So I wanted to take a holiday in September. But to be honest I did not want any ordinary holiday. I wanted it to be challenging, to see and do something I had not experienced before. So I searched the web starting with cycling holidays. How great would it be to cycle everyday. The only thing required is to get on a bike and ride. No need to fit anything else into the day (ok maybe sightseeing). I really liked this idea. To be honest, I have wanted to go to Tibet for a few years. No partiular reason, it has always been on "the list" but the thought of being in a bus or truck for several weeks really was not all that thrilling So I stumbled upon this trip combining both.
On September 6 I will start my 28 day cycle adventure across the Tibetan plateau, which has the highest average elevation on the planet to Everest base camp. This is clearly the most adventurous and physically challenging thing I have ever attempted.To make a trip like this from handlebar height and pace was far more enticing…only the spinning of your own legs and thoughts to contend with and the idle chatter with fellow cyclists.
All of the companies who run this trip specify that the trip is "challenging, not for the faint hearted, will require a good level of fitness". What a challenge and a motivation!!! Can I really do this??
The total distance cycled is 1140 kms over 19 days. We will be cycling from an altitude of 3800m to over 5200 meters, climbing several times to over 5200 meters through the course of the trip. The objective is to cycle the whole way, not miss any of the views and experiences and appreciate this all at a slower pace and under my own steam!!
Training-Has begun in earnest, hills, hills and more hills…..along with hours on the bike.My friend Megan has also opted in and will join me on this adventure. So we are in training together.......trying to get up on cold winter mornings and cycle a few hills. It is cold!!!
Given the challenging nature of an adventure like this, I wanted to tie it in with a charitable cause. This is no laze around the pool kind of holiday.
The China Bear Rescue program which is run by Animals Asia is a fantastic cause and I have been following their activities for a few years. Their aim is to rescue Moon Bears from bile farms in China, and put them into bear sanctuaries. http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=2&lg=en
Along with support from the Chinese govt, the long term plan is to put a stop to bear farming altogether. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 bears farmed across China. The bears are kept in tiny cages for up to 20 years, and their bile is extracted daily through metal catheters which are implanted into their gall bladders. The method is cruel and ongoing which results in death by infection.
At the moment Animals Asia has a pledge from the China Wildlife Conservation Association for the rescue of 500 moon bears. So far 219 have been rescued. My objective is to rescue one of the remaining bears!!! (AUD$12,800)
The total cost to rescue a bear including transportation, veterinary care, re-homing, food etc is AUD$12,800
I want to raise this amount and awareness of bear farming through my cycle adventure. This blog is a start!! See my progress in preperation for this amazing adventure. I also intend on having fundraising events in the lead up to my departure.
Along with telling everyone I know about my trip and 1140 km's I will cycle.
Hopefully this will inspire people to donate a few dollars in support.
Donations can be made at http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=1&menupos=2&lg=en
Please follow links and donate on behalf of "Mon Cycles Tibet"
On September 6 I will start my 28 day cycle adventure across the Tibetan plateau, which has the highest average elevation on the planet to Everest base camp. This is clearly the most adventurous and physically challenging thing I have ever attempted.To make a trip like this from handlebar height and pace was far more enticing…only the spinning of your own legs and thoughts to contend with and the idle chatter with fellow cyclists.
All of the companies who run this trip specify that the trip is "challenging, not for the faint hearted, will require a good level of fitness". What a challenge and a motivation!!! Can I really do this??
The total distance cycled is 1140 kms over 19 days. We will be cycling from an altitude of 3800m to over 5200 meters, climbing several times to over 5200 meters through the course of the trip. The objective is to cycle the whole way, not miss any of the views and experiences and appreciate this all at a slower pace and under my own steam!!
Training-Has begun in earnest, hills, hills and more hills…..along with hours on the bike.My friend Megan has also opted in and will join me on this adventure. So we are in training together.......trying to get up on cold winter mornings and cycle a few hills. It is cold!!!
Given the challenging nature of an adventure like this, I wanted to tie it in with a charitable cause. This is no laze around the pool kind of holiday.
The China Bear Rescue program which is run by Animals Asia is a fantastic cause and I have been following their activities for a few years. Their aim is to rescue Moon Bears from bile farms in China, and put them into bear sanctuaries. http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=2&lg=en
Along with support from the Chinese govt, the long term plan is to put a stop to bear farming altogether. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 bears farmed across China. The bears are kept in tiny cages for up to 20 years, and their bile is extracted daily through metal catheters which are implanted into their gall bladders. The method is cruel and ongoing which results in death by infection.
At the moment Animals Asia has a pledge from the China Wildlife Conservation Association for the rescue of 500 moon bears. So far 219 have been rescued. My objective is to rescue one of the remaining bears!!! (AUD$12,800)
The total cost to rescue a bear including transportation, veterinary care, re-homing, food etc is AUD$12,800
I want to raise this amount and awareness of bear farming through my cycle adventure. This blog is a start!! See my progress in preperation for this amazing adventure. I also intend on having fundraising events in the lead up to my departure.
Along with telling everyone I know about my trip and 1140 km's I will cycle.
Hopefully this will inspire people to donate a few dollars in support.
Donations can be made at http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=1&menupos=2&lg=en
Please follow links and donate on behalf of "Mon Cycles Tibet"
1 comment:
Hey Monique,
Love your blog.Wish I was coming with you,what a great trip you'll have.
We have to catch up soon over a bottle of wine..
I did'nt know you were into WW2 history.
Keep peddling baby
Love
Mick
Post a Comment