Let's get caught up!

So in very surprising news, when a friend wrote me about going on a bike ride in Cambodia and Vietnam in Feb-Mar 2014 I said yes!

Now that probably surprised me as much as it did you.

Reasons this is surprising include:
1. I don't own a bike
2. We are staying in 3 star accommodation - who knew that even existed
3. I like a pool and cocktails when I am vacationing - don't imagine either of these will exist (see item 2)
4. Did I mention that I don't own a bike?
5. I will have to train. I mean really train!
6. 86km in one day! That sounds really far
7. I imagine I will get a sore patooty. In fact, someone at the office talked about blisters. I didn't know how I could possibly get blisters on my feet from riding. Aaaaahhhh, he is talking about my patooty. Oh dear!
8. I am starting to think this might be really quite hard!
9. People laugh when I say the weather will be mild, with no wind and more particularly no hills. The ride is along the beach I tell them. Therefore it is a fact there will be no hills. They still laugh
10. Up to 10 already, and I am just getting started. Did I mention it might be hard??

BUT, on the plus side. What a great cause. The ride is arranged by Plan to raise money for Girls from underprivileged countries who are not able to go to school. The idea is to raise money so that they can educate and empower girls to transform their own lives and the world around them.

How cool is that!!??

So I am really excited about my adventure. I really hope you will support me through my challenging journey. I mean with emotional support and reminding me that I really can do it!!


So my first challenge was to get a bike. How hard could that be?? You go to a shop and pick one which is a nice color. Right?? So apparently I was wrong. Very, very wrong.

The man in the shop just managed to keep a straight face while talking to me about all of this stuff which can come on a bike that I have never heard of, and let's be honest was not hugely interested in. Then it turns out that I need an extra small bike. I mean really! Isn't that just code for a kids bike?

So I left without said bike, because they don't stock extra small (or kid's) bikes at that very serious establishment. I felt very sad, but after some coffee and cake all seemed much better again.

Except for one small problem... refer items 1, 5 and 6 above. Coffee and cake will not help me to ride 86km in mild weather, no wind and certainly no hills!


Maybe this is going to be more complicated than I was expecting!