Challenge 4

From Kate

Learn how to (over) load and ride a bike like the locals!!!


You're on!

Challenge 3

This I can do - again from Ali.
'Ride across Straddie with our families in the holidays'.
Ok, I think this challenge stuff may be fun!

Challenge 2

Ride to the top of Mount Cootha from the lovely Ali. Holy shit! May have to be some way into the training program!

Challenge 1 has been set!

Not exactly what I was expecting, but in the spirit of laying down the gauntlet, I accept Kirsten's first challenge.

She will donate $50 if, after my first full day of training, I soak in a bubble bath! I accept on behalf of the women and girls of Vietnam!!!!

Back in Brisbane on the weekend of the 4 and 5 December, so I have penned the challenge in for then!

Taking the first step.

A few weeks ago, an email from Care Australia appeared in my inbox. Every year I buy my clients and and reticent nieces and nephews pairs of ducks and chickens and goats from Care's Christmas catalogue. I love Care's work and I love that their catalogue helps me to try to put a bit of the 'true' meaning of Christmas back into my otherwise consumerist world.

The email posed a challenge - the 'I am powerful Vietnam cycle challenge'. The email sat in my inbox for weeks, mocking me.

It was offering the chance to visit a country on my 'to do' list.
It was offering me the chance to so something with an organisation whose work I admire .
It was offering me the opportunity to help people who are less fortunate than me.
It was offering me a chance to get my mojo back.

Who was I to ignore it?

On 26 February I will be joining a cycle trip through Vietnam. I don't know anybody else on the trip. But we do all have one thing in common - we must all raise at least $3,000 to contribute to Care's projects in Vietnam.

That's where you come in. If you know me, you will know that I hate to ask for help, I hate to impose, I hate to be a bother. But I am pushing myself into terrifying territory to ask you for help, to impose, to be a bother.

I need you to help me raise the $3,000. Over the next few months. I will be organising a few fundraising activities. I would love you to join me.

I will also be posting about my training and preparation. I have three months to get my arse into gear - literally. So here is the first fundraising activity.

Sponsor me to complete a training challenge. You name it and I will try to complete it, all in the name of a good cause! Jim will provide photographic evidence of my pain! Who wants to go first?