Dear Slabo,

Thanks for the update! Fantastic you've already reached Zhongdian! Did you connect with Kevin Skalsky there? He runs Turtle Mountain Gear.

So happy to know you put some work into the bike before leaving on such an ambitious ride. Does the engine feel better, apart from the 2nd gear no longer slipping? Better power? Did you use a bore kit for a bit more displacement and ooomph?

Thanks for the picture. Great strategy for not losing your sleeping bag (again) -- lash it to your handlebars! Sweet!

Really admire your gumption to make this really long ride as your first long ride, and impressed that you already have surmounted some mighty high mountains. Take it easy with the altitude sickness. Lots of water, don't over-exert.

Stay in touch!