Day 2: Morning Maintenance and the Start of the Ride
After fueling up with convenience store ramen, kimbap, and sausages, I focused on my bike. Since it had been exposed to heavy rain the previous day, I gave it a quick brush-down and applied fresh chain lubricant. Proper maintenance is crucial for a smooth Korea cycling tour.
The sky was overcast and gloomy as I set off, but my spirits were high. Surprisingly, as noon approached, the clouds cleared, and the temperature began to rise—it actually started to feel hot!
The Dynamic Weather of the Yeongsan River
The ride was a constant cycle of taking my raincoat on and off. One moment I was in a short-sleeve jersey, and the next, I was gearing up for another shower. Despite the humidity, the straight cycling paths offered a refreshing sense of freedom. In fact, being wet from the rain made the breeze feel almost chilly.
Toward the end of the day, the rain became incredibly intense. The droplets were hitting my face so hard it actually hurt, and I was soaked to the bone. To make matters worse, a powerful headwind kept pushing against me, draining my stamina with every pedal stroke.
I tried to book a room mid-ride, but everything was fully booked. Exhausted but determined, I pushed through until I reached the final checkpoint—the Yeongsan River Estuary Bank Certification Center (영산강 하굿둑 인증센터). From there, I had to hop back on my bike one last time to find a place to stay for the night.
The Ultimate Reward: An Incredible Eel Feast
After a quick shower, I headed to a local eel restaurant (Jangeo-gui) near my accommodation. I ordered the “Family Set” for only 44,000 KRW, and the value was mind-blowing!
- 3 Grilled Eels
- Beef Brisket with Scallops & Mushrooms (Samhap)
- Steamed Octopus & Conch
For just $32-$35 USD, this was easily the best value meal of the trip. The taste was as incredible as the price.
Wrapping Up the Journey
On the final morning, I had a hearty bowl of Bean Sprout Soup (Kongnamul-gukbap) near the bus terminal. I hopped onto a spacious “Prestige” express bus to head home, officially concluding my Yeongsan River bike path adventure.
Tips for Your Cycling Tour
- Check Weather Forecasts: Weather near the river can change instantly.
- Pack Extra Clothes: Always bring a spare set of clothes in case you get soaked.
- Bike Care: Rain can strip your chain of oil, so carrying a small bottle of lubricant is a lifesaver.