Heroes and heroines cycling for newborns!
1,500 kilometers in 10 days from Lao Cai on the Vietnam boarder with China along the roof of Indo China, four exhilarating days in the mountains, and southward to the Ho Chi Minh Road and the Hai Van pass to Da Nang. Stunning landscapes, towering mountains, cascading rice fields and incredible Vietnamese hospitality.
In the hottest weather in north Vietnam for over a decade up to 54 degrees centigrade on day three as they conquered the mountains and head for the ferry at . Iced towels on their backs as they cycled and lots of water kept them going together with an incredible determination to complete the ride and their commitment to the cause they were all cycling for.
So who are the heroes and heroines that signed up for such an epic ride? read more ….(goes to heroes and heroines page)
Literally all sorts from chief exec’s and record breaking round the world cyclists to, ringtone designers and PA’s. Road cycling is pioneering in Vietnam, the ride was a challenge and the tales are still being told of ‘ferry day’ and no doubt the legends will grow!
The cyclists were cheered in every village and town along the way – with Xin Chao ringing out across the valleys and hi fives from hundreds of children. The cyclists took away amazing memories of their epic ride and a profound sense of achievement as they rolled in behind their police escort to Da Nang Hospital for Women & Children to a fantastic welcome from City officials led by Mr Phung Tan Viet, Vice Chairman, Da Nang People’s Committee, the British Ambassador, Dr Antony Stokes and Mr Phil MacLaurin, Business Unit Manager, Premier Oil and hundreds of cheering staff and supporters.
Student nurses in red and yellow ao dais, the Vietnamese national dress relieved the tired by happy cyclists of their bicycles and offer iced water. The TV cameras rolled and dragons danced as they lead the VIPs and cyclists to the formal welcome to Da Nang City and the Appreciation presentation.
The finale celebration was very emotional and the British Ambassador praised the huge achievement of the cyclists and invited a well deserved round of applause. He spoke of the importance of neonatal nurse training in reducing newborn deaths and the benefits of this UK/Vietnam partnership for Vietnam. The highlight was the presentation to the cyclists from the nurses, a very emotional moment and more than a few tears.
This was followed by a tour of the neonatal unit for sponsors and cyclists and huge sense of personal achievement. Cycling challenges and events are Newborns Vietnam’s major fundraising.
