Accorhotels Vietnam 2019 Amazing Bike Ride 2.0 VIETNAM 14th-17th NOV 2019 320KM The Amazing Bike Ride gathers Accor Heartists from around the world for a truly unique challenge. Now in its second edition, the project gathers team-members from the group’s global network of hotels and corporate offices for en epic cycling challenge with the ultimate goal of raising funds for local charities and NGOs in the Upper Southeast Asia region.This year, participants will cycle over 300KM along the Mekong Delta in the south of Vietnam. Your donations will allow local organisations such as YimKids of Thailand and Ecole Paul Dubrule to develop projects centered around education in order to provide greater opportunities to marginalised youth.At Accor, we have developed an international network entitled Riise to promote diversity – the double “ii” symbolises the men and women who are committed to the values of sharing knowledge of solidarity and combatting stereotypes. The Amazing Bike Ride is an initiative of the Accor Southeast Asia Riise committee.THANK YOU for helping us make a long-lasting impact to Southeast Asia. Your personal details If you haven’t already, please inform us of your personal details by clicking the link below. We need to know your height to get you the right bike size and any dietary requirements you may have. Please click the link below. Click here to inform your bike size and dietary requirements Who you're riding for... Features & Inclusions Ride Inclusions Ride Exclusions Hotels Hosts Food Bikes Distance NGOs Ride Inclusions All accommodation in comfortable hotels (twin share basis)Full Bicycle hireLocal guides, support vans, drivers and mechanicsFull support vehicles for the ride with water availableBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner from the evening of the 14th to 17th, plus breakfast on the 18thSponsored, branded jersey and shorts per rider Ride Exclusions International flightsTips and Gratuities for support staffDeparture airport transfer (US$8-US$10)Travel insuranceVisa’s (if required)Other items of a personal nature Hotels The hotels we will stay are as follows:14th November: Mekong My Tho Hotel (4 star)15th November: Ninh Kieu Hotel, Can Tho (4 star)16th November: Viet-Uc Hotel, Ben Tre (3 star)17th November: Sunland Hotel, Saigon (3 star) Hosts Brett Seychell from Social Cycles will once again host the ride, looking after all logisitcs. Some of the previous 2017 will also be treturning for support. The local team consists of a further 20+ staff, including 2 buses, 3 vans, 3 trucks, about 15 cycle guides, local leaders and motorbikes. Food The food options will vary from place to place, but mostly we’ll be eating at local restaurants. Please ensure you have informed Social Cycles about any dietary Bikes In Cambodia and Vietnam, we use 24 speed mountain bikes. Most bikes have either 27″ or 29″ wheels, whilst some of the smaller bikes are 26″. The front suspension is perfect for the bumps along the road and the wider tyres allow for strong traction when you need it most.You’re welcome to bring your own saddle if you’re slightly nervous about getting a bit sore, or haven’t had the chance to get a lot of saddle time before the ride. Another good option is to bring along a gel seat (cushion). The bikes are fitted with standard pedals. Again, you’re welcome to bring clip ins should you want them. All bikes are fitted with a water cage. Bikes re fully serviced before and after every ride and we’ll have So, our trusty mechanic, with us at all times! Distance Each day of riding is about 100km. The best way to tackle a cycling day of this size is to reduce it into bike size chunks. There will be opportunities to get into the support van every 15km to 20km, depending on the day. Please ask your cycling leader the details of the upcoming sections if you’re not feeling confident. Due to time restrictions, there will be particular cut off points. If you are not ready to leave the lunch spot before 2:00pm on each day, you will need to complete the rest of your journey in the van. If this is the case, it is imperative you inform your cycling leader. NGOs Mekong Plus. Conducts a very holistic and community based program targeting the very poor in over 800 villages throughout the Mekong Delta, improving lives through education and community development.Yim Kids Thailand. Funds sustainable projects throughout Thailand committed to improving educational opportunities and child healthSmile Group is a local organization dedicated to help children and families in Vietnam affected by HIV/AIDS. With the support of Accor hotels in Vietnam, the organization offers “dignity and hope” through a range of social services, including healthcare, education, finance, and counselling. Their aim is to empower these disadvantaged groups so that they may have a decent standard of living and build a better future for themselves.