On Our Way to Asia with Bike4Kids: The Final Preparations
This week is all about tying up the last loose ends for our big sponsored ride through Asia! The adrenaline is kicking in, as on October 24th, we’ll be flying from Amsterdam via Doha to Hanoi. We've received all our vaccinations, the bikes are in perfect condition, and now it’s just a matter of packing the bike, gathering the essentials, and... heading to Schiphol for the flight! Curious about our preparations? Keep reading!
Jab, Pack, and Go!
Traveling to the tropics is, of course, more than just packing a suitcase full of excitement. No, we’ve also prepared ourselves for the many tropical challenges ahead. A friend of mine, who has been traveling in the tropics for years, once told me that your body needs about a month to adapt to the climate, the food, and even the time zones. And as if that weren't enough, you also have to contend with the risk of tropical diseases. In Asia, pathogens that we barely encounter in the Netherlands are just part of everyday life.
So, what do you do? You head to the public health clinic for your vaccinations! I dusted off my yellow vaccination booklet (now faded white) and updated it with the necessary shots. Does it feel like a small victory? Absolutely! Of course, there are always risks you can’t vaccinate against.
But hey, a bit of adventure is part of the fun, right?
Big Maintenance for the Bike
This week, my bike got a luxury treatment because a 3,500-kilometer journey requires some extra TLC. Hans van der Vlugt from Elan BV in Wijchen took care of my bike. The bearings were replaced, the oil was changed, and we even installed a new front wheel. Hans knows better than anyone what a long bike trip demands, and thanks to his expertise, my bike is as good as new.
Sure, things can always go wrong on the road, but I have full confidence that everything will be just fine!
Packing the Bike: A Game of Tetris
And then the big challenge: getting the bike into a box. Qatar Airways is kind enough to allow bikes as part of their regular baggage allowance. But that means we have to be clever with packing. The pedals come off, the handlebars turn 90 degrees, the saddle is removed, and the front wheel is detached.
Now, let's just hope the box stays under the 23-kilogram limit... It’s always a nail-biter!
Packing Essentials: What Do You Bring?
With limited luggage space, packing for this trip is like solving a puzzle. Two Ortlieb panniers should be enough for the journey. Fortunately, there’s a large Decathlon in Hanoi where we can pick up any last-minute items. It’s all about planning and making smart choices.
We’re ready! Our 3,500-kilometer journey through four countries in Asia is about to begin. It’s sure to be an adventure full of surprises, and I can’t wait to get started!
Last Blog from Edam
This is the final blog from the Netherlands. Dries and I will depart from Schiphol on October 24th, bound for Hanoi. The boarding pass for the flight and our visa for Vietnam are ready to go.
The next blog will be written from Vietnam, complete with local photos to capture the local atmosphere.
Preparations and Sponsorship: Kilometers for a Better Future
With just one week to go, we’ve already covered 8,000 training kilometers, reaching our goal.
Donate €5 per kilometer and directly contribute to a better future for children in Thailand.
Through the Bike4Kids newsletter, we aim to keep you informed about our journey, so you’ll always have the latest updates on how to follow and support us. Our goal is to expand our network as much as possible.
You can help us a great deal by sharing this newsletter with friends, family, or colleagues who might also be interested in supporting our cause.
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