The Great Asian Cycling Challenge 2013

The Great Asian Cycling Challenge (Vietnam to Cambodia)

15-23 February, 2013

In aid of Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Vietnam

This will be G4G’s 41st challenge.

Starting at the ancient city of Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon), we will begin our nearly 350km ride through the heartland of the Mekong Delta on paved, small country roads along the flat river valley of the Co Chien River. More flat roads, with a few short small hills surrounded by shimmering rice paddies will take us to the border, via Temples and a Khmer village. Flat, tarmac roads in Cambodia will lead us to the bustling Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Then, after being transferred by a bus to Siem Reap, it’s only 20km on paved roads to reach the Angkor Wat complex in time to relax while watching the sun set over the temples. The last day is probably the best ride of the challenge, tracing an excellent route on dirt and sand tracks and rural paved road through typical countryside.

Level: This cycling challenge is considered to be ‘HARD’. You needed to be fit and healthy to participate.

Number of participants: Maximum 25 per group.

Registration Fee: AED 2,200/- (Non-refundable, non transferable and not a part of the sponsorship target)

Minimum Sponsorship: AED 18,500/-

Sponsorship Deadlines:

14 January 2013- 13,875 AED (75% of 18,500)

10 February 2013 – 4,625 AED (25% of 18,500)

Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Sponsorship ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.

What G4G provides on the Challenge: flights and transfers, hotels/tents, food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.

Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.

Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!

The Great Asian Cycling Challenge (Vietnam to Cambodia)

15 – 23 February, 2013    

Day 1 – February 15, Friday

Having departed from Dubai early morning on Friday 15th we will arrive in Saigon early evening on Friday and the group will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel and dinner at local restaurant

Day 2 – February 16, Saturday : Saigon

A free day to explore Saigon. Optional tour (US$70) to Cu Chi tunnels followed by lunch. Back into Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) whereupon we would visit China town, Binh Tay market, Thien Hau Pagoda, the Post Office and Cathedral.

Overnight at hotel and dinner aboard Bonzai Cruise boat

Day 3 – February 17, Sunday : Saigon to Sadec via Thra Vinh – 75km

We will be transferred out of the city by bus (approx 80km / 2 hours) and then we’ll begin our ride through the heartland of the Mekong Delta on paved roads and small country roads via Thra Vinh town, lying on the bank of the Co Chien River. We end our cycling in Sadec, which is known in Europe mostly as the backdrop for the story and film ” The Lover” , Marguerite Duras’ semi-autobiographical novel about the experiences of her youth in French Colonial Vietnam.  

Overnight at hotel and dinner at local restaurant.

Day 4 – February 18, Monday – Sadec to Chau Doc – 40km

Today includes our visit to one of the charity’s projects and doing activities with the children. This makes for a shorter afternoon of cycling through exceptionally beautiful scenery.

We will cycle along the river to reach Chau Doc. Good tarmac roads, all flat.

Overnight at hotel and dinner at local restaurant.

Day 5 – February 19, Tuesday : Chau Doc to Takeo – 70km

We will have the most beautiful ride in the morning, on very narrow roads with no traffic, then we should anticipate a long process for the border crossing into Cambodia!   We will then continue on to reach Takeo for the night.

Overnight at hotel and dinner at local restaurant.

Day 6 – February 20, Wednesday : Takeo to Phnom Penh – 70km

Today, we will cycle to the bustling Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.  It will be a long ride, but with interesting stops and we will end at the infamous ‘Killing Fields’, just outside the city, which we will tour before transferring by bus to the hotel in the city centre.

Overnight at hotel. Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 7 – February 21, Thursday : Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 25km

We will be transferred to Siem Reap by bus/van (5 hours though could take up to 7 hours due to current construction with roads), with a lunch stop at local restaurant.

Meanwhile, our bikes will be transferred early via truck and we’ll find them waiting for us in Angkor Wat area!

In the mid afternoon, we will cycle the ‘small circuit’ – approximately 20 kms on paved road around behind the Angkor Wat complex and ending up at the main site in front of Angkor Wat.  Here, we will take a break and relax whilst watching the sun set. Then, we will cycle to the hotel (10km).

Overnight at hotel and dinner at local restaurant (or hotel).

Day 8 – February 22, Friday : Angkor Wat area – 70km

On our last day of riding, we will trace an excellent route leading to the pink citadel of Bante Srey.  A various mix of dirt and sand tracks and rural paved roads through typical countryside and probably the best ride of the challenge!

