Epic cycle ride undertaken by unfit, overweight, not middled aged lady

I visited Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos in 2002. One of the things that really struck me about the countries was the indefatigable people, the welcome extended to visitors and the simple joy taken in small pleasures. But, having visited the Museum of the American War in Ho Chi Minh City, seen the 'Danger UXB' signs in Laos and read the good news headline in a paper in Cambodia: ' Deaths from UXBs down to 3 this month. Only 40 maimed.' I was acutely aware of the toll still being taken on the population.

Over the years I have pondered the munitions still there and this year I have finally decided to get off my bottom and do something. So I have, somewhat impetuously and with little regard for my physical fitness, cycling ability or dodgy left knee decided to join the MAG cycle ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Ankor Wat. I will be doing this the first week or so in Feb 2011 and it does involve a couple of days of over 100km in 30 degree heat. Having signed up I have been told that neither a rickshaw nor an electric bikes are options and that doing the distance on my own pedals is expected.

Donation link is further down on the right - I have paid for my own flights and contributed enough to cover living expenses so all money raised from sponsorship will go to MAG.

This is my blog of my progress to get on the road and when I am there - assuming I will be capable of rational thought after a day of unaccustomed exercise.

Sunday 22 August 2010

And so it begins....

Just back from an approx 6 mile ride to Amwell nature reserve. I was trying to get as far as St Margaret/Stansted Abbots but the reserve was so lovely I just had to stop, and then I realised that I might not have the where withall to actually get back - discretion won out and I managed to cycle back without resorting to walking the bike

Only disappointment is that my super comfy, gel filled saddle seems to have degraded over the years and is now much smaller than when I bought it. Well, that is the only explanation I can come up with :-)

Wine tastings (to raise funds) being organised so watch this space
 

2 comments:

  1. I'm not quite sure how to point this out in the most polite fashion, but... is it at all possible that the saddle has remained the same size, and the bottom that is placed on it has grown just a smidge? :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is a most outrageous suggestion as it is quite obvious the saddle must have shrunk :-)

    ReplyDelete