Windermere Adventure Challenge Cambodia - June 2011

 

On Saturday 18 June, 20 intrepid members of our community set out on a journey to complete Windermere's very first Adventure Challenge to Cambodia.    With a 310km bike ride and a two-day stay at a Cambodian orphanage ahead of us, we were all anxious and excited to be on our way.

Arriving in Cambodia with little or no sleep, we set out on our first 35km ride around Angkor Wat.   Although 35km doesn’t sound that far, throw in 95% humidity, scorching sun and a then downpour of rain with the force of a tsunami...and 35km felt more like 100km! 

After a night of recuperation – and regrets from those who wished they’d done more fitness training – it was off on our bikes again.  The next few days of cycling were at times gruelling, with conditions getting the better of some, and our share of mishaps along the way.   Both Stephen Gilbert and Tim Cooper made visits to the SOS medical clinic, while others nursed cuts and bruises. 

Along the way, and despite the many challenges, we found we were forging stronger and stronger bonds amongst our team members.  These proved a lifesaver at times! 

The group cycled through some very remote and beautiful parts of Cambodia, with children from local villages excitedly welcoming us as we rode through.  With helmets and brightly coloured lycra (which is never seen in Cambodia), the locals laughed and giggled as they watched us pedal our way down muddy and often rocky unsealed paths. 

With the last leg of our journey leading us to the orphanage, many of us reflected on the past few days in amazement.  Riding through the gates to the cheers of the children, we were given a hero’s welcome.    We then spent the next two days getting to know these very special children, and gaining a much greater knowledge of the Cambodian people.

As a result of the fabulous efforts of the Cambodian Adventure Challenge group, Windermere raised more than $50,000.  This money will go directly to providing additional services for those most in need in our community.

For information on future challenges, please contact the Community Partnerships & Marketing team on 9705 3200 or email adventurechallenge@windermere.org.au