Day 8: Our Final Cycle is HOT HOT HOT (and so are we)

Today we had only one objective: pound through the 50 kilometres and finish the challenge before literally melting into the road. We had a brilliant early morning boat ride to visit the floating markets where an 8-year-old kid taught us all a thing or two about sales, nearly managing to up-sell Lizzie from 20 bananas to 40 using the cunning tactic of grinning big while withholding change. He almost had us!

After a 30-minute transfer on the bus we saddled up to conquer our final ride of the trip: 50 kilometres, taking us to 420 kilometres total!!! It was hot and getting hotter so we powered through the first 25 kilometres in one go, stopping for a quick drink and cool down before hitting the road again to bang out another 15.

It comes easy to us at this point, zipping down country roads as motorbikes zoom past us. The rice paddies extend as far as the eye can see in every direction, criss-crossed by irrigation channels bringing water and, in turn, life to the vibrant Mekong Delta. Every few kilometres we would head up a little bridge where the waterways converge, pumping hard on the steep incline then enjoying the burst of speed on the way down the other end. Today was certainly "undulating!"

We stopped again 1 kilometre from the finish to regroup and finish how we started: together. It's amazing to think you can take three competing media agencies and one brilliant television station, unite them behind a common cause and raise over $50,000 for Australia for UNHCR then cycle across Cambodia and Vietnam as a team getting along every step of the way. Talk about an Inspired Adventure!

After snapping nine million photos in the 37-degree heat we hopped on the vans then hopped on a boat and cruised to an island in the Mekong Delta for a seafood FEAST of a lunch. Now it's onward to Saigon to party "media style!" Watch out big city. We're a comin'!

For the final time, GO TEAM!

 

Day 7: Tire Poppin' Fun!

It was all blood, sweat, and tears (minus the blood and tears) today as we hunkered down and did what we came here to do: cycle! It was up at 6am, eating by 7am, and on the bikes by 8am today as we ere seventeen people on a mission: complete the cycle BEFORE it gets dehabilitatingly hot.

While we weren't entirely successful, we certainly powered through the majority of the day before the sun sept through and reached melting levels. Have I mentioned that it is unseasonably hot here at the minute?

There's actually not a whole lot to report here. We did 55km in under three hours, we had three flat tires, said farewell to Anj who heads back to Austalia for a wedding, we sat in hammocks when we finished, and we ate an incredible amount of lucky cow cheese. By my count, Claire and Laura were leading at six triangles each today. That's almost an entire wheel and its only 3pm!

Now it's such much needed R&R before dinner, bed, and one final day on the bikes. Is it really coming to an end?!?!

GO TEAM!

 

Day 6: A Comedy of Errors

We have had such a clean run thus far, a morning where everything doesn't go perfectly well was not only expected but almost appreciated. Almost. Today we made the move from Cambodia to Vietnam which meant, devastatingly, having to say goodbye to Vutthu, our absolutely incredible local guide in Cambodia.

The border was as you'd expect: a paved road becomes a dirt road becomes no man's land as you drift between the two nations in a brilliant dance of changing states. Getting out of Cambodia was easy enough: passport, big stamp, big stamp, thump thump thump, grumpy look, grunt, intense eye contact with immigration official, done.

Entering Vietnam, however, was a bit more tricky. The Embassy in Australia misdated Dan's visa, which meant a last-minute wham bam emergency version so he could enter. Vi had an e-visa which, while valid, could not be used at this land border crossing for no reason in particular. Just a "special" one. W begged and pleaded and sat and waited as our new local guide "made a call." Somehow, miraculously, after a little official money for a new visa and quite a bit of unofficial money for the privilege, Vi too made it in! It's was great news, as we had been planning her return to Pnomh Penh (5 hours away) to get a new visa using the public bus then returning to the border and re-entering Vietnam only to join us at our hotel another 3 hours beyond the border. Thankfully, she and I didn't have to do that!