Overnight in hotel and farewell dinner in local restaurant

Day 9 – February 23, Saturday

Depending on each person’s outward flight time, there may be some time at leisure to visit more temples of this magnificent site of Angkor Wat.   The pass for the temples included in this itinerary is actually a 3-day pass (Thurs, Fri and Sat) and the ground handlers can arrange a taxi for you to visit individually.  We would recommend having an individual visit to relax after the challenge, as it is an incredible place to experience.

Transfer to airport.

The Great Asian Cycling Challenge (Vietnam to Cambodia)

15-23 February, 2013    

Climate

Sitting close to the equator, this area maintains a tropical climate throughout the year.

Daytime temperatures will range on average from 22-36 ºC.  Day temperatures often reach 30°C during the day in the Mekong Delta in February.  Nighttime temperatures could drop below 20 ºC.  Also, there may be occasional, short showers in the afternoon.

Health

Your health will not be at risk any more in Vietnam and Cambodia than in any other place in Asia if you take the proper precautions while you are traveling.  The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized.   Second most important – follow food and drink guidelines.  We will provide you with a list of immunizations upon registration.

Training

The challenge is described as “Hard”.  You will be cycling for several hours per day.  Therefore, good fitness is required, and it is important that you start a gym or training programme at least three (3) months prior to the challenge.  Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness (and some may even help you raise sponsorship!).  You must however train on a real bike out in the open and not just on static bikes in the gym.  There are now a couple of cycle tracks in Dubai which have proven to be great training grounds for our challengers.  Gulf for Good will organize training sessions every week which serves as a great opportunity to meet your fellow challengers and get any questions answered about the challenge or fitness.

Visa Information

You are responsible for your own Visas, however we will provide you the necessary information and documents required

Vietnam:

Challengers with most passports need to apply for a Vietnamese visa in advance to enter the country.  As an exception to most G4G challenges, the ground handler will apply for the visa on your behalf.  The details of the process will be handed to you upon registration. There is a $25 stamp fee which needs to be paid to immigration

Cambodia:

All Foreign Visitors are now able to obtain the Cambodian visa upon arrival at the border. G4G challengers will complete the formalities as a group at the border.  There is a $25 stamp fee which needs to be paid to immigration.  There is an additional $25 departure tax currently charged at Siem Reap Airport.

Travel & Medical Insurance

G4G can arrange travel insurance for all participants.  You will be required to pay your insurance premium in addition to your registration fee and sponsorship target (20 Dirhams per person per day).  Further details about the premium, type of cover, insurance terms and conditions, etc. are available on request.

Raising Sponsorship

A comprehensive sponsorship booklet to guide you is included in your challenge pack once you register for the challenge.  Please note that approximately 1/3 of your sponsorship target goes towards your trip expenses and the other 2/3 goes towards the chosen charity project.

Safety

We take your safety very seriously.  It is our first priority.  Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions.  It should be noted that Cambodia and Vietnam are a good deal safer than most countries.  

What We Supply

Return flights from Dubai, all transfers, accommodation (on twin sharing basis at hotels, guesthouses and home stays), English speaking guides & porters, daily meals, water and bike rentals. 

All your baggage will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own daypack.

A Typical Day

During the typical challenge day, you will be cycling for an average of 7-8 hours.  You can expect a lunch stop, usually at a local restaurant or packed lunch.  In the evening there will be time to socialize and explore before dinner.

Personal Equipment

Travel light!  Try to limit your baggage to around 15 kgs.  All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable.

Kitlist

A very detailed Kitlist will be provided in the challenge pack upon registration

Miscellaneous

-Vietnam and Cambodia are three (3) hours ahead of the U.A.E.

-Take US Dollars to change.  Take smaller bills ($20 and $100) and make sure they do not have any tears.  Currency can be changed at the airport and in the big cities.

