Well - slightly odd week in any event. I received a large package of goodies from Buffera yesterday (buffs, shirt, gloves etc) plus I have purchased new lights and a widget that tells you how far you have traveled, speed etc. So, looking forward to trying it all out and was planning on a ride this evening. But, best laid plans of mice etc. I started having a bit of a cough yesterday and this transformed into a full scale hack this morning after a night of little sleep. I have been mainlining benelin all day but still feeling pretty pants so decided that I ought to nurse it this evening rather than going for a long ride.
Chris and Judith have also been really fab and are lending me an exercise bike. This should arrive tomorrow evening so I will be able to do some inside training as well as the full pukka bike rides. Will be swapping it for the horse riding machine so there may have to be some furniture rearranging at the weekend.
So, I now have all the equipment but haven't actually done much riding this week. Wondering whether this phenomena is an undiscovered subset of Murphy's Law?
Am hoping that I will be mostly recovered by Sunday and can get some miles in then as I am missing the scenery although not the large bumps as I sail over tree roots in an inadequate saddle.
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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