The 2013 Bike Ride Fundraiser was held from 2 to 6 December in the north of Cambodia with 9 sturdy riders taking everything in their stride. Mickey our fabulous guide even hopped on the saddle riding in thongs leading the pack.
What an amazing group of riders who were there to raise funds for our children and staff at Kampuchea House. A visit to meet them prior to the ride really helped them pedal on over the 5 day ride. The weather was so kind to us and there was only the odd upset tummy and then a rather large stack on the final day!
This being the third bike ride for Tom to conduct in Cambodia was led with great experience, enthusiasm and professionalism. Tom and Sean had driven the 500km route to check that everything was safe and they even managed to find new guest houses of far greater comfort than before.
We set off from Dom Deak, just near Kampuchea House through wonderful village scenery before our picnic lunch in the forest of the Koh Ker temples, a highlight being the 7 tiered pyramid to surprise us all at the end. The ride continued over the 5 days with varied countryside, markets and townships. The riders were experiencing the real Cambodia with amazing sunsets on the way. Our visit to Preah Vihear Temple perched on the top and side of a mountain overlooking into Cambodia and Thailand was certainly the most amazing experience for us all. Mickey’s wonderful knowledge of the history of the temple certainly made the ride there even more meaningful. The final days were at Anlong Veng where Pol Pot is buried and Ta Mok’s House remains, serious memories of a very troubled time. Riding in file down National Route 6 to Kampuchea House, a stressful time with all the traffic weaving between the riders, however was soon forgotten. The children and staff were so excited to see the riders come through the gates, all with huge smiles on their faces. It was an event to be long remembered amongst various bowls of vegetables, rice and the odd glasses of gin!!
Mickey our guide, what an intrepid being – Oh my God, Oh my Buddha will be long remembered by all! Tom, what a leader, you are a star and this was a bike ride of so many laughs and wonderful memories, a big thank you from us all, this would definitely not happen without your amazing experience and great organisational skills.
Our fantastic group of 9 bike riders for 2013 raised $16,000 a fabulous amount which will go towards the ongoing sustainability of our beautiful children and staff at Kampuchea House.
Bike riders in Koh Ker Forest 2 December 2013
Riding on Cambodian roads can be interesting at times!
Preah Vihear 4 December 2013
Our sturdy riders
Arriving at Kampuchea House – big thank you from the kids