Ians Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Challenge for the Orchid Charity
Ian Sibley-Calder is raising money for Orchid Cancer
Participants: Ian Sibley-Calder
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
The Orchid Charity
The Orchid Charity is one that is close to my heart. My father died at the age of 37 when I was only 12. He underwent some terrible treatments in the name of research but it was worth it for others even if he did lose his own life in the trying. He and others like him have helped testicular cancer become one of the most 'curable' cancers.
Much more research needs to be done to help to promote testicular self examination and to help other male cancers.
More details: http://www.orchid-cancer.org.uk/
The Challenge - Vietnam to Cambodia cycle trek
This breathtaking charity bike ride is one of the best in the world of fundraising events and will take me from Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Upon arrival, there will be time to explore the fascinating city of Saigon - the heart of Vietnam - before commencing with my charity challenge.
The 400km charity cycle route will take me through many traditional Vietnamese villages, following gorgeous streams and rivers, passing paddy fields and adjacent to stunning mountains. Few locals will have seen foreigners cycling past, and their interest and hospitality will spur on even the most tired cyclist.. i.e. me :)
The trek then crosses the border into Cambodia and pushes on to the world famous temple site of Angkor Wat - arguably one of most fascinating wonders of the world! Built from 879 - 1191AD by the Khmer civilisation, Ankgor Wat represents one of mankind's most astonishing architectural achievements and is certainly the jewel in Cambodia's crown.
Two fascinating countries - one awesome charity challenge.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
Story so far:
I started training three weeks ago - this has meant getting on my mountain bike for first time in years. After a service, a new saddle and some padded shorts, my first run was only 6 k, and boy did I feel it. Then the 6.30am quick half hours started to build up some stamina.
Three weeks later, I am pounding the Nafferton Wolds - 24 miles last week and 28 miles on Sunday.
Have decide 'the Wall' on a bike is 30miles - putting it bluntly, I get stiff, sore and my bottom hurts. John Wayne has nothing on me.
Today have just broken the 30 mile mark: 48.4 km. It was also over the Nafferton Wolds, so some good hills as well. Just about killed me but have done it. Lets hope it becones easier.
Fairly light weight ride today - only 20miles over the Nafferton Wolds. Definately think the hill are shrinking.
***** STOP PRESS *****
Am growing a moustache for November - you can see some past attempts in photos - but will produce a 'gallery' for amusement and ridicule.
Well broke new barriers today! - both in distance in the bike training for the Vietnam to Cambodia trip and in the pain felt as I got towards the end. You may remember I broke the 30mile barrier... well this time I have broken the 40mile. Have to say it actually hurt but on good side the first 25miles were quite easy.
Have also made 'Divernet' - the magazine that I write for: http://www.divernet.com/home_diving_news/1117375/diving_doc_gets_on_his_bike.html
Please consider spnsoring me for the Orchid Charity. Lets support our men foke who are often not as vocal as the ladies in 'pushing the cause'.
Orchid Mens cancer on www.justgiving.com/ian-sibley-calder
Many thanks
Have also made 'Divernet' - the magazine that I write for: http://www.divernet.com/home_diving_news/1117375/diving_doc_gets_on_his_bike.html
Please consider spnsoring me for the Orchid Charity. Lets support our men foke who are often not as vocal as the ladies in 'pushing the cause'.
Orchid Mens cancer on www.justgiving.com/ian-sibley-calder
Many thanks
**** Update****
See the current embarasing picture of week one moustache - its going to be a long 4 weeks!!!!
Another 30miles today in conditions that are NOT representative of the trip that we will be doing. Today was wet cold and misty, whereas in Vietnam/Cambodia we are expecting 35+ deg. and 85%+ humidity. This is the challenge and I hope worthy of your support.
Watch this space for more info.
Week 3 of moustache - looking very scary. Cannot wait to get it off now- driving me mad. Least it not too gray.
Big treat this weekned - taking my bike to North Wales - planning on doing the cycle path that runs from Penrhyn Bay near Colwyn bay to far side of Rhyl and back on Sunday. Failry flat but should be interesting. Not sure but I think its 58km.
Havnt posted much regarding the challenge but it is coming up fast - leave on the 18th january. Training has been difficult to impossible due to high winds but I have got out when I can.
All the kit is ready and starting to get excited and anxious at the same time.
The donations have hit the £500 mark and thank you to all those who have donated - please support my cause: Mens cancers affect all the family and research is desperately needed especially in prostate cancer which is the male No 1 cancer and still has no reliable test for it and the current treatments can leave a man impotent and incontinant. Thank you www.justgiving.co.uk/ian-sibley-calder
Well not long to go now - fly on Friday morning at 11am.
The last big training sessions at the weekend resulted in extreme pain: only 27 and 17miles but done in temperatures of 1+ 2 deg C. Forstbite on extremeties, muscle tightness, cramps all weather related. The bike practically seized up with the cold - could hardly move it.
Just look...ed at weather in cambodia for when we are there: 37 deg C with a 'Heat' temperature of 50 deg C!!!!! 85+ % humidity - this is not going to be a 'FUN' trip - just hard work. Still cannot wait to test myself and it is all for a good cause.
The last big training sessions at the weekend resulted in extreme pain: only 27 and 17miles but done in temperatures of 1+ 2 deg C. Forstbite on extremeties, muscle tightness, cramps all weather related. The bike practically seized up with the cold - could hardly move it.
Just look...ed at weather in cambodia for when we are there: 37 deg C with a 'Heat' temperature of 50 deg C!!!!! 85+ % humidity - this is not going to be a 'FUN' trip - just hard work. Still cannot wait to test myself and it is all for a good cause.