École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule. A non profit organisation that provides vocational training within the hotel and tourism industry for Cambodians in Siem Reap. 5 Day Itinerary Saigon - Mekong Delta - Saigon Day 1: Saigon - My Tho Arrival Day: Thursday November 14thVarious times: Participants arrive to Ho Chi Minh City and meet at Ibis Saigon airport hotel (map link).14:00. All riders to be at Ibis Saigon Airport hotel for registration.14:45 Buses depart Saigon, bound for My Tho (1.5hrs).17:15 Check into local hotel Mekong My Tho18:00 Team briefing at hotel conference room19:00 Arrival dinner at nearby local restaurant/hotel restaurant. Day 2: My Tho - Can Tho My Tho to Can Tho (101km) – Friday November 15th 06:30 Cycle departure from the hotel. Participants will need to have eaten breakfast, checked out and transferred luggage to their allocated truck/coach prior to 6:30amThis route is an absolute labyrinth of small roads and canals to follow. Lots of small bridges, ferries and a world of lush green via local villages. The riding is completely flat and the terrain is all sealed. See route map here.25km- eta 09:00 – First ferry crossing31km- eta 09:30 – Second ferry crossing (re-group and safety check)50km– eta 11:30 – Third ferry crossing55km– eta 12:00 – Vinh Long- Lunch stop. Riders will need to have arrived AND eaten lunch before 14:00 in order to continue on the day (re-group and safety check)78km- eta 14:30 – Bus waiting area for final pick up and transfer for riders 16:00 onwards97km– eta 16:00 – Final ferry crossing101km– eta 16:30 – Arrive at Ninh Kieu hotel19:00 Dinner at local restaurant Day 3: Can Tho - Ben Tre Can Tho to Ben Tre (99km) – Saturday November 16th 07:00 Cycle departure from the hotel. Participants will need to have eaten breakfast, checked out and transferred luggage to their allocated truck/coach prior to 7am.There is a small amount of rice paddies and some single track on this day. As well as the scenic river riding, small villages and incredible cycle paths. See route map here.3km- eta 07:15 – First ferry crossing16km- eta 08:30 – Single track riding (4km-5km)28km– eta 09:30 – Regroup and safety check (with coffee)60km– eta 12:30 – Vung Liem- Lunch stop. Riders will need to have arrived AND eaten lunch before 14:30 in order to continue on the day64km- eta 14:00 – Second ferry crossing68km– eta 14:30 – Final ferry crossing76km– eta 15:00 – Bus waiting area for final pick up and transfer for riders 16:00 onwards91km– eta 16:30 – Bridge into Ben Tre (that feels like a hill/mountain)99km– eta 17:00 – Arrive at Viet Uc hotel 19:00– Dinner at the hotel Day 4: Ben Tre - Saigon Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh (93km) – Sunday November 17th07:00 Cycle departure from the hotel. Participants will need to have eaten breakfast, checked out and transferred luggage to their allocated truck/coach prior to 7am.Another day of small tracks and river riding. This route tacks back roads all the way into the centre of HCMC. The last 13km is within moderate traffic. The last 4km are within heavy traffic. See route map here.14km- eta 08:15 – Bridge into My Tho (that feels like a hill)21km- eta 09:00 – My Tho regoup and safety check51km- eta 12:00 – First ferry crossing52km– eta 12:00 – Tan Tru- Lunch stop. Riders will need to have arrived AND eaten lunch before 14:00 in order to continue on the day61km– eta 14:00 – Second ferry crossing81km– eta 15:30 – Bus waiting area for final pick up and transfer for riders 16:30 onwards94km– eta 16:30 – Arrive at Sunland Hotel, Saigon.Drinks and food on arrival Day 5 Departure Day Departure Day!Congratulations! You’ve cycled across the Mekong Delta in three days, covered almost 300km in the saddle and raised much needed money for charity. We’ll enjoy a final breakfast together before you set off to the airport or your next adventure.Cycling: NoneTransit: Departure transfer not included, but can be arranged on request 5 Day Itinerary Saigon - Mekong Delta - Saigon Nov 14th- Saigon to My Tho Nov 15th- My Tho to Can Tho Nov 16th- Can Tho to Ben Tre Nov 17th- Ben Tre to Saigon Nov 18th- Departure Nov 14th- Saigon to My Tho Arrival Day: Thursday November 14thVarious times: Participants arrive to Ho Chi Minh City and meet at Ibis Saigon airport hotel (map link).14:00. All riders to be at Ibis Saigon Airport hotel for registration.14:45 Buses depart Saigon, bound for My Tho (1.5hrs).17:15 Check into local hotel Mekong My Tho18:00 Team briefing at hotel conference room19:00 Arrival dinner at nearby local restaurant/hotel