Room54 Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Challenge

LATEST NEWS!!
After 22 hours in transit we arrived at our start point in Saigon, sat in a café in the heat drinking coffee listening to festive music. Have seen our bikes, off roaders with front suspension, heavier than the one we trained with. Very glad we both brought our own saddles with us.  

Dinner was in a courtyard, very good food and to keep the temperature down they sprayed vaporised water over the area, worked a treat.

Day one, after a two hour journey in one of the support vehicles we started our journey, just 65Km on this leg, roads are mostly dirt tracks and somewhat narrow in places, have to watch for motorcycles carrying produce and the occasional cow, which is harder to move on.  

People are fantastic, especially the children who stop whatever they are doing and rush over to wave at us, even when at school. Its not often you see 15 cyclists with helmets and cycling shorts passing through their village.    

Day two, 75Km, passed  paddy fields and then came across plantations that are growing grapefruits, bananas, avocado, oranges and lime. This area is full of rivers which requires the taking of ferries which again sparks interest from the locals. 

Slight incident today with a chicken, they wander around the place as if they own it, the bike in front disturbed said chicken who took flight and landed on my arm which produced an immediate reaction from me (Jan), the good news is that we both survived.     

Within the group is Karl, 6’ 4’’ who makes an impact were ever we go as he is so tall, Layla in turn has the children looking to touch her blond hair and very white skin, they both stand out and are a source of interest.  

Day three, 97Km and it was dark as we approached our hotel for the night. Today we also visited the floating market, every day at 05.00 each boat prepares their produce to sell, they hoist an example up the mast so you can see who is selling what.  Just a fantastic sight to see.  

No aches or anything, huge thanks to ELAINA FRANKLIN of Stoke Park Club who put together our training, yes there were times during this that we all looked at ourselves and said why? but now we understand,  makes the whole experience more enjoyable, thanks again Elaina.  

Must report that the hotels have all been of a good standard, and so has the food, organization and the company.

Said our farewells to the Vietnamese support team tonight over dinner, there organization has added to the experience, across the border tomorrow to Cambodia and into Phnom Penh, with all its old and new history.

Had a one hour delay arriving into Cambodia due to an oil leak with the ferry, then we had immigration which just took some time. Lunch at the FCC (Foreign Correspondent Club) was perfect, a slight breeze, the restaurant is on the 1st floor so good views of the river.

We then visited the Tuol Sleng Museum also known as S21 , a former French colonial school, which has become part of the history of Cambodia, a moving experience to visit these buildings .  Even though it was nearing the end of daylight a few of the group cycled out to the infamous killing fields. Our guide had the gates opened and we walked around with torches with the noise of the crickets in the background.

Tomorrow we tackle 89Km of cycling to arrive at Kompang Tom, ever closer to Siem Reap our final destination.

Weather was hot today and we were mostly on tarmac roads so no shade, more traffic around us and it turns out that our two Cambodia guides are part of the National Cycling team, no pressure there then.

Besides the cycling we also visited one of the many temples, this one was up a hill, to be precise 550 steps up and 550 steps down. Tremendous views from the top. Had an interesting experience with food, fried Tarantula legs, Cockroaches and Locusts, apparently these are considered a local delicacy. Did try the legs, well only a small amount. 

 Making our way to Siem Reap on Thursday famous for the temples at Angor Wok, hopefully less traffic on this leg.  

Day 7 – Phnom Penh – Kampong Thom: We passed lotus ponds, local villages, rice fields, fish farms, with mountain views in the distance. Cycling distance – 89km.  The roads were very straight and long.  Very busy traffic and numerous roadwork’s to contend with.   Incredibly hot - 38c - full sun and no shade.  We were all covered in dust which took forever to clean off.  By far the hardest day!  

Local children who surrounded us when we stopped for a water break.  Again Layla and Karl were a great source of excitement to the children. 

 Day 8 – Kampong Thom – Sambor Prei Kuk – Siem Reap: We cycle from Kampong Thom towards the 7th century Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex and then onto Siem Reap. Cycling distance – 60km.   Another hot day and the roads were mainly sand.  We were given masks to wear as were covered in sand every time a lorry or car passed us.   We also had to concentrate as oodles of potholes which caused one of our team to fall off.   

