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All details about the challenge

The unbreakable bamboo bike

The children in Rumdoul brush their teeth at school. The continuation and expansion of the program will be funded by the challenge.

Would you be willing to take on a cycle challenge of a lifetime! Mekong Plus is busy preparing a 400km trip from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! The journey will take place from the 17th - 26th February 2012 and will cover on average 40 kms daily.

The journey will be a truly unique experience as those participating will be riding on a bamboo bike, yes that's right a bamboo bike! Mekong Creations has begun producing and selling bamboo bikes. We have received positive feedback from a number of people that tested the bikes. 'The shocks are really absorbent, I was pleasantly surprised' said one tester. We have tested the weight limit with four adults (yes four!) on one bike. What breaks first we hear you ask? The metal front fork buckles, not the bamboo! Thanks again to the volunteers who hurt themselves during these vital tests!

The purpose of the event is to raise funds for the remote district of Rumdoul, province of Svay Riêng, Cambodia, which borders Vietnam, only 3 hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City. See the video.

The region is very poor and receives little support. It is either very dry and nothing grows, or during the monsoon the area suffers from flooding. About 80% of the households in the region send one or more parents to Phnom Penh and other provinces, 4-6 months per year, desperate for work.

Since 2007 Mekong Plus has worked with local NGOs in the area and neighboring districts. The Mekong Plus team in Rumdoul composes of agronomists, veterinaries, health specialists plus a team to develop the employment programs with Mekong Quilts and Mekong Creations.

So are you interested in taking part? The entrance fee for the cycle is €3200 (plus expenses, total 5800 €).

If you are concerned about the entrance fee we have suggestions for those who want to join in but whose pockets are rather empty and also for those physically unable to take part but want to join in. Somania, sales staff, in our Siem Reap shop has come up with some inspiring fundraising ideas –see on Facebook.  Another great way to encourage those taking part is to donate per kilometer, €10 per km, for example.

The cycle challenge will consist of Vietnamese production for the bamboo bikes, foreigners willing to ride 400kms and raise funds, and finally the end result – more funding and support for poor families in Rumdoul.

Community Development really works when everyone participates!

Claire THIBAUT and Bernard KERVYN, 16th September 2011