restaurant. Nov 15th- My Tho to Can Tho My Tho to Can Tho (101km) – Friday November 15th 06:30 Cycle departure from the hotel. Participants will need to have eaten breakfast, checked out and transferred luggage to their allocated truck/coach prior to 6:30amThis route is an absolute labyrinth of small roads and canals to follow. Lots of small bridges, ferries and a world of lush green via local villages. The riding is completely flat and the terrain is all sealed. See route map here.25km- eta 09:00 – First ferry crossing31km- eta 09:30 – Second ferry crossing (re-group and safety check)50km– eta 11:30 – Third ferry crossing55km– eta 12:00 – Vinh Long- Lunch stop. Riders will need to have arrived AND eaten lunch before 14:00 in order to continue on the day (re-group and safety check)78km- eta 14:30 – Bus waiting area for final pick up and transfer for riders 16:00 onwards97km– eta 16:00 – Final ferry crossing101km– eta 16:30 – Arrive at Ninh Kieu hotel19:00 Dinner at local restaurant Nov 16th- Can Tho to Ben Tre Can Tho to Ben Tre (99km) – Saturday November 16th 07:00 Cycle departure from the hotel. Participants will need to have eaten breakfast, checked out and transferred luggage to their allocated truck/coach prior to 7am.There is a small amount of rice paddies and some single track on this day. As well as the scenic river riding, small villages and incredible cycle paths. See route map here.3km- eta 07:15 – First ferry crossing16km- eta 08:30 – Single track riding (4km-5km)28km– eta 09:30 – Regroup and safety check (with coffee)60km– eta 12:30 – Vung Liem- Lunch stop. Riders will need to have arrived AND eaten lunch before 14:30 in order to continue on the day64km- eta 14:00 – Second ferry crossing68km– eta 14:30 – Final ferry crossing76km– eta 15:00 – Bus waiting area for final pick up and transfer for riders 16:00 onwards91km– eta 16:30 – Bridge into Ben Tre (that feels like a hill/mountain)99km– eta 17:00 – Arrive at Viet Uc hotel 19:00– Dinner at the hotel Nov 17th- Ben Tre to Saigon Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh (93km) – Sunday November 17th07:00 Cycle departure from the hotel. Participants will need to have eaten breakfast, checked out and transferred luggage to their allocated truck/coach prior to 7am.Another day of small tracks and river riding. This route tacks back roads all the way into the centre of HCMC. The last 13km is within moderate traffic. The last 4km are within heavy traffic. See route map here.14km- eta 08:15 – Bridge into My Tho (that feels like a hill)21km- eta 09:00 – My Tho regoup and safety check51km- eta 12:00 – First ferry crossing52km– eta 12:00 – Tan Tru- Lunch stop. Riders will need to have arrived AND eaten lunch before 14:00 in order to continue on the day61km– eta 14:00 – Second ferry crossing81km– eta 15:30 – Bus waiting area for final pick up and transfer for riders 16:30 onwards94km– eta 16:30 – Arrive at Sunland Hotel, Saigon.Drinks and food on arrival Nov 18th- Departure Departure Day!Congratulations! You’ve cycled across the Mekong Delta in three days, covered almost 300km in the saddle and raised much needed money for charity. We’ll enjoy a final breakfast together before you set off to the airport or your next adventure.Cycling: NoneTransit: Departure transfer not included, but can be arranged on request Daily cycling routes and tips Anchor System (human arrows): To keep a group of 60+ riders together is no easy task. The Mekong Delta is a labyrinth of small paths and it’s super easy to take the wrong turn. Therefore, we will implement what we call, the anchor system. Basically, the leader will designate one rider to stop cycling at every turn. This designated person must stay at the same point and direct all on coming riders as to the correct direction (left or right). Only when the ‘tail’ (designated last person) has been seen, can the anchor then continue their own ride. The designated anchor will always be a Social Cycles staff member when available, otherwise it will be an Accor rider. The tail: The tail will be the same person throughout the entire trip. It will be a Vietnamese local guide and will carry the bulk of (but not only) first aid and mechanical equipment. Working in teams: Each Accor team is in a group of four. For every two teams (8 riders), there will be a dedicated Social Cycles captain. every rider from every team is responsible for reporting into their dedicated SC captain at all major drink stops and lunch breaks. If any rider chooses to finish the journey in the support van, they will need to inform the SC captain as to their plans. The SC captain is your go to person for all questions and concerns during the ride.Whatsapp Communication: It’s imperative that all riders have