Because of the delay we had to modify our cycling distance a bit (though we will still pass 400 km in total). I gave a rousing speech about how ur luck would change only to have it start pouring with rain before Kate and a moped got a little too close for comfort.

Thankfully, there were hammocks and laughing cow cheese waiting for us at lunch and we devoured every last bite! It's onward to the hotel now for some MUCH NEEDED rest and relaxation. Tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start in our new host country. Can't wait!

GO TEAM!

 

Team Flinders Says Farewell

After 12 days, 415 kilometers, 9 different hotels, one overnight train, two flooded towns, and three flights on Vietnam airways it is time for this amazing group of 37 Flinders fundraisers who have raised over $185,000 to say farewell! After our very long ride we had a few days to enjoy this fantastic country and did it in style. No one really knew how to get on with their day not having a morning briefing but we managed, and we did it together. You would never guess that most of us only just met. An experience like this really does bind people.

As I have said many times before, this element of camaraderie and team spirit is probably my favorite aspect of our Inspired Adventures. You can take 37 near strangers, chuck them in a foreign land together, and within days they will think like a team, act like a family, and joke like lifelong friends. It is truly life-changing.

Below are a few pics from our final dinner. Now get ready to welcome everyone home in just 24 short hours. Finally...

GO TEAM!!!

Airplanes, Buses, & Tunnels, Oh My!

The serious challenge of 415 kilometers cycling behind us, it was now time to take in some of the culture, insights, and history of this spectacular country. That started with a full day of rest in Nha Trang and continued with an internal flight to Saigon, where he headed immediately to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Situated just 45 kilometers from Saigon, this network of more than 250 kilometers of underground tunnels was a bastion of Viet Cong site capability in the south and a major headache for US, South Vietnamese, and Allied troops during the American War (what we call the Vietnam War).

The tunnels themselves range from 3 meters to more than 10 meters underground and are roughly 60 centimeters high and 40 centimeters wide. They once linked underground kitchens, arms depots, bedrooms, wells, booby traps, numerous hidden ways in and out, and even water entry ways into and out of the Saigon river. It is an architectural and logistical wonder as well as a significant site for the war itself.

After crawling through the tunnels ourselves, learning about its structure, and getting a first-hand look at every aspect of the war we hopped back on the bus and zoomed toward Saigon. Dinner this evening was at leisure and tomorrow several of us will be heading to Long Tan, site of the most significant battle fought by Australian troops during the war.

We've still got Flinders, our accomplishment, and all of our friends and family on our minds! GO TEAM!

All of Team Flinders conquers 400+ Kilometers for FMCF!

It was yet another Brilliant day for cycling as team Flinders took the road on the last of our 6 cycling days. Today's distance was 91 kilometers, which would put our cumulative achievement at 415 kilometers! Today's theme was open-ended, allowing each individual to reflect on what had driven them to take on a challenge like this for a charity like Flinders. While that reflection became quite emotional, it was clear that the group appreciated the opportunity to collectively think about what this serious adventure was really for. For a few brief moments - a few short days in rural Vietnam - you can feel like you are not alone in this, and that can actually do something to help.

We flew through the first 50 kilometers! It wasn't easy but with so many Ks behind us, we were now fairly seasoned cyclists; a whole army of little Lances in training, Louise and Thelma said! Lunch was the usual scrambled eggs, tomato, cucumber, cheese, and peanut butter on fresh baguette (don't knock it until you've tried it) and from there we transferred by bus to the top of a hill to begin our last cycle of the entire trip.

The first 11 kilometers were some of the steepest we have cycled and it felt good to have the wind swirling by! At one point Juliette registered 57km/hr on her bike computer. WOOHOO! As we descended into the coastal valley region of Nha Trang you could feel the heat and humidity descending with us. It was like a big sticky hot hug. After a quick water break we began the final stretch and my goodness, was it tough. A nearly constant incline of 2 or 3 degrees, the grueling accent was paired with the hottest temperatures we had experienced to make sure that we would have to work for every last kilometer.

