Kho Maphrao - relax therapy

I have just returned from the most amazing long weekend on Kho Maphrao. This was my special treat to myself for cycling the 3200km. My dearest friends from Australia Paul and Fi were also staying on Kho Maphrao - a brilliant plan that was the absolute perfect way to end my holiday. I love Thailand and look forward to returning soon. On Wednesday I will return to Laos with many interesting and fun stories to share.

Nai Yang - officiall on Phuket!!!

I'm a little tired so this will be brief. I HAVE ARRIVED.
Cycled 85km today to sail across the bridge and officially ONTO PHUKET.
I've selected to stay at Nai Yang Beach for tonight which is on the west coast and rather close to the airport - as a reference point and a long way from Patong Beach road and the crowds. A lovely bungalow, no sea view but within a extremely short walk. Looking forward to eating some delicious seafood tonight and chillin' out. It's not the end of the journey, I'll cycle tomorrow and then figure out a plan for the next couple of days.

Khao Lak - 3 days

Khao Lak was absolutely stunning and I just wanted to stay forever, hence I ended up staying for 3 nights and swimming in the glorious pool, enjoying a massage and having a much needed hair cut. Ah the simple pleasures of life. The wonderful resort gave me free breakfast - fit for a princess who has many km's to cycle. Thank you.

Just west of Surat Thani

An amazing 3 days on the bike coming down the quiet coastal / back roads. Barely a car on the road and just a few motorbikes. Luckily for me food also appeared whenever I needed it with a sea view. Yesterday was 150km - the town I planned to sleep in had no guest house and no hotel. Next town 30km away - one hotel - fully booked by a group of teenage school students with their teachers. On just 5 more km found a wonderful place - so clean and quiet for a perfect sleep.
Will cross over to reach the west coast of Thailand in a few days. Then it's the last stretch to Phuket.
Think I have done 2860km. The trip will actually go over 3000km. This is one journey I don't want to end.

Ban Krut - but don't tell anyone

OMG Ban Krut is one of the most beautiful beach locations I have ever been to. It's a quiet village with 10km of glorious beach - just for me to walk along. Simply stunning hence taking a rest day here. Thank goodness the hordes of tourists have not invaded this village like they have so many other great locations we have come across. The roads are great and all is going well. 2450km cycled and it feels like the end is very near.
Saw Dusky Monkeys yesterday on Wing 5 (Air force base) which were so, so cute. An endangered species so very lucky to have the opportunity to see them.
And a ceremony that may have been the ordination of 3 young men into the monkhood for the wet season.
Sorry there's no pics to share, they are on the camera. The weather is glorious - sunny, overcast, sea breeze - love the tropics.

Hua Hin

Yesterday 27 days after leaving Vientiane I arrived at Chao Samran - the SEA. It was such an exciting moment. All through the mountains, the heat and the long days on the road I was thinking of the sea. It was wonderful.
Today just 57km cycling to reach Hua Hin late morning. Again by the Sea and the cycling was lovely reaching here.
The rain started in the afternoon so a 2 hour massage for $12 was the only proper thing to do and now internet time.
All is good in Helen's world with 2230km cycled ........................getting so close to 3000km.
Thanks for all messages of support and encouragement.

2090km - arrived in Bangkok

A great day on the bike Saturday to reach Samut Songhkram. Located a great hotel and organised Sunday morning tourist adventures. Went to the Bang Noi Floating Market - so quaint and not touristy. Really peaceful and wonderful people. Then a mini van to Bangkok after trusting the hotel to look after our bikes and spare pannier for a couple of days. Arriving in Bangkok very exciting - this is like coming home for me. Wondered around Sukhumvit and started eating great food and feeling like I'm on holidays. It will be great to have another few days R & R along with a few massages to ensure the flat tyre tally is NOT greater than the massage tally. So thrilled to have completed 2090km just 1000km to go. Thanks for all the support and encouragement.

