We were having a quick lunch just before heading to Da Lak. When we were about ready to head off, around 12:30,  a massive rain cloud came in.

We waited for the massive downpour to stop. When the clouds cleared, we started heading off north. We constantly try to see where the clouds are heading, hoping we would be ahead of it for clear sky. On our right, there was a huge black cloud chasing us as we were heading north.

We were able to head very far north without encountering rain. We were roughly 30 kms away from Da Lak,  we saw this massive dark rain cloud  pouring just  few kilometers in ahead of us, raining over the farm fields.

The road split just prior to us seeing this rain storm, yet both ways will lead to Da Lak. So we turned back and try going around this cloud. It all looked good until we ended up chasing a thunder cloud. It is so frightening when you can see long streak of thunders striking not far from you. Usually we see thunder way prior to the sound reaching us.  Depending how long the sounds and lightning are apart,  you can get a rough estimate how far the thunder is.  But we know it’s really close,  as sound and thunder light are in sync.  There is no delay.

Before the rain arrives,  we can feel the cooler air as we rode forward. Then after it started raining really hard. As we are getting so close yet so far away. Time isnt out our side either, as it is approaching 5pm, daylight is running out. My epic buddy F.G feels we should try making it to Da Lak before sun down, as we are most likely less than an hour away.

As the rain got heavy, I had to pull aside to the road for cover without being able to inform buddy F.G. He stopped further down the road as he didn’t see me behind him. As we were waiting for the heavy downpour to stop, the road by where I was waiting started to flood within a few minutes. It really tells you have much rain is being drop on us. You can notice the truck drivers has no consideration for riders, as they will go their normal speed (est 60km/h+) over this area, while riders will get an instant dirt water shower.

As the rain die down abit, F.G insisted we get going. Even with the pressure to go on, I was adamant about waiting for the cloud to pass. It is true that a little rain won’t hurt. But the combination of rain, discomfort, poor visibility, and inconsiderate traffic makes it too dangerous to go on. As we all make decisions from pass experience, let just say I do not want a sequel.

Good thing F.G decided to stick around for a friend, and not continue to push on. Would like to thank him for that. Once that cloud passed, it was clear sky all the way to Da Lak. We made it to the peak  just in time for the sunset. Arrived in town around 18:30. That’s a long day for so little distance traveled. 6 hours for 77 kms.