Articles Discovery on the cycling road Mr Old Man THE PEAK OF THE PEAK — HAI VAN’S HIDDEN SUMMIT By Mr Old Man Posted on 3 weeks ago 5 min read 0 0 9 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr There’s a place above Hai Van Pass — higher than the Hai Van Gate by a full 194 meters, perched at an altitude of 690 meters above sea level — that few cyclists in Da Nang have ever seen with their own eyes, let alone set foot (or tire) on. We call it the “Peak of the Peak” of Hai Van. And it is exactly that. Less than 1% of local riders have made it up here — not because they don’t want to, but because this hidden climb is no joke. But those who brave it are rewarded with views that make your soul do a little dance. From this lofty lookout, you can take in the grand sweep of the pass below — both the northern and southern curves of Hai Van, winding like silver threads through the mountains. On a clear day, you can see it all: the long stretch of Lang Co Beach reaching up to Canh Duong to the north, and looking south, there’s Da Nang Bay, Son Tra Peninsula, the Han River, and even Cu Lao Cham floating on the horizon like a dreamy little island. If you happen to be up there early in the morning, that’s when the magic happens. Wisps of white clouds pour over Hai Van Gate like cool mist spilling from the sky. You and the landscape melt into the clouds. It’s beautiful, it’s eerie, it’s unforgettable. Words don’t quite do it justice — you just have to feel it for yourself. Now, let’s talk about that climb. The first ramp hits you with a 20% gradient. Yep, it’s a wall. Enough to make a lot of tough cyclists throw in the towel and turn back. But here’s the trick: just push your bike for a few hundred meters — no shame in that — and after that brutal intro, the road gets much kinder. Still steep, still wild, but manageable. And trust me, the payoff is worth every gasp. I was lucky enough to be one of the first to ride a bike all the way up to the Peak of the Peak. And today, blessed with blue skies and good company, I went back with two fellow riders and scored some chill-worthy photos up there. Might frame one and hang it by the bike rack. LAST BUT NOT LEAST According to Strava stats, only 29 riders have ever climbed to the Peak of the Peak – Hai Van’s hidden summit, with a total of 35 recorded rides. I — yours truly — might be the first, and possibly the most stubborn, with four ascents so far. So if you’re feeling bold, curious, or just want to see the world from a cloud’s point of view — you know where to go. See you at the top. — Mr. Old Man, 8/2019