Day 8 Laughing in the face of adversity

On 31st March 2018, 19 brave (crazy?) riders left Hanoi to embark on 2000km cycle ride across Vietnam on behalf of children’s charities. So far the ride has provided several opportunities for laugh out louds. Today has been a long, tough day for all of us, so I've decided focus on the positive.

Here is a rundown of five of the funniest moments of our cycle ride so far for your enjoyment.

Pizza Gold….. More like Pizza Mold

Whilst we may have been become accustomed to the Vietnamese culinary delights of Bun Cha, Pho Bo, rice and eggs, traversing across rural Vietnam in high temperatures for hours on hours, can cause you to majorly crave Western food.  I will admit there are days when I have day dreamed about chomping down on a juicy burger whilst on my vélo. Therefore, when it was announced that there was a “Pizza Gold” in the town where we were staying, a wave of happiness swept across the group. Once the pizzas arrived, everyone was quick to tuck in savouring the rich cheesy flavour. However, it would appear that it was not just a cheesy taste we were devouring but also a rather less appetising prospect. Turned over the pizza to find a coat of mold ewwww…… Pizza Gold more like Pizza Mold.

Andy AKA The King of Protein Shakes

Athletes understand the importance of consuming protein whilst working out to ensure muscle development, enhance sports-related performance and promote faster weight loss. We also know they are important for sculpting “the guns” in a bid to become the ultimate lady killer and to ensnare any woman. This is clearly a fact that rider Andy has mastered down to a T. He has been spotted in the late hours of the evening, walking around desperately trying to get into the DHL van in a bid to religiously consume his protein shakes. Andy darling, if a major protein powder brand is ever looking for an ambassador, we will be sure to pass on your number.

RUN, COW, RUN!

Biking across the length of Vietnam treats you to a view of various livestock against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. It is quite common to see cows wandering freely on the side of the road and every so often you may have to swerve in order to avoid a near hit incident. I have been chased by dogs in the past but little did I think I would be running away from a cow thundering towards me with its massive horns.  Luckily my giant escape bike came to the rescue and a quick gateaway was made.

Spot the water buffalo

LEECH ALERT

Cycling up and down mountainous regions in pizza oven-searing heat is no easy feat. Therefore, jumping into an oasis of cold water to cool off can be a very tempting prospect, something that rung true for biker Isaac. However, unknown to him was that was also a leech- infected area.

They've just felt a leech

HANDS OFF MY BANH MI

You snooze you lose… That is biker Kristy’s philosophy in life especially when it comes to the consumption of Bánh mì.  Bánh mì in case you don’t know what it is, is a kind of Vietnamese sandwich baguette and has been most of the rider’s staple breakfast snack. However, take your eyes off it for a split second, and it may not longer be yours. Moe was quick to feel the wrath of Kristy when he took too long to eat his Bánh mì.  Too engrossed in conversation and leaving his Bánh mì unattended whilst in the presence of Kristy, was a dangerous mistake. It was no longer his for the taking and was instead sat in Kristy’s tummy.

Here's Saz displaying proper Banh Mi etiquette. Eyes on the prize

-Alice

We'd like to thank California Fitness & Yoga for supporting our ride with spin classes, financial aid and prizes for fundraising events. Check them out here