We stopped one kilometer before the finish line to regroup and ride in as a team. There is no way any of us could have done it without the love and support of not only our family and friends at home but, after 8 intense days together, the love and support of our amazing, incredible, inspiring team. Passing that finish line brought cheers, tears, and everything in between. It was a beautiful feeling that will bind these 37 people forever.

Special shout outs today go to two incredible people who cycled through some serious pain to finish with the team. Thelma blew out her knee around 20 kilometers into the day and pushed through (albeit with lots of pain) to bring it home. Nick was fighting what we thought was gastro then thought was an appendicitis but turned out to be an intestinal infection to bring it home for the team as well! In addition, Rachel, Robyn, and Sue led us across the finish line - a fitting moment for our three hardest workers. While it may seem like a holiday going away to Asia, Inspired Adventures are a whole lot more. 415 kilometers cycled, hundreds of thousands of dollars raised, and lives genuinely changed.

With the cycling behind us, we celebrated with a massive Vietnamese barbecue, cocktails, and a dance party. The group thanked our absolutely incredible crew and showed some love for Juliette, who was there every step of the way to support the team from Flinders. From here, it's onward to Saigon to visit the Cu Chi tunnels and Long Tan.

For real, GO TEAM!

We did it! Team Flinders Conquers All 415 Kilometers!

It's official! We just finished all 415 kilometers! Look for the full story tomorrow. Right now, it's time to celebrate!

Team Flinders Doing It For Us (And The Kids)!

What is amazing about cycling extreme distances is that it makes what used to be extreme distances feel like a relaxed cruise around town. Today we put in a solid 45 kilometers through yet more "undulating" (read: hilly) terrain. It was a terrific ride. The afternoon sun kept us warm while a slight breeze ensured we weren't too warm! At this stage the entire group is fairly expert at dodging cows, motorcycles, large trucks, small trucks, children, chickens, dogs, potholes, and just about anything else that rolls into our path. If it is not bolted to the ground, it is most definitely making a run at one of us!

The true champs today were Nick, Adam, and Robyn. Nick was struggling with gastro and powered through despite a fairly frequent need for a "happy bush." Adam was suffering from some lingering heat stroke but recovered well and finished strong. Poor Robyn lost her balance right at the 20km break and gave us a brilliant stack that left her feeling fine but a touch muddy!

Even with that awesome cycle on the books, I think the highlight of our day was definitely the visit to the orphanage this morning. The group pulled together over $1,200 to buy supplies (thanks heaps to Sue for raising $900!) and we were able to buy:

-600 kilos (1300 pounds) of rice
-70 kilos of powdered baby milk
-70 kilos of washing detergent
-100 liters of cooking oil
-5 kilos of dried fish
-5 kilos of peanuts
-10 winter blankets
-22 double mosquito nets
-300 choco pie candy treats

That's a whole lot of stuff and it took a separate truck to deliver it and all 39 of us to carry it into the facility, where we were greeted by several wonderful nuns who told us about their work with the children (219 at present, all needing a home). After learning a great deal and officially handing over the goods, the kids welcomed us into their mess hall singing all sorts of great songs!

We spent several minutes on two separate sides of the hall, everyone unsure of exactly how to proceed. Finally, I just darted across the room and swept one of the kids into my arms. From there, it was absolute mayhem! We laughed, we joked, we chased, and we laughed some more. I think those who have kids at home were particularly touched, as an experience like this reminds us of how fortunate we are and how much we can do to help. We said goodbye by singing "YMCA" to them (not a pretty site!).

It was an amazing morning and I think we would have been happy to hang around a few more days to play but alas, adventure called. Still, I have no doubt this morning will stay in people's thoughts long after we have left Vietnam. I mean, honestly, look at that face!

90 final kilometers to go tomorrow AND we get to sleep in until 6:30am! You know you are working it went that sounds like a treat. GO TEAM!

Today's shout out goes to Louise, who made some friends along the way and nearly picked up a ride! She also took a rather interesting photo for her donors back home. You'll have to check Facebook for that one!