Kanchanaburi 170km day

Cycling from Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi turned into an epic day in the saddle yesterday. 170km on roads that were a little too busy with a shoulder that was not so clean. This resulted in a flat tyre around 80km - a slow leak that I persevered with pumping it up every 20km, then it appears the same tyre got another flat!!!! Finally gave in and changed the tube around 150km. So close to the end. Found a lovely guest house - Blue Star and ate a wonderful green curry veg and tofu and the world is all back in balance again.
Just over 1000km to go.
Taking a couple of well earned rest days here to soak up the sites, refuel the body and sleep in. I wish the body clock could sleep in - this morning I was awake before 6am and went to the river for a peaceful 30 mins - birds chirping and little squirrels playing in the trees.
All is good as the challenge continues although my bike ride is nothing compared to the hardship the soldiers faced building the Bridge over the River Kwai. This afternoon will visit the war cemetery and museum.

1730km done, Historical Ayutthaya

The journey is going so well, any some problem is quickly and easily solved with the kindness of locals. Am staying in a beautiful guest house - individual bungalows in amongst the old trees in a quiet part of town. Every day is a joy with new experiences - there was one snake that reared it's head up at me and I sped past. Most of the ojhter snakes on the road have been dead or they quickly scuttle away. Views of beautiful rice paddies consume our day and make the time go quickly. It gets really not on the road by 11am and the shade has gone. Plenty of sun protection required and gallons of water to keep hydrated.

The historical ruins here are so beautiful -sorry there's no pics yet. I cycled around last night since some of the ruins are illuminated - very pretty.

It is really hard to find internet. I must be the only person in the world traveling without a wifi gadget.
Right now the lady at the guest house has loaned me her computer out of sympathy!!!
Time for lunch, an afternoon nap and then more exploring.

Old Sukhothai - rest day

Yesterday we arrived in Old Sukhothai and are currently enjoying a well earned rest day. The Historical ruins are so, so beautiful. Cycling around in the shade of huge old trees looking for special photographs is a joy. It is low tourist season so we literally have the place to ourselves. Today - the true rest day was spent sleeping in - a great change to the 5am alarm was the 5am roosters!!! Massage, manicure, clothes washed in a machine, a sewing maching to fix my bike pants and a late lunch. A very happy cyclist. The locals are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Old Sukhothai is very beautiful and historically very important - once the ancient capital of Thailand. Time for for ruins this afternoon and a delicious fruit shake. It's hot and sunny.
Last evening at 6pm as the King's Anthem was played eveyone in the main street stopped and the police stopped the traffic - very respectful.

Tak and the Ping River

All going spectacularly well. 96km covered today, sometimes in light rain. Great roads and really friendly people are being encountered every day. Bike running like a dream. About to go and eat delicious fish for dinner. 1185km done and dusted.

Thank you

The bike had a major problem and the bike shop here in Chiang Mai have worked effortlessly to ensure my bike was repaired in time. I just picked it up ready to depart at 6am in the morning - thank you so much. The rear rim had to be replaced and the mechanic completely rebuilt the rear wheel with my spokes and rear cassette. Amazing. Efficient. Kind. Thank you. It really made me happy to have the bike ready and think I will go and have a little drink now to celebrate the start of phase two of the journey. 850km completed. That included a wonderful morning cycle up hill - Doi Suthep.

Chiang Mai 817km

Well, it was in fact the most grueling week - the heat is so intense on the road by 7am. Then the hills presented themselves, then hill after hill after hill. However this is a 'challenge' so BRING IT ON.
Good news is I safely arrived in Chiang Mai on Day 6 of the challenge after successfully cycling 817km. Recovering now with great massages and awesome food. Brett arrived in Chiang Mai on the plane and he is struggling to comprehend my stories of heat and hills.
However I think it's all down hill from here to Bangkok and then smooth sailing to Phuket.
I love Thailand and it's so wonderful cycling on great roads, meeting wonderful people who are totally convinced that I'm crazy and loving the freedom of travel.
The bike is at the mechanics now and I'm hopeful they can tighten or replace the rear wheel bearings. This is the land of smiles where anything is possible so I'm positive it will all be done in 2 hours.
I'm missing all my family and friends but loving life as a cyclist with 2 panniers and a map.

One more sleep.

Here's a little picture taken in Savannakhet. Pinky is one of the 40 Lotus girls that will start Grade 1. Thank you to everyone who has donated so generously to ensure these girls have access to education.
I really appreciate your kindness.
Fund Raising $8055 - awesome.
I'll be on the bike by 6am on Friday 14th June. Just one more sleep.
Thanks again
Helen

The final hours!!!

