Jackie Middleton cycles in Vietnam
Jackie Middleton raised over £5,500 for the MS Trust when she took part in our Vietnam cycle ride, in October 2009.
"A journey of emotion, endurance, elation and despair. Words cannot describe this incredible challenge in the most beautiful country of Vietnam, with the most amazing people.
"From the chaos of Hanoi with the hustle and bustle of thousands of mopeds, to the remote mountain town of Sapa set amongst the most dramatic mountainous scenery. 38 people cycled for 8 days, covering 650 km and climbing to 2000 metres in temperatures reaching 45°C.
"This was a challenge that tested everyone's endurance as we set off on the first day with our blue mountain bikes, immediately climbing our first hill to be told it was only an undulation. This set the pattern for the forthcoming days, as each day became longer, the hills became steeper, the downhills became faster and everyone was tested with their own personal challenge.
"The journey took us deep into North West Vietnam, through remote villages that were lined with the most happy and beautiful children who were so pleased to see these strange large people on bikes enjoying their peaceful villages. Here the people were so poor, living in basic stilt wooden houses but surrounded by incredible lush tropical vegetation and rice fields in every direction. We witnessed the different Vietnamese tribes wearing their traditional costumes working so hard to make a living, without new technology but just their own man power, such strong and hard working people.
"As we travelled north the limestone mountains became higher and the valleys more breathtaking. Staying each night in basic local hotels we encountered various levels of standard, including a traditional local stilt house where we all slept in one room on the floor, ate our meal cross legged around a small low table on the floor and watched local dancing. Our evening meals consisted of local traditional food with no western influence; we all became proficient with the chop sticks and sticky rice.
"We woke each morning before 6.00am to breakfast, warm up and then on to the bikes before 7.30 cycling in the cooler morning air. We travelled along some fully constructed roads and some roads that are still under construction, encountering major road building. Sometimes the roads were closed to allow for the side of the mountain to be blasted and rocks to fall to the ground, and as we waited we could take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside, with its river valleys and rice fields.
"As each day progressed so did the steepness of the hills. Eventually on the last day we started our final ascent to the highest point: for 18 km we climbed 1100m, snaking up and up until we finally reached the end of this epic journey. We crossed the line elated with our achievements, we were there at the top as a team together. Everyone had their own personal reason for being there, but together as one we achieved the challenge and collectively raised thousands of pounds for the charity of our choice.
"Personally each day I was inspired by the kindness and generosity of people at home who through the kindness of their hearts donated thousands of pounds for the MS Trust, so they can continue with their incredible work. Thank you for the Vietnam Cycle challenge for giving me this unique opportunity, and a journey of a lifetime."
Jackie Middleton 2009
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