(^74) Kota Belud – Poropok View – 45km
Overnight I had a change of heart and decided to cycle over the mountains past Mt.
Kinabalu National Park. As, by then, already past the main turn-off to Mt. Kinabalu, the
secondary route came with a few nasty hills, but I wrestled the bike up the steep
gradient. The uphill went on and on, kilometre after kilometre and drenched in
perspiration I gasped my way up the near-vertical incline.
Eventually, a kind man stopped, offered me water and informed me seven kilometres
remained to the top. Soon afterwards, another good Samaritan stopped to offer me a
ride. I seriously considered his offer but, in the end, proceeded up the mountain, huffing
and puffing.
"To the top of the hill" meant the junction of the main road from KK. From there the
going was considerably more manageable and, while still uphill and slow going, biking
was more doable. As I felt I could go no further, a settlement selling handicrafts and
snacks came into view. My request to pitch my tent didn't surprise them, and people
pointed me to a covered area with electricity, a tap, and nearby toilets. I was happy
under a covered area, as it rained throughout the night. It was further understood I
wasn't the first to camp there and learned three other cyclists had overnighted there on
previous occasions.
leana
(Leana)
#1