room. We were still wet and cold and sore from the rain. Unfortunately it started off something for Garath and he hast been feeling too special. Hopefully he will feel better soon. We have found some meds to keep him perky at least.