So excited, just 20 hours to go - time to pack the panniers!!!
Thanks for the huge donations $7950 in total.
The kindness of all my friends in Laos and around the world has filled my heart with love and joy. This will help me on the tough days on the road.
THANK YOU

Fund Raising $6390 - THANK you

There's still time to make a donation.
Fund raising link

http://www.gofundme.com/29l7io

Sunday 9th June - 5 days to go

Great training ride today of 53km in just under 2 hours. That will be the last of the longer training rides with just 5 days left before Day 1 of the journey - Fri 14th June
3 days left to work.
Bike - change tyres, insert Mr Tuffy tyre liners to prevent punctures, take off the pedals and add the cleats. PACK the panniers - a total of 8kg - including bike tools and spare parts and clothes.

The fund raising is an awesome $6390 -THANK YOU.

I'll be trying for one last all out effort this week and see if we can reach $7000.
During the bike ride I'll be chatting to lots of people and raising awareness about the lack of educational opportunities girls have in Laos. I'll be sharing the great work that Lotus Educational Fund is doing in Savannakhet and perhaps pick up a few more donations.

http://lotuseducationalfund.com/

To make a donation:
http://www.gofundme.com/29l7io

One week to go!!!

It is with great excitement that I realize there is only one week left before I depart.
3000km could be a long way but to me it's just the start of an exciting journey to ensure the 40 girls in Savannakhet have access to education for the next 5 years.
The bikes ready, the bodies as good as it can be and the mind is anxious to get started.
I really enjoy being on the bike and the freedom that cycling brings to my life.
Thanks to everyone who has supported the fund raising.

Bike Maintenance

Today I took my beloved touring bike to the local bike shop. The purpose of this visit is to eliminate the noise that has developed in the bottom bracket. Also to give the bike a good service before the departure date of June 14th.

I feel like an anxious mother, waiting for the bike shop to call to say that everything is ready and I can take the bike home. It's 4.30pm and still no phone call.
Does that mean my beloved bike will have to sleep away from me?
Is this an unhealthy relationship!!!!! hahaha

I'll sleep well once the bike is back in my care and safely in the living room at home.

Another long training ride planned for Sunday - perhaps 100-120km. On the road bike.

There's just 5 short weeks to go - I'm so excited and have already started the challenging task of packing.

A maximum of 8kg of luggage will be carefully selected.
The essentials have to come - bike repair tools, spare tubes and kit to fix flats, water bottles.
Add some bike clothes and laundry detergent. Wash one set, wear the other.
That will leave just a couple of kg for clothes, bathers and a tooth brush.

Luckily I'm not a high heels, make up, blow dryer kinda girl.

It's a glorious day here in Laos.
Thank you to all the wonderful people that have made donations and sent words of encouragement for the ride.

The Kindness of Strangers - Thank you

The Kindness of Strangers

During our journey through life we meet many wonderful people.
This web site is by 2 examples of wonderful people: www.thekindnessofstrangers.co/
Brett and Kimmi have an amazing journey to share.
Along the way they raised funds and donate that money to worthwhile causes.

In March I was fortunate enough to meet Brett when he came to Laos.
Brett had already traveled to Savannakhet and meet Dr Phoudalay and some of the girls being supported by Lotus Educational Fund.

Brett then decided to donate $1000 to Lotus Educational Fund. Thank you so much.
Here's Brett's article on Laos and Lotus:
http://thekindnessofstrangers.co/the-lotus-education-fund-laos-mar-13/

If you have time take a look at their website it is very inspirational.

I wish Brett and Kimmi safe travels as they continue their cycling journey.
They have now traveled 22,718km from London to Similan Islands in Thailand.
Their bike journey will finish when they reach Melbourne.

Charity Dinner Newcastle, Australia - thank you

In Newcastle on 19th April a Charity Dinner will be held to support Lotus Educational Fund.
I'd like to say 'thank you' to the 55 people who have fully booked out this charity event.
The girls in Savannakhet will have access to education thanks to your kindness.
Have a wonderful evening.
Sorry I can't be there.
Helen

GoFundMe - launched !!!!

