The journey from Wulong to Fuling was mostly down hill, but frustratingly against a head wind that forced me to pedal down hill. Not idea but it was still quite easy riding. The road cut through the rocky landscape, passing through plenty of dark tunnels.

About 20km away from Fuling, the pollution started to get really bad. I was having serious problems breathing properly and was coughinglike a 50 a day smoker. Out came my slightly sinister looking pollution mask and on I pushed. It was a miserable section to pedal through.

Wearing my mask, combined with wearing my sunglasses meant I was unable to make eye contact or smile at people. I just pottered alongs ounding and looking like Darth Vader. People looked at me, probably wandering what the hell I was doing. I have no idea how people were able to live in such an environment. Progress is one thing but poisonous air is another. Not for me. I pedaled fast so I could take off my respirator.

The wind was pushing all the pollution up the river, so by the time I reached Fuling, I had passed by all the factories and the air was relatively clear.