access to the internet (either local sim or data roaming constantly on). Your SC captain must be able to reach you at all times throughout the ride. Their will be internal and larger Whatsapp groups created before the ride. Are you keeping up? In order to allow the majority of the group to finish every ride within natural daylight times (pre 5pm), there must be minimum distances reached by particular times. The exact times and distances will be communicated at your daily briefing by your SC captain, but in general, each rider will need to have eaten lunch and be back on the bike before 2pm every day. Lunch is usually about 50-50km from the starting point and we’ll aim to start cycling by 7am. This allows for 50km over 5 hours, plus time to eat. Idally you will leave lunch by 1pm, with 40-50km to go, allowing that distance over 4 hours. These distances are very achievable and there is no need to cycle quickly, just consistently.Dehydration: is the biggest risk to you. It’s crucial that you drink at least 3-4 litres of water throughout the day. It’s a good idea to have a litre of water before you start your ride in themorning. A black coffee and toast for breakfast will do you no favours. Features & Inclusions Inclusions All accommodation in comfortable hotels (twin share basis)Full Bicycle hireLocal guides, support vans, drivers and mechanicsFull support vehicles for the ride with water availableBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner from the evening of the 14th to 17th, plus breakfast on the 18thSponsored, branded jersey and shorts per rider Exclusions International flightsTips and Gratuities for support staffDeparture airport transfer (US$8-US$10)Travel insuranceVisa’s (if required)Other items of a personal nature Hotels The hotels we will stay are as follows:14th November: Mekong My Tho Hotel (4 star)15th November: Ninh Kieu Hotel, Can Tho (4 star)16th November: Viet-Uc Hotel, Ben Tre (3 star)17th November: Sunland Hotel, Saigon (3 star) Hosts Brett Seychell from Social Cycles will once again host the ride, looking after all logisitcs. Some of the previous 2017 will also be treturning for support. The local team consists of a further 20+ staff, including 2 buses, 3 vans, 3 trucks, about 15 cycle guides, local leaders and motorbikes. Food The food options will vary from place to place, but mostly we’ll be eating at local restaurants. Please ensure you have informed Social Cycles about any dietary Bikes In Vietnam, we use 24 speed mountain bikes. Most bikes have either 27″ or 29″ wheels, whilst some of the smaller bikes are 26″. The front suspension is perfect for the bumps along the road and the wider tyres allow for strong traction when you need it most.You’re welcome to bring your own saddle if you’re slightly nervous about getting a bit sore, or haven’t had the chance to get a lot of saddle time before the ride. Another good option is to bring along a gel seat (cushion). The bikes are fitted with standard pedals. Again, you’re welcome to bring clip ins should you want them. All bikes are fitted with a water cage. Bikes re fully serviced before and after every ride and we’ll have So, our trusty mechanic with us at all times! Distances Each day of riding is about 100km. The best way to tackle a cycling day of this size is to reduce it into bike size chunks. There will be opportunities to get into the support van every 15km to 20km, depending on the day. Please ask your cycling leader the details of the upcoming sections if you’re not feeling confident. Due to time restrictions, there will be particular cut off points. If you are not ready to leave the lunch spot before 2:00pm on each day, you will need to complete the rest of your journey in the van. If this is the case, it is imperative you inform your cycling leader. NGOs Mekong Plus. Conducts a very holistic and community based program targeting the very poor in over 800 villages throughout the Mekong Delta, improving lives through education and community development.Yim Kids Thailand. Funds sustainable projects throughout Thailand committed to improving educational opportunities and child healthSmile Group is a local organization dedicated to help children and families in Vietnam affected by HIV/AIDS. With the support of Accor hotels in Vietnam, the organization offers “dignity and hope” through a range of social services, including healthcare, education, finance, and counselling. Their aim is to empower these disadvantaged groups so that they may have a decent standard of living and build a better future for themselves.