We have successfully launched the fund raising site, using GoFundMe.

Here's the link: http://www.gofundme.com/29l7io

When you donate using Pay Pal the Pay Pal account is 'Dianne Gamage' - the founding member of Lotus Educational Fund Ltd.

The blogspot link: http://empoweringlotusgirls.blogspot.com/

Your support is greatly appreciated.
Helen

Update on itinerary 3000km

The ride starts in Vientiane, Laos. Cycle over to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand (approx 770km). Start to cycle south towards Bangkok, visiting major tourist attractions and pass on the west side of Bangkok.

Then continue down the beautiful east coast, cross over the peninsula, cycle along the the stunning west coast, visiting the Tsunami memorial.

Reaching Phuket approximately 3000km. An amazing journey.

"Empowering Lotus Girls" hopes to raise funds to educate girls in Laos through this charity bike ride.

On Friday June 14th 2013 I look forward to commencing this challenging ride.

Details about the fund raising web site will be available very soon.
Your contributions will be greatly appreciated by the girls and their families.

Cyclists will be self funding all their own expenses.

Did you know?

Did you know?

http://www.roomtoread.org/

Educating girls and women is widely acknowledged as the most powerful and effective way to address global poverty. Women who finish secondary school earn more money, have smaller, healthier families, and are more likely to educate their own children—breaking the cycle of illiteracy in one generation.

When you educate a girl, everything changes.





Lotus Educational Fund is in Laos working towards educating girls from rural families.
We hope that you can help Lotus Educational Fund make a difference in the lives of many girls who are eager for an education.

3000km from the front door

When I first had the idea to cycle 3000km I automatically assumed that Chaing Mai to Phuket would be 3000km. Well it's not. It's only about 1600km.

So then I planned a route to zig zag to some major tourist destinations but that is still only 2000km.
So, I want to stick to my challenge of 3000km.

Therefore it looks like I will ride from Vientiane - Chiang Mai - Phuket 3030km !

I think because Australia is so big I just thought surely cycling from one end of Thailand to the other would easily be 3000km. The journey will now start right from my front door !!

That's pretty cool. That means I don't have to put my bike in a box for the plane.
Always look on the bright side of life.

The journey will now take about 5 weeks. About 700 per week and a rest day here and there.

Lotus

Lotus Educational Fund

The name Lotus was carefully chosen because of it's meaning and
applicability to the daily situation of the girls.

The lotus flower (young girls) grows in muddy water (socio-economic
disadvantages) and rises above the surface (through education) to bloom
with remarkable beauty (graduation and return to the village). At night
the flower closes and sinks underwater, at dawn it rises and opens
again. Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolizes the purity of heart
and mind.

Training has begun !!!

The training has begun!!

Whilst the weather was cool, before the humidity rose I rode 156km to Vang Vieng on Saturday 23rd Feb. Then I did the same ride again on 2nd March because it was so much fun.

Generally I ride 20km before work, 3 times a week.
Then Saturday and/or Sunday do longer rides.

This weekend on both Saturday and Sunday I rode 73km each day. It's very flat around Vientiane and generally I have to ride 90km to get to the hills.

Helen bike

Education and cycling would be my two great passions in life, not including my wonderful family.

I'm an Early Childhood teacher and have been teaching since 1990. Recently, I have been teaching overseas in Thailand, Japan and Laos.

Cycling has always been part of my life. Road biking in France, mountain bike racing in Australia and touring on the bike in Asia are memorable highlights. I currently have a 'bike library' and loan bikes out to friends in Lao.

During the dry season in Lao I enjoy long road rides. As the wet season starts I tend to use my touring or mountain bike for training and shopping.

Tour de Thailand

For this challenge I asked a friend, Brett Robinson from Australia to accompany me - much to my delight Brett said yes!! Brett and I meet during the Cairns to Karumba (C2K) bike ride in 2011.

Brett happens to have 7 weeks available during my holiday block.

Therefore together we will accomplish the target distance of 3000km.

This will be Brett's first visit to Thailand.
For me Thailand is my second home, especially since I lived there for 6 years (2002 - 2008).

