Did manage to dig out bike and was relieved to see that the trusty steed was in reasonable nick - yippee. My first ride in a while had good and bad points:
Good points: Admittedly the wobble factor was high but the peddle speed was medium and the incidence of falling off was low so I count that as a pass
Bad points: I am not sure that collapsing into a puddle trying to work out the universal sign language for 'get me an oxygen cylinder and a paramedic' is a good omen for the months of training ahead....
Getting onto ebay to see if anyone is getting rid of an exercise bike :-)
Methinks there will have to be more cycling on a daily basis (assuming that I can move after today).
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.
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