Peril on a Plate Still, the riders have to suffer for charity. Injuries are common, ranging from minor to
serious. Three riders failed to complete the trip in 2015, one even fracturing three bones in her wrist while slipping when ordering a banh mi. Organisers have tried to minimise the danger by avoiding the busy coastal route, and pedalling through the Truong Son Mountains to places such as Pleiku and Phong Nha. There must be easier ways of raising charity dollars, but H2H’s record is impressive. So far in eight years it has raised over US$250,000 to combat poverty in Vietnam, focusing primarily on children’s education, healthcare and safety. Much of the money goes to organisations that build schools, fight sex-trafficking, foster orphans and provide educational opportunities. Charities include Saigon Children’s Charity, Blue Dragon, KOTO, Live
and Give, and ILA Community Network. There are also few charitable occupations which bring such benefits to the fundraisers themselves, Kester believes. “One can get jaded spending most of one’s time in the big cities such as Hanoi or Saigon where it feels that everyone is trying to take advantage of you,” he says. “In the countryside, people are so open and honest, and share nearly everything they have, even if they shouldn’t. It’s refreshing and helps you to reset and fall in love with the country all over again.” — Peter Scott Donations can be made at the website h2hride. wixsite.com/vietnam For further details by -mail h2h.ride@gmail. com
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PHOTO BY BAO ZOAN
for the ride are covered by the riders and sponsors, so all donations go directly to the beneficiary charities. In addition, various fundraising events including quizzes, charity dinners and other events are being held until the end of April. With the experience gained from previous years, the group now encourages readers to invest in a proper bike costing upward of VND6 million, with popular models being the Giant Escape 2 (a hybrid tourer) and the Cannondale Synapse (an endurance road bike).