Ba Jiu and Bai Jiu

Here I am on Ba Jiu during an excellent morning ride through the neighbouring countryside with Peng and Hua ( on Zorbee and Shandan). No hard roads for a change, just gravel and earth paths through fields of growing crops. And a canter to the top of a hill overlooking the reservoir behind the hotel.

Wutzala and Li Jing arrived today. The deputy boss of the company that own the holiday complex where we are staying and being royally treated, gave us all a wonderful dinner in a private room. This involved a groaning table and much toasting with Bai Jiu or white Chinese spirit - not to be confused with the horse.

The official relaunch of the ride is set for tomorrow. The deputy boss is providing an enormous flag to present to us, and apparently we will be sent off to the accompaniment of fireworks which could prove interesting - my Kanteq body protector and Charles Owen helmet may be of use sooner than expected!

Internet reception is poor around here, and we have been using the connection in the manager's office - access may be unreliable from now on so you have been warned.