We will be on our touring bikes with panniers, staying in guest houses throughout beautiful Thailand.

I currently live in Laos and that's why I have selected Lotus Educational Fund as the charity we will be riding for.

One of the founding members of Lotus Educational Fund was Dianne Gamage.
I first meet Dianne when we both taught in Japan. Fortunately Dianne now works in Bangkok and I'm in Vientiane.
Therefore this gave us the opportunity for our paths to cross again in early March.

At that point Dianne took the time to explain Lotus Educational Fund, the goals and objectives.
It's so perfect for me as a school teacher to advocate better education for all, especially girls.

Helen's recent cycling history

Helen's past history on the bike in recent years has included:

2 cycle trips to Myannmar before 2008 and

Hokkaido, Japan June/July 2010 32 days 2000km touring bike with panniers and tent

Sri Lanka, Dec '10 - Jan '11 21 days 780km touring bike with panniers, staying in guest houses

C2K, Australia June/July 2011 8 days 800km fully supported charity ride, road bike

Northern Lao Dec '11 - Jan '12 21 days 1245km touring bike with panniers, staying in guest houses

Chiang Mai, Thai June/July 2012 22 days 1145km touring bike with panniers, staying in guest houses

Angkor Wat Half Marathon, Cambodia 2nd Dec 2012


Thus the Empowering Lotus Girls challenge needed to be longer than 32 days and longer than 2000km.

Hence, the challenge is 3000km, a few days to be a tourist along the way - approx 35-40 days in total.

Generally these rides have been solo. That doesn't mean I always ride by myself. Lots of long distance cyclists are out there and I often join them for a day or two if we are going in the same direction.

Lotus Educational Fund, Savannahket - Laos

Lotus Educational Fund
km 35 Savannahket, Lao P.D.R.

One of the founding members of Lotus Educational Fund, Dianne Gamage explained how 'Lotus' was selected.

The name Lotus was carefully chosen because of it's meaning and
applicability to the daily situation of the girls.

The lotus flower (young girls) grows in muddy water (socio-economic
disadvantages) and rises above the surface (through education) to bloom
with remarkable beauty (graduation and return to the village).

At night the flower closes and sinks underwater, at dawn it rises and opens
again. Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolizes the purity of heart
and mind.

Education has the POWER to change lives

Let the Challenge Begin

March 2013 I decided to undertake a bike ride and raise money for a charity in Laos P.D.R.
Over the last few weeks I have researched and made my decision to donate the money to Lotus Educational Fund.

"Empowering Lotus Girls" hopes to raise funds to educate girls in Laos through a sponsorship bicycle ride . The goal is to cycle 3000km from Northern Thailand to Southern Thailand, ending in Phuket. I am an international school teacher currently living and working in Vientiane, Laos. I'm passionate about cycling and supporting young girls gain access to education. On Sunday June 16th 2013 I look forward to commencing this challenging ride.

"Education has the power to change lives through providing access to opportunities."

The Lotus Educational Fund provides support to young girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in rural Savannahket, Laos. All funds donated from this bike ride will go directly to support the girls education. Each year, the Lotus fund provides each girl with a uniform, text books, pencils, back pack
and registration for primary school. In collaboration with the village chief the poorest girls are selected to participate in the program.
An amazing partnership is then formed between the families and the Lotus Educational Fund to ensure that each girl completes her attendance at school and is supported with educational success.

The challenge is to see how many young girl's lives we can change through providing access to education.

$50 provides resources and education for one girl for a year.

How many lives can you change?

Together how many lives can we change?

Lotus Educational Fund and the village chief have identified 20 girls wanting to start school on September 14th 2013.

$1000 - all 20 girls access education for one year - Grade 1.

$2000 - all 20 girls access education for another year - Grade 2.
For more information please view our website and Facebook page.
Cash donations are also accepted by Lotus Educational Fund Committee members and myself.
Cash donations will be acknowledged on GoFundMe.

What's the Challenge?

Challenges

1. Cycle from Chiang Mai to Phuket.

2. Cover 3000km

3. Raise $5000 for Lotus Educational Fund

4. Education for 20 girls from poor socio economically backgrounds in Lao for 5 years.

5. June - July rainy season