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Published: January 14th 2011
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Distance travelled - 34miles/54km
Yesterday we really made it... 800km from Bangkok to Khao Lak in 8 days!
Again I am speechless and even after saying our goodbyes to Khun Thew and the children from Yasothon last night I was still speechless. Words can not begin to describe the feelings and the emotional impact that this journey has had on both of us.
Yesterday we rode into the heart of a beautiful home full of children with smiling faces and our friends and family from back home that came out here to join us at the end (Thanks Mum, Dad and Heidi). This didn’t come before a little hard work on the dreaded 4km climb before enjoying a 7km descent, an elephant on the side of the road and a children from the orphanage escort into Khao Lak! What a way to end this beautiful ride. And just for the record I managed to stack it on the final stop before heading in to the orphanage - yep just 5km out I ran into Branka’s leg, lost my balance and fell onto the gravel still attached to me.
Once we arrived at the orphanage we were treated
to some dance performances by some of the children and then a much needed lunch. We presented both Yasothon Orphanage and Baan Tharn Namchai with the supplies we bought nights earlier and then boarded the bus to the Le Meridien to relieve ourselves of our stinky sweaty riding gear and reflect by the pool over a couple of cocktails before dinner.
The beach BBQ was a beautiful end to an amazing journey. Children from Yasothon attended - some of which have never seen the ocean before - so that they could enjoy dinner with Khun Thew. We couldnt have asked for a better night to celebrate our achievements both on and off the bikes. The food was flowing as was the entertainment, the wine and of course some more tears! We released what seemed like a hundred lanterns to the sound of laughter from the children running up and down the beach before gathering in a circle with all the riders, supporters and children while they sung us a thank you song. Then it was goodbye and some more tears. Kel had a tough time breaking away from a little boy that attached himself to her. He would have
been no more than 2 years old and just sat in her arms listening to her heartbeat.
But funny stories aside what Kel and I witnessed yesterday was a moment that can not be reproduced via words or pictures so I’m not going to begin to try - you might just have to do the ride next year to experience it for yourself! What I can try to put into words though is that it’s a feeling deep down inside - one of happiness as we were escorted by children and police cars into the orphanage; one of joy as we witnessed first hand the impact our fundraising and support has on so many children; one of hope as we are welcomed by smiles from children that have come from all walks of life, each with a different story but the same genuine smile; one of relief at the thought of not having to sit on a saddle for 7 hours a day; one of sadness that this incredible journey has come to an end; but one of excitement about new friendships, new beginnings and the year ahead.
This experience will be one that Kel and I will
never forget. Thanks for following us and we hope that you are inspired to take on your own challenges in 2011.
Applications for next year’s ride open early this year so have a think about it... if Kel and I can do it, you can do it!
Lots of love
Claire and Kel
xx
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Ruth
non-member comment
Amazing
Just amazing. Well done.