This was the last day of the challenge as we had achieved our 400K.   The team and our guides celebrated with local beers and the ladies got the opportunity (or excuse) to be photographed with our guide.  

Day 9 – Free day exploring Angkor Wat: With our bikes we spend the day exploring the incredible Angkor ruins.  Fantastic way to see all the temples and we clocked up another 40K.   We then headed back to Siem Reap for our celebratory dinner. 

It was a fantastic challenge - so glad we did all the training!!

Thanks to everyone who sponsored us!!

The team here at Room54 are gearing up for a challenge of a lifetime – cycling an incredible 400 kilometres from Vietnam to Cambodia in aid of their local charity, Williams Fund.

Williams Fund is the chosen charity of Room54 and raises money for research into Childhood Cancers. It was formed in the memory of four years and nine months old William Dodd who amazed everyone at how he coped with an aggressive and unknown type of cancer.
 
Since William died on 12th December 2000, the charity, established in February 2001, has raised significant monies for childhood cancer research and thanks to their efforts two researchers have been employed at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.. For more information on Williams Fund: http://www.williamsfund.co.uk/
 
To sponsor us please go to our Just Giving Page - www.justgiving.com/Room54
 
Thank you to all the messages of support we have received. 

This is to wish you the very best of cycling over in the humid Far East.  William's Fund sounds a really worthwhile charity.
Best Wishes,  Ran
Sir Ranulph Fiennes    

Well done to Jan and the team for supporting William’s fund in this amazing challenge inspired by an amazing young boy.  As a parent myself knowing that his legacy has inspired you guys and the funds raised will support vital research for other young children makes me proud to support the Vietnam to Cambodia challenge.  Have a great time and ride like the wind or something like that!  The question I am left with though is how do we book you as a speaker to tell us about your experience??? 
Tim Campbell

I think this is a fantastic effort and I wish you all every success in raising huge amounts of money for William’s Fund. It is easy to put one’s hand in one’s pocket to give money, but it is one hundred times harder to go out there and actually raise the money by facing such a tremendous challenge. I hope you don’t face too many hardships along the way.
Sir Clive Woodward

Wishing you lots of love and luck!
Karren Brady

"There is nothing more liberating than doing something simply because it is worthwhile and life affirming. How appropriate that William's sad passing should act as a catalyst that inspires others to action and in so doing helps the search for a cure for generations yet to come so that out of sadness can come joy. We will be thinking of you, saddle sore yet deservedly proud."
Tim Smit  

"Good luck to all taking part in the ride. But remember when things are getting tough, its for a great cause and that's why you are doing it."
Colin Jackson

“My little girl is just four and it breaks my heart to think that William didn’t make it to his fifth birthday. Raising funds to help other kids get the right diagnosis is a brilliant thing and I hope that knowing you are doing it for such a good cause will help ease the inevitable aches and pains that will afflict you on your great adventure! I’m really envious of you seeing Cambodia and Vietnam and am sure you’ll have a fascinating time. Good luck to all of you and remember – avoid all hills!”
John McCarthy

I'm incredibly impressed by the team who serve as an inspiration to us all. Most people would struggle to complete such an epic bike ride, so it’s a great show of endurance and testament to their commitment to a fantastic cause. The reality of a child suffering from a debilitating disease like cancer is simply unbearable, so I wish them all the very best for completing the challenge and raising money for the Williams Fund. Good luck guys!
Michelle Mone

"Jan Jenkins cycling through Vietnam to Cambodia-400K in six days is worth a score of anyone’s money. Enjoy the experience! appreciate life and the blessing your efforts will bring to many children through your local charity – William’s Fund."
Kriss Akabusi

A great challenge for a great cause. Also worth the money to see Jan Jenkins in Lycra and a cycling helmet!!! Good luck!
Tracy Edwards

