There aren’t many fixed details, but here they are anyway…
When
Monday the 21st January 2013, to Friday the 1st February 2013.
Start with high hopes @
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Limp to the finish line @
Phnom Penh, Cambodia (yes we really are going around in circles!)
More General Information (subject to change on a daily basis…)
Ride for Cambodia is an opportunity for you have the experience of a lifetime while also raising money for a great charity helping the kids of Cambodia.
The plan, if you can call it a plan, is to meet in Cambodia in the capital Phnom Penh on the morning of the 21st of January 2013. We’ll then spend a day to find and buy small second hand motorcycles and fix whatever needs doing to prepare them for the trip.
From there we’ll ride to Kampong Cham to see the sunset from an amazing bamboo bridge, and drink some cold beers or cocktails on the banks of the Mekong. Then we head further north to Stung Treng, before leaving the ashphalt and riding into the temple districts to linger at some of the quiet unknown ruins before arriving in Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat (actually we’ll try to sneak in from the east, but don’t tell anyone!).
From there we’ll again head south on dirt roads to Battambang, before arriving in Pursat to visit Sustainable Cambodia and see the projects we’re supporting, meet the kids and leave feeling humbled. The final stop is Sihanoukville, where cold Mojito’s will be waiting in little beach bars. Lovely.
Eventually we head back to Phnom Penh finishing the ride on the 1st of February 2013.
Of course you’ll experience Ankor Wat and Phnom Penh, but the ride will take you so much deeper into Cambodia than the regular tourist trips. This ride is going to be a challenge, and will involve all the regular dangers of motorcycle travel in Cambodia – consider the traffic, dirt roads, water crossings, blood sucking insects, and very cheap beer!
The bikes we will be traveling on are small 100cc to 125cc, semi automatic scooter-stye bikes. They’re the main form of transportation for Cambodians, so that’s how we plan to experience their country. We expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $600 for each bike.
Ride for Cambodia isn’t a supported ride or a conventional organized tour. You’ll be totally self sufficient, and it’s your choice whether or not you want to ride with a group. We will only provide a series of waypoints where we can meet and exchange stories at the end of each day. Please read the disclaimer if you’re considering coming along.
Fundraising
The primary fundraising will come when we arrive at the end of the ride and donate the bikes for sale, with the proceeds going to charity. We also plan to give our first aid kits to the local remote communities we are aiming to help. Of course we also hope that the people coming along will use this opportunity to do a little fundraising on the side.
Safety
Your safety is absolutely your responsibility. Riding a scooter in Cambodia can be dangerous – the way you choose to ride can reduce this danger but it’s completely up to you. We highly recommend that you wear appropriate motorcycle safety equipment including a helmet (compulsory in Cambodia), riding jacket, riding pants, and gloves at all times, and take out travel insurance that covers motorcycle riding.
Remember – You are totally responsible for your own safety. Think about getting some sort of international insurance and medical evacuation plan. See the FAQ for more information.
