The Cycling Challenge of a Lifetime - Vietnam to Cambodia February 2011

Co-operation Ireland has just announced its latest and most exciting overseas cycling challenge. Between 4-13 February 2011, participations who undertake this challenge of a lifetime will cycle 450 km over 5 days between two of South East Asia’s most fascinating countries, Vietnam and Cambodia. The journey will start in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and finish at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This event is limited to 25 cyclists only.

The challenge has been organised by Co-operation Ireland in order to raise much-needed funds for its peace building work. The charity has been working for more than 30 years delivering practically based projects which build positive long-term relationships and bring mutual benefit to divided communities. Our aim is to encourage people to accept other people’s identity and beliefs. We have a number of intervention projects, which target those people most at risk – we need your support to make these projects a success. Visit our website for more information on these projects.

Each participant is asked to raise £3500 or €3900 which includes flights from Belfast or Dublin via London Heathrow and Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, returning from Seim Reap Airport, 7 nights accommodation and meals, bike hire & full backup support.

This is a challenging bike ride, cycling approx 90 km per day for 5 consecutive days, mostly on quiet rural roads with some sections off-road. The scenery transforms from a patchwork of paddy fields dotted with palms, through villages with simple wooden houses to bustling market towns and along the way you will see unusual sights such as water buffalo and beautiful pagodas. The route also takes in part of the Mekong River, crossing the river to reach Kompong Cham, a former French trading post and third largest city in Cambodia. There will also be some free time where you will get the chance to visit the world famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. There are said to be 250 km of tunnels in the Cu Chi village area alone. There will also be an opportunity to spend some time in Ho Chi Minh City the heart and soul of Vietnam, and the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, which along with its surrounding temples are justifiably regarded as one of the wonders of the world.

Full information on this challenge of a lifetime is in the events section of the website. Alternatively contact:
Winnie Orr, Co-operation Ireland +44 (0) 28 9089 1004 or email worr@cooperationireland.org