Well here we are in Siem Reap, the Cultural Centre of Cambodia.
We arrived yesterday on day five of the event. Ray, Tania and
Veasna are coping very well, tired with sore rear ends but
in good spirits.
We had TV and media coverage on leaving Phnon Penh with additional
riders accompanying the team for the first few kilometres.
The first stage of 75 kms was on both bitumen and 'gravely'
surfaces which was somewhat a challenge for the riders. The
'support' vehicle (Rick, Mr Pech and myself) moves behind the
riders and there are generally stops every about every twenty
kilometres where we bring out 'refreshments' - good old Bi-Lo
dried fruit, muesli bars, etc plus fresh bread, bananas, sometimes
boiled eggs and of course lots of
water.
The weather has been quite cool in the mornings ( I have taken
to walking for the first hour out of the town which is great).
Probably about 20 degrees but heats up during the middle of
the day. It is reaping time in the countryside so we pass the
field workers with their scythes and oxen carts plodding out
to the fields. The countryside is very beautiful.
We have been staying in guest houses which generally have
a bed, separate shower and toilet and a fan and costs us between
US 3.00-5.00 a night - really living it up!!!! Meals we have
in roadside restaurants and can cost the princely sum of one
dollar plus. Although yesterday we did treat ourselves to a
slightly upmarket meal here in Siem Reap!!!!!
On the second day the team traveled 94 kilometres then we
had a 'rest' day in Kompong Thom. We visited a school in the
rural area where about seven children with disabilities were
attending. It was a good opportunity to talk with teachers
and the children and we were able to get some video footage.
Also spent a couple of hours at an organisation called CWARS,
a vocational training establishment with outreach services.
Amputees and some polio folk, who are learning TV repairing,
small engine maintenance and cycle repairing, attend the centre.
Everybody has been very, very cooperative and helpful. We are
indeed grateful for the warm reception we have been receiving.
The next stage was 86 kms which again was a mixture of good
road surfaces and those being surfaced - so lots of dust, sand
etc but fortunately not too much loose gravel.
Here in Siem Reap it has been great for me to meet up with
a past colleague, Prom Bun Thai who is assisting us with translation,
making arrangements etc. Tomorrow evening we are going to his
home to spend an evening with him and his family.
This afternoon there will be a rather quick visit to Angkor
Wat (one of the seven wonders of the world) for some of the
team. So much to do and so much to fit in!!!!!!!!
Of course the team is the centre at attention at each stop
when people gather around and stare at these 'crazy' foreigners.
But the kids, are always ready to laugh and talk. Ray will
often have somebody on a bike ride a few kms with him while
he tries out his every increasing Khmer language.
On Saturday evening we stayed at a place called Kompong Kdei
which Rick said reminded him of an outback Australian town
- one wide street with a few buildings on either side (he is
an American but has toured Australia). I said it reminded me
of an old wild west town and I expected to see John Wayne come
out at any time totting a couple of 45s.
The cycling team was really pleased to finish the 62 kms stretch
to Siem Reap were we have a three day stop. It is hard going
for them but they are managing remarkably well.
This morning (Tuesday 16th) we visited Handicapped International
(Belgium) to finalise the arrangements for the additional team
of riders with disabilities to join us. Out next visit was
to an organisation called Krousar Thmey which provides education
for young folk with hearing and visual impairments. Then a
rest for some members and a visit to rural villages tomorrow
morning to see children with disabilities living in the villages.
At each stop Veasna, our volleyball expert, seems to meet
with other volleyball enthusiasts to have some fun. He is a
great guy and laughs a lot and seems to be coping OK with us
'weirdies'. Mr Pech of course is a treasure and is a constant
help.
Overall everything is going well. No mishaps. All for now.
Will send more news from Battambang.
