My skills were lacking, and the uphill climbs were tough with the intense sunlight added in.
Between breaks, I was grateful for the vehicle control operators who helped me push through.
At the supply stations, there were countless riders to attend to, but the operators quickly distributed supplies.
I also appreciated the drivers who followed the controls well and the residents who waved their hands.
What I remember most is during the Kom uphill, the enthusiastic cheering squad, the endless watermelon that kept me going, and the people frantically defending the watermelons behind them.
The scenery was breathtaking after the last measurement, especially the roads shaded by trees along the way following the Naejang Reservoir. It was incredibly beautiful, even though the coolness of the shade was a bonus. I'm sure it would be fantastic in autumn foliage.