This week took us from muddy trails to luxury hotels, from dusty roads to heartwarming encounters. We pedaled hundreds of kilometers through a land of contrasts and stories. Here’s a glimpse into our week:
Donate: With €5 per kilometer, you help us reach our goals. Every kilometer, quite literally, makes a difference!
A road full of surprises
in Cambodia is no punishment—but sometimes, it’s no picnic either. The main roads are busy, with trucks coming just close enough to blow you off the shoulder. But hey, at least they have shoulders, a luxury we quickly learned to appreciate. Off those safer paths, the real adventure begins: gravel roads, muddy pits, and puddles where you and your bike can get completely stuck.
After an afternoon of struggling, we decided to skip the adventurous routes for a while. From now on, we’re sticking to paved roads. Closer to Siem Reap, the traffic didn’t get any less intense. The road narrowed, and we shared it with a caravan of official cars, police, and—let’s be honest—what I can only describe as “road pirates on four wheels.”
Thankfully, we made it to our hotel on time. After a hectic day, the swimming pool was pure bliss—no trucks or mud, just peace and water.
The Cambodian warmth (in more ways than one)
The people here are exceptionally kind, though it takes a little time to connect. Unlike in Vietnam, where everyone immediately strikes up a conversation, Cambodians are a bit more reserved at first. But once the ice is broken, you’re welcomed with open arms.
At a small roadside restaurant, we were invited to join a birthday celebration. The owner’s granddaughter was turning twelve, and there was cake. And yes, we got a slice too! Moments like these make a journey truly special.
On the way, we saw Buddhist monks collecting alms—a beautiful ritual where they receive offerings and give blessings in return. Combine that with blooming lotus fields, and for a moment, I felt like I was in Thailand. Our meals often came from roadside stalls—simple yet delicious: soup, rice, vegetables, a bit of meat, and loads of fruit. Jackfruit and papaya are my new favorites.
This week, we posted a photo blog on the site with pictures from our ride from Bavet to Siem Reap.
A cause to ride for
Our cycling journey isn’t just about adventure; we’re also riding for a mission. Together, we’re supporting the Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF), which provides scholarships for Thai children with special care needs. TCDF has been making a sustainable difference for 20 years, and we’re proud to contribute.
This week, we received wonderful news from a good friend. Each year, his company donates to a good cause, and this year he chose Bike4Kids, featuring our donor box on his Christmas cards. What a fantastic idea!
The holiday season is a time of abundance—gifts, dinners, warm wishes. But how beautiful would it be to share a little of that abundance? With just €5 per kilometer, you can support us and help children in Thailand accessing education.
The finish line is in sight!
Our goal is to raise €20,000. So far, we’ve cycled 1,700 km from Hanoi and raised €13.000. With your help, we can make the next kilometers just a bit easier—for us and for the children we support.
Want to make a difference? Donate today. Together, we can make this adventure even more meaningful.
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more stories from the roads of Cambodia—and soon, Thailand!
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