“Jan and her team have always gone that extra mile as an agency and I know they will put in just as much effort on this incredible cycle ride. Good luck Jan and Layla, keep focused on your goal even when the going gets tough. That's what I did on the track, I know it works.”
Roger Black  

400K in six days will be a tough ask, but worth it for a very good cause.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnson

"Congratulations Jan & Co for the commitment you girls in Room54 are showing by taking up the sponsored challenge to cycle 400k in six days. I can run but I'm hopeless on a bike so I am in awe of you!
More so I am thrilled and really happy to see that the sponsorship raised will be going towards children's well being. For this reason too, I am delighted to sponsor you, remember to keep smiling through it all....cos winners smile!"
Much love and hugs to you all
Floella Benjamin

"You both have my incredible admiration and respect for what you are about to endure!  It's an incredibly important cause and I hope you raise buckets of money; without people like you, few of these important charities would survive.  Stay safe and wear padded cycling shorts!"
Flt Lt John Nichol

 “Jan, many congratulations on supporting William’s Fund and their vital work. I hope you and the team have a brilliant expedition and return with great tales to tell – and great photos to publish for us all to see on the Room 54 website!”
Have a brilliant time.
Jim Lawless 

‘Jan you are a true inspiration. The best of luck with your exciting challenge and make sure you enjoy every moment along the way. Such a fantastic personal achievement, whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause. Well done.’
Steve Backley

When a child dies before  a parent and the brilliance of childhood is extinguished without running its course it leaves a terrible gap. For them to fill the void left by William’s death  with a determination and mechanism for trying to prevent it happening to others is admirable.  It’s a part of the world I’ve lived in and frequently visit so I know it can get rather warm; so good luck Jan and please support her efforts.
Chris Moon

"Having undertaken numerous challenges for charity myself, I know just how hard it is to plan, prepare for and then undertake a challenge.  I wish you every success with your cycle ride in aid of William’s fund and know that it will be both an amazingly fulfilling and beneficial experience.”
Richard Dunwoody

"Once again Room54 is led by their values.  Selfless, deeply motivated and so very much focused on making a valuable contribution.  Congratulations and well done to all involved".  Best regards and good luck - Larry  
Larry Hockman

Happiness is in the journey - not the destination. Enjoy the whole thing.
Phil Hesketh

 'Gor for it everyone at Room54. Can't imagine a more inspiring worthwhile cause. You should be very proud of your selves for doing it'
Sahar Hashemi

 ‘This is going to be a life-enriching and life-changing experience for you all, so, despite the heat, aches and pains and tiredness you may well feel along the way, keep on reminding yourself that you will never pass this way again in your life, and absorb as much as you can, making lots of memories.  It is our pleasure to make a donation to William's Fund, knowing that your ride will also be touching the lives of other young children along the way.  Life is not measured by the number of breaths that you take, but by those moments that take your breath away- so get out there and get breathless!  Good luck to you all- you have my sincere respect!"
Miles Hilton Barber

 “Good luck to all of the team taking part in this very worthwhile fundraising activity.  William’s Fund raises both money for and awareness of the difficulties involved in the diagnosis of childhood cancers, as such their work is extremely important.  Whilst the journey will be challenging, I hope that knowing it is for such a terrific cause will help to spur you all on.  Enjoy the ride and I hope that you experience more downs than ups (at least in terms of hills!)”   
Kanya King – Mobo Awards

 “Geoff Burch says, To me, the word ‘bike’ if it hasn’t got Harley Davidson on the side and doesn’t travel swiftly with a turn of the handgrip suggests lots of hard work and sweaty pedal whirling – particularly in tropical heat!  So I think your efforts to raise money for this truly brilliant charity is nothing less than heroic.  And as a newly initiated grandparent the idea of anything happening to him would be just too horrible to bear, so good luck Jan and I hope you raise a fortune!”
All the best, Jan
Geoff Burch

 “Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) Hope you are surrounded by magic - good luck to all of you.
Preethi Nair

For more information on our chosen cause William's Fund please go to www.williamsfund.co.uk  (part of the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds group.)  

Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. Thank you! 

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