Si Saphon-Siem Reab

Total Distance:101.10
Total Time:7h32m00s
Average Speed:13.4km/h
Maximum Speed:25.4km/h
Total Distance So Far:2347.69

Si Saphon was amazing. The town itself has very little to offer, although I did have a couple of great meals there. I hired a Moped and driver to take me out to Banteay Chhmar Temple. It's about 60km from the town, which makes it just a little too far to bike there and back and still have a worth while visit. The temple was beautiful. Unfortunately much of it has been destroyed. In part due to trees which have grown over the years, breaking through the stones. Also in part to theft. Apparently people break off the stones, smuggling them into Thailand where they can be sold for a pretty penny. I am told, however, that the Cambodian Government is attempting to fix up the temple. It should take about fifteen years though. Regardless, if you're in the area it's definitely worth a visit.
After spending two nights in Si Saphon I was ready to hit Siem Reab. While they have improved almost all the roads in Cambodia, there is one remaining that still needs to be repaved. You guessed it, it's the road from Si Saphon to Siem Reab. It was a long, grueling day. The road was horrific, the landscape remained boring. I did see two other cyclists, but as we were all enduring the same thing, none of us wanted to stop and chat. It was good to know I wasn't suffering alone though.
I'm still optimistic that Cambodia's beauty will start to shine. I have been assured that all other roads have been improved. The head-winds remain, but seem to be bad only in the morning. Hopefully things improve. I'll let you know.