MEL'S STORY
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| Hopefully I don't spend too many hours taking the bike for a walk |
My name is Mel and I live in a wonderful regional town in the Central Highlands of Victoria. I am of moderate fitness but have not ridden a bike in 4 years. My last attempt was a 5 hour long ride down the world’s most dangerous road in Bolivia. Which was enough to delay any desire this self confessed wuss, might have had to ride again. And prior to that hmmmmm….I have lost count of the years since I rode a bike.
Thankfully my experience of travel is much greater than my experience on top of a bicycle. So this trip I am not fearful of the language barriers, eating from street carts, brushing my teeth with tap water, being stared at, getting totally lost, being followed, dodgy police, getting ill, crossing Asian roads or jumping into cars with strangers saying ‘trust me’ at border crossings in the middle of the night. No, this trip it is punctures, potholes, callouses, fatigue, dehydration, rain, dust, a sore butt, broken bikes, heat…..oh, and a complete lack of fitness, endurance, perseverance and humour in the face of adversity.
Yeah, I think I am being a little naïve to say the least. But at times ignorance can be bliss and for me, this is just such a time. No matter what happens, it will be an experience to remember….....travel always is.
KIT'S STORY
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| Kit riding through the streets of Melb on the way home from a masquerade ball, 2010 |
Two gals on bikes from Bangkok to Ho Chi Min City over 3 weeks! Are we crazy?? I think so! This trip was Mel’s idea. With my passion for cycling Mel knew I'd be an easy target to drag along, and at the time I admit I thought it was a great suggestion. But now as it's fast approaching Im feeling pretty scared and a little anxious... but excited and prepared for the challenge! I can’t wait to be there pedalling together through the hassle and bustle of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam! What better way to connect with a country – it’s people, it’s smells, it’s beauty, it’s traffic (eek!!) it’s dirt, it’s rivers and it’s rain. I’m sure we will experience it all.
I am passionate about living sustainably so cycling is a big part of my life. Whether it’s just about town for work or shopping, or an adventure along a long windy road or through a muddy forest one of my five beautiful bikes is never far away. Im feeling pretty fit already riding about 20kms most days, but with the humidity and dusty pot holes in front of us I think it's going to be a long road!!
It's been over four years since my last overseas venture to India. After that experience I think I am well prepared for the cultural and physical challenges which travelling in Asia brings. But throw in a bike for a 20 day adventure, who know whats to come...
4 comments:
I hope you have a comfy bike seat or you'll have blisters on your butt!!!
Good luck with the adventure girls!! Be safe xx
Awesome work Mel. I'm SO excited for you and so proud! I will miss you heaps and will be thinking of you :)
Lotsa luv, Nads xoxox
You go girls!
Hey you guys will be wearing helmets yeah? Mel check with me about how to ensure they are adjusted properly if you don't already know. If you push it and it exposes your forehead, you almost might as well not be wearing it.
And my number one tip for bike riders: Always assume cars don't see you, even if you think they have. And, in Asia especially, assume they are not going to stop and stop yourself (unless there is someone behind you of course)...
Have an awesome time!
From the helmet police. :-)
I think it's fantastic what you are doing!!
The more people that take action to make a difference in the world and to do something to make the world a better place - the happier the world will be! Change only happens through those taking action, not sitting idle :)
I'm sure you'll have an amazing adventure and your higher selves will look after you.
Have fun,
Megan xxx
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