Holding On to the Buggy

Daily miles: 32.49 | Total miles: 10,290.07

I woke up with a bit more sleep today—what a difference that makes. Coffee, route planning, organizing my gear in the garage, and then off I went into a foggy grey morning. But just after I crossed the bridge and reached the riverside path, the sun started to push through. The views were so spectacular I could have just sat there and soaked it all in.

The route soon took me inland over small hills, maneuvering the buggy along winding paths. Then it was back to the river, with more fantastic scenery, before heading inland once again. That’s where I met a remarkable lady working in a field. A motorized wheelchair stood next to her. I guess she can hardly walk, yet there she was, working happily in the earth. Her spirit was beautiful.

A little later, a car stopped on a hilltop and someone handed me a bottle of water—perfect timing. I needed it, and I knew I wouldn’t be passing any stores for a while. The day was full of incredible landscapes: park-golf fields with hundreds of players fully focused on their game, huge bridges stretching across wide valleys, and long quiet stretches with fewer people than yesterday. Still, a few cyclists passed with encouraging nods.

I also ran through Sangju Park, which had quite a few tourists wandering about. After that, I prepared mentally for a steep climb I saw coming—and it was a good thing I did. A sign marked a 25% gradient. Is that even possible? Pushing the buggy up felt like a calf-strength test from another world. And then at the top, I looked down: a narrow path covered in leaves, dropping sharply. I was honestly afraid. I don’t like steep ascents and descents, but on a run around the world there is simply no avoiding them.

I walked down part of it without the buggy first, clearing some leaves. Even just walking it scared the hell out of me. But there’s only one way forward: just do it. If you fall, Andrea, hold on to that buggy. The views from up there, though—absolutely worth every shaky moment.

Eventually, I made it back down to the river. This was the moment of transition: after following the Nakdong River for so long, I now began following the Yeongang River. The sun started to set, and I could see my hotel across the water. But first: food. I went into town, grabbed what I needed from a convenience store, and then crossed the bridge to check the motel.

Yes—room available. Top floor. Perfect. I’m happy.

Thanks for checking in. See you tomorrow. Andrea