École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule. A non profit organisation that provides vocational training within the hotel and tourism industry for Cambodians in Siem Reap. Health & Safety At Social Cycles, we take your health and safety extremely seriously. If you have any specific concerns about an issue, please do not hesitate to get in touch for an in depth discussion. Pre trip preparation First Aid Kits Local hospitals Cycling briefings Dehydration Water Safety Food Poisoning Security Pre trip preparation All riders are advised to consult with a travel doctor at least six weeks prior to travel. Some countries will require specific vaccinations and it is best to speak to a professional in regards to this matter, to choose what is right for you.Malaria is not prevalent in the travel areas of our Vietnam rides, although some riders do choose to take them. We are happy to provide route maps for your doctors reference.It is important to be healthy, more than fit for our rides. We always have a support van on hand for you to take a break, should you feel you need it. It is very much about the journey, more than the destination and as a result, the pace is casual and relaxed on our rides. First Aid Kits A first aid kit is available for use on all Social Cycles tours, however, it is advisable that you ALSO bring your own. All Social Cycles guides are trained in the use of first aid.Your first aid kit should consist of:plasters/band aids (for blisters)triangular bandagesalcohol wipesgauze padsbandages for sprainssun screenpain kilers (asprin etc)anti-diarrohea tabletshydralite Local hospitals A hospital or medical centre is never far away, however, the standards may not be the same as what you may be used to, depending on where we are.All guides and drivers are familiar with the nearest hospital, for whatever emergency may occur. However, as we get quite off the beaten track, it could be 2-3 hours away (at most).If you have any conditions that may put you at greater risk of medical attention, it is imperative that you are transparent in your communication with Social Cycles so that we can account for it in our risk assessments.All rides are required to submit their travel insurance details to Social Cycles prior to the start of the adventure. Cycling briefings We’ll conduct in depth cycling briefings on all tours, before all rides. Different countries have different road rules (written and unwritten), so it’s imperative that all riders are focused and pay attention during these times. We’ll go through the terrain, traffic conditions and distance for every ride, but we’ll also cover road rules, hand signals, group cycling etiquette & best practice, cycling pace and timing.All riders MUST wear a helmet and closed toe shoes at all times during the trip. We also recommend cycling gloves and padded shorts.All Social Cycles routes are undertaken on quiet back roads. We do not cycle on highways. Unless specified, we take the support van out of and into major cities. All bikes are serviced in between tours. A mechanic is present at all times during all tours and on all rides should there be any issues with the bikes. Dehydration Dehydration is potentially one of the biggest risks in cycling adventures as it is often the least considered. The countries we ride through are often humid and dehydration can creep up on you.All bikes are fitted with at least one water cage. You are advised to bring your own water bottle. You should be drinking somewhere between two and four litres of water each day of riding. It’s advisable to carry hydralite to assist in hydration, but if you drink enough water, early enough, you should not need it.The van carries a drum of water at all times, available for refilling your water bottle. Water Safety We sometimes travel by boat when the road is either flooded, or just simply ends. All boats will have life jackets for riders who are not comfortable in the water. At times, we may need to catch smaller boats for short rides (less than 1km) due to unplanned flooding. There is no guarantee that these boats will have life jackets. If you feel uncomfortable in the water, it is imperative that you inform your guide.There is to be no swimming in rivers and lakes. Opportunity restricted due to the schedule and program of the itinerary, however, these are the main areas for insect borne illnesses. Food Poisoning Food poisoning is the most common cause of illness during travel. Sometimes it is due to local hygiene of the food, but can also be from cross contamination (from your hand) or simply due to a change in diet.We recommend bringing hand sanitizer for use before meals to reduce risk. You should only eat in restaurants that are busy and have a high turnover of customers, and therefore food. If possible, try and inspect the kitchen.Foods that are cooked to order generally carry less risk (fried rice is better than