Journey Home

Final day - sad my adventure is nearly over. It's been a memorable trip with highs and lows, a wonderful experience. Gearing up for the marathon return journey.


Yvonne's flight Malaysia to Heathrow has now left Kuala Lumpur. Expected late at 06:28, Sunday morning. (scheduled 05:25) At least Paul and the kids get an extra hour in bed :-)

Friday

Enjoyed a hearty breakfast then went on a planned excursion to see more spectacular temples at Ankor Wat, we travelled 2 by 2 on tuk tuks (motor bikes with carriages). The scenery there is absolutely breathtaking. After lunch, by the hotel pool, I tried my hand at haggling at the local street market...really enjoyed it - negotiated some "quality" tat ! Evening started with birthday cocktails (kindly supplied by Brian). Had meal at karaoke restaurant. Quite surreal....prepared own food on gas ring whilst listening to appalling singing by Japanese staff. So tacky it was hilarious ! Later we returned the favour....the girls sang a lovely rendition of "I will survive"...

Passed the finish line !

Another very early start, up at 05:30 (as per usual). Started our final ride today after a bus transfer. We completed our gruelling schedule, although I felt I had a lot more cycling left in me. After our celebratory lunch we were shown an amazing temple which we clambered over and around. Finally we were bussed to Siem Reap to our luxurious accommodation. A short time later we were all enjoying a well earned drink in the swimming pool !

An easier day tomorrow, sightseeing at Angkor Wat.

Once again - Thanks for everyone who has shown their support for me and Alzheimer's Society.

Kompong Cham to Kompong Thom

I managed to cycle 104km today between Kompong Cham and Kompong Thom. Got off to a flying start then unfortunately missed out 6km due to a puncture. It has been extremely hot and I feel pretty dehydated. However our wonderful team leader says "it's the effort you put in, not the distance". I'm still gutted though ! Looking forward to tomorrow for the final day of cycling and the finish line !

Into Cambodia

Today we visited a buddhist temple and afterwards started the ride. It was the most challenging day so far. However I cycled all 112km despite temperatures approaching 40C. I feel exhausted but hopefully by tomorrow I will be ready for a similar distance.

To the Border

Cycled 80km today. Feel suprisingly good despite extreme heat and humidity. Early morning we visited the Caodai temple - certainly had the wow factor for decadence. Then biked from Tay Ninh to the Cambodian border. Many children waved and shouted hello as we cycled by, we felt like celebrities.

First day cycling

This afternoon we all completed our first day of cycling. I felt quite comfortable during the ride keeping a steady pace. I'm now feeling tired but relieved. Luckily the temperature wasn't as hot as it could have been due to cloud. Morning was spent at Cu Chi Tunnels. I managed to climb along one of the tunnels.

Ho Chi Minh City

I felt like (and probably looked like) a zombie this morning.
My fellow participants seem a friendly bunch.
Crossing the streets here is a real experience - no sudden movements as there are thousands of motor bikes to avoid!

Arrived in Vietnam

Greetings from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Flight was very long and very tiring however managed to survive it. Malaysian Airways are great. I've never had so many airline meals in one day ! The alcohol flowed like water, some people couldn't resist it ! Today we are based in a good hotel in downtown HCM City. I'm sharing a room with Sian (a very nice lady dentist) After lunch and a freshen up we did some exploring followed by cold beer. It is extremely hot - getting even hotter soon. Later at dinner we will be briefed about tomorrow's schedule.

The adventure begins !

Got to Heathrow OK, met the other members of the group.

All checked in, said goodbye to the family.

Malaysian Airlines MH003 took off at 11:11 The adventure begins !

Almost time to go !

Well I'm all packed and ready to go. I'll be leaving at 7am tomorrow to get to Heathrow hopefully for about 8am.

I've had lots of messages of support, a huge thank you to everyone who's called and of course to all my generous sponsors.

I'll try and text or email a message back home every day which will be posted on this blog to let everyone know how I'm getting on. Feel free to add your comments !