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.

Thursday 26 August 2010

Nice Weather .... for swans

Swans on the Lee Navigation just past Ware
Following advice from both hubby and the work psycho - cyclist (so called as he bikes to Holborn every morning) I decided to give the 'using the gears thing' a bit of a try out. Apparently adjusting speed by peddling faster/slower is not the right way to do it. But, I learnt on a bike that had 3 gears and the habit of dropping the chain when you tried to change gears so I have never had much truck with them before. Although I did wonder if I should give them a try when I first got my 18 gear bike but then decided it was a bit too much effort.

Trusty steed needs TLC after a few puddles...
So today, on training run 3 I managed to have a play with the derailleur bits of the gear and decided that changing down is definitely good when you are trying to get up the steep bits by the locks. Got to St Margarets, despite the rain and mud, so a bit further than the last ride. Now paying for this as the one thing the boys forgot to mention was that it is harder to peddle in the higher gears.... limped into the house and now going to have a long bath since it is not only the steed that is muddy.


And the saddle is still shrinking.



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