Today’s ride would be the longest, so we started with another hearty breakfast before riding across the Phobjikha Valley to begin our 16km climb. It was very rough and rutted start and our legs were pretty tired before we even hit the climb. The climb was on dirt which made it even harder. By the time we hit the paved road again I was ready to cough up a lung. Thankfully the last section of the climb was sealed, and one of the prettiest parts of the ride, with mist hovering over the forest as we ascended to 3300m,  I was well aclimatised by now, but it still required more effort than usual to ride at altitude.

The descent was my favourite by far.  It would be a 25km downhill to get to our lunch stop, on a nice smooth road that descended down the mountain. It was surreal, to be surrounded by mountains and descending continuously. People from villages all waved to us, often taking pictures as we rode past.  Aside from dodging the usual yaks, cattle, horses and an occasional snake, it was a very quiet back road.

Lunch was at a restaurant next to a Nepalese style stupa. It was a rather grand lunch in a throne room!  Monk children were playing soccer outside.  After lunch the downhill continued for another 27km to our final rest stop.  A local who has seen me on TV was waiting there to take a selfie with me, which was pretty cool!

We rode another 5km down to the bottom of the valley before turning up for the final 5km climb up to our hotel. Another steep climb up the hotel driveway and we arrived at our hotel with sweeping views of the valley and the Trongsa Dzong, on the side of the mountain. A perfect way to finish the day. This was our hardest riding day so far- my legs feel like jelly. Those with sufficient energy went to visit the Trongsa Dzong, but were caught by a lighting/thunder storm.  On the other hand, we did have a beautiful rainbow at afterward!