There are no ATM machines in Cambodia

The conversion rate into US Dollars are as follows as of 23 July 2012:

1 AED = 5,668.47 VND              1 AED = 1,112.18 KHR

1 USD = 4,085 VND                  1 USD = 20,820 KHR

Group 1

• Tazmin Walker – G4G Rep
• Jacqui Kromberg
• Alison Buck
• Tora Sweetman
• Wendy Robertson
• Michael Henry
• Judith Harris
• Oliver Alvares
• Joanna Dawson
• Steve Day
• Ariel Sarical
• Robbie Huang
• Pravin Chaudhary
• Catherine Ayre
• Wendy Trollip
• Jonathan Steiner
• Suzanne Collier
• Martin Grove
• Sandra Grenet
• Carl Knight
• Tracy Crasto
• Donna Arnott
• Lionel Key

The Great Asian Cycling Challenge (Vietnam to Cambodia)

15-23 February, 2013    

Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Vietnam

All sponsorship funds will be donated to Christina Noble Children’s Foundation in Vietnam to build a 3-room kindergarten in Vietnam. This kindergarten will enable poverty-stricken children to commence their education whilst their parents seek work.

For more details, please visit the Charity Page for CNCF Vietnam – CLICK HERE

You can rest assured that Gulf for Good do not just hand out money to the charities we support!   We request detailed proposals for capital projects – hospital wards, orphanage buildings, classrooms, fresh water facilities, medical equipment, etc.   We have a system whereby we check these proposals with the assistance of an independent third party in the charity’s country.   Once approved and the funds raised, we will usually pay 50% up front to allow the project to start, the rest only being paid against invoices.

Please go to our Charity pages to see the range and breadth of charity projects we have supported in the past.

The Great Asian Cycling Challenge (Vietnam to Cambodia)

15-23 February, 2013    

How to pack:

Your clothes and equipment should fall into the following categories:

1. What you are going to wear and need on the trip. This should preferably fit into a single bag (soft kit bag, not a suitcase), which will be transported each day from site to site.

2. What you are going to carry in your daypack. Do carry an extra shirt in your daypack. When you stop cycling, you may feel cold after sweating and need to change or add a layer to prevent chills.

What to bring: (tick as you collect!)

Bags

• Bag – a lockable, good-sized duffle bag with a top length zipper and nametag. (nametag provided by G4G)
• Daypack – a light small and comfortable daypack (30 litres) with padded straps.
• Cycle helmet (to be worn at all times when cycling – Mandatory)

Footwear

• Several pairs lightweight socks
• 1 pair cycling shoes or lightweight trainers
• 1 pair sandals/comfortable shoes to suit hotel/camping terrain

Underwear

• Several sets regular underwear

Outerwear

• 1 Light fleece or similar for evenings
• Lightweight wind/rain protection jacket with hood
• Brimmed hat for sun and rain

Pants

• 1 or more pairs padded cycling shorts (recommended)
• Trousers or shorts suitable for hotel/camping terrain

Shirts

• A selection of quick dry shirts

Hands

• 1 pair padded cycling gloves (recommended)

Day Pack

• Water bottles
• Sunglasses/Sun lotion
• Prescribed medicines
• Camera/spare films
• Reading material
• Toilet Paper/Tissues
• Chapstick
• Extra shirt
• Wet Wipes/water-free hand wash
• Small change for souvenirs
• Buff (bandana)

Other

• Towel (fast drying)
• Flash light or headlamps, spare batteries and bulbs
• Toiletries
• Mini first aid kit (main kit is carried by the G4G leader)
• 4 extra passport sized pictures for permits and visas

Optional

• Trail snacks/isotonic drink powder
• Participants may provide their own saddles, bar ends and pedals if required. Any rider using clip-less cycling shoes must bring their own pedals with them.

Mental  Preparation
It is well within you to complete this challenge.   Remain in a positive state of mind, without being overly confident. This mental stamina will make the more difficult parts easier to complete.   Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration.   Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of the Challenge.

Thoughts & Ideas

Buy new footwear in good time and use it well to break it in.

Bring foot/blister treatment and treat blisters early (on hands, too) Reduce the risk of blisters by wearing correctly fitting footwear, socks and gloves. Prepare your body well for the trip; get plenty of practice on the saddle before you go!

Stuff sacks are great for storing your gear. Use different sizes and colours to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing.

If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from dust.

Some of the trails are rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment in plastic bags to protect them from dust in addition to their normal cases. Also bring some lens cleaning material.

Laundry is difficult on this trip but you can handwash a few quick-drying items.

Make one copy of your passport and take it with you. We will have a second copy in our files.

Compulsory

Inform us of any important changes in your medical condition.

A relaxed attitude – and a sense of humour !