rice from a ‘buffet’). Ice is generally safe to consume in all countries we visit, although do not drink water from the tap. Security No country in the world is completely safe. And as a result, you will need to take precautions.The biggest risk in countries with a high motorbike population (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Iran) is snatch and grab crime. Tourists are targeted for their cameras and mobile phones from passing motorists. Theft from assault is rare. Some hotels will have a safe in the room. Even those without, valuables can either be left in the room or with reception.It is not advisable to consume too much alcohol whilst on tour (or ever, for that matter!) Pre-trip preparation All riders are advised to consult with a travel doctor at least six weeks prior to travel. Some countries will require specific vaccinations and it is best to speak to a professional in regards to this matter, to choose what is right for you.Malaria is not prevalent in the travel areas of our Vietnam rides, although some riders do choose to take them. We are happy to provide route maps for your doctors reference.It is important to be healthy, more than fit for our rides. We always have a support van on hand for you to take a break, should you feel you need it. It is very much about the journey, more than the destination and as a result, the pace is casual and relaxed on our rides. First aid kits A first aid kit is available for use on all Social Cycles tours, however, it is advisable that you ALSO bring your own. All Social Cycles guides are trained in the use of first aid.Your first aid kit should consist of:plasters/band aids (for blisters)triangular bandagesalcohol wipesgauze padsbandages for sprainssun screenpain kilers (asprin etc)anti-diarrohea tabletshydralite Local hospitals A hospital or medical centre is never far away, however, the standards may not be the same as what you may be used to, depending on where we are.All guides and drivers are familiar with the nearest hospital, for whatever emergency may occur. However, as we get quite off the beaten track, it could be 2-3 hours away (at most).If you have any conditions that may put you at greater risk of medical attention, it is imperative that you are transparent in your communication with Social Cycles so that we can account for it in our risk assessments.All rides are required to submit their travel insurance details to Social Cycles prior to the start of the adventure. Cycling briefings We’ll conduct in depth cycling briefings on all tours, before all rides. Different countries have different road rules (written and unwritten), so it’s imperative that all riders are focused and pay attention during these times. We’ll go through the terrain, traffic conditions and distance for every ride, but we’ll also cover road rules, hand signals, group cycling etiquette & best practice, cycling pace and timing.All riders MUST wear a helmet and closed toe shoes at all times during the trip. We also recommend cycling gloves and padded shorts.All Social Cycles routes are undertaken on quiet back roads. We do not cycle on highways. Unless specified, we take the support van out of and into major cities. All bikes are serviced in between tours. A mechanic is present at all times during all tours and on all rides should there be any issues with the bikes. Dehydration Dehydration is potentially one of the biggest risks in cycling adventures as it is often the least considered. The countries we ride through are often humid and dehydration can creep up on you.All bikes are fitted with at least one water cage. You are advised to bring your own water bottle. You should be drinking somewhere between two and four litres of water each day of riding. It’s advisable to carry hydralite to assist in hydration, but if you drink enough water, early enough, you should not need it.The van carries a drum of water at all times, available for refilling your water bottle. Water safety We sometimes travel by boat when the road is either flooded, or just simply ends. All boats will have life jackets for riders who are not comfortable in the water. At times, we may need to catch smaller boats for short rides (less than 1km) due to unplanned flooding. There is no guarantee that these boats will have life jackets. If you feel uncomfortable in the water, it is imperative that you inform your guide.There is to be no swimming in rivers and lakes. Opportunity restricted due to the schedule and program of the itinerary, however, these are the main areas for insect borne illnesses. Food poisoning Food poisoning is the most common cause of illness during travel. Sometimes it is due to local hygiene of the food, but can also be from cross contamination (from your hand) or simply due to a change in diet.We recommend bringing hand sanitizer for use before meals to reduce risk. You should only eat in restaurants that are busy and have a high turnover of customers, and therefore food. If possible, try and inspect the kitchen.Foods that are cooked to order generally carry less risk (fried rice is better than rice from a ‘buffet’). Ice is generally safe to consume in all countries we visit, although do not drink water from the tap. Security No country in the world is completely safe. And as a result, you will need to take precautions.The biggest risk in countries with a high motorbike population (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Iran) is snatch and grab crime. Tourists are targeted for their cameras and mobile phones from passing motorists. Theft from assault is rare. Some hotels will have a safe in the room. Even those without, valuables can either be left in the room or with reception.It is not advisable to consume too much alcohol whilst on tour (or ever, for that matter!) FAQ's Most frequent questions and answers How many kilometers do we cycle each day ? On these rides, we will be cycling approximately 100km per day. The ride is completely flat and the terrain is generally paved. There are some sections where the paths are somewhat broken and there are small amounts of single track riding. How does my donation work ? The money raised from your team will be split between the four nominated charities after expenses have been covered. The four charities are Smile (Vietnam), Mekong Plus (Vietnam), Yim Kids (Thailand) and École d’Hôtellerie (Cambodia). Our goal is to raise up to $100K for charity. What's covered in the charity ride? Transfer from Saigon to My Tho by bus (Nov 14th, meeting at Ibis Airport Hotel), all accommodation (twin share), all meals, bike hire, support buses, vans and trucks, local guides, film crew, branded jerseys. What are the sleeping arrangements ? The hotels are based on twin share rooms in either 3 or 4 star hotels. You can find links to the exact hotels in the section above. You will be paired with a member of your team. Do I need a visa? You will need to check whether you need a visa, based on your passport. Most passport holders from surrounding countries will not need a visa, nor will most EU countries, including the UK, provided they have not been to Vietnam in the previous 30 days. If you do need a visa, you can get one online via this link. It is the official government website, costs US$25 and takes about a week. What if I can't (or don't want) to cycle that far? That’s no problem at all. There is always a support van on hand to give you a lift. The van usually follows when it can, although during some trips, we prearrange to meet the van at regular intervals due to the single tracks that we follow. Speak to your SC captain as to the next time we’ll meet the van. What should I pack? Pack light. A few light weight shirts – one or two long sleeve shirts to avoid any unwanted sunburn, sneakers, shorts (it can get pretty muddy), and something a bit fancy for dinner. And when we say fancy, we mean anything outside of your comfortable gym clothes. It’s easy enough to purchase any last minute amenities like toothpaste and moisturisers in the larger cities. You’ll find that it’s handy to carry a small bottle of sunscreen, insect repellent and bandaids. Take a convertible adapter so you can charge your cameras and phones etc. What's NOT included in the tour price ? Not included are your flights, travel insurance, visa fees, guide tips and items of a personal nature. Can I speak to somebody for more info? Of course! Brett Seychell, Social Cycles founder, is a great place to start. Call Brett via Whatsapp or Viber (or regular old telephone) on +61479108222. You can also email [email protected] Share this adventure Share on facebook Facebook Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on google Google+ Share on stumbleupon StumbleUpon Share on email Email Got a question? Get in touch Name Email Message Send Brett Seychell +61 479 108 222 [email protected] Hub, 696 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000 about us How we started Our purpose Your donations Responsible travel Meet the team NGO partners Private adventures Corporate teams Self guided destnations Cambodia Laos Iran Samoa Vietnam Mongolia Colombia connect Name Email Let's stay in touch Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube responsibletravel recommends Social Cycles Brett Seychell +61 479 108 222 [email protected] Hub, 696 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000 connect Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube Name Email Let's stay in touch!