Days 12 & 13 Wednesday & Thursday

Temperature: 35ºC Humidity: 85%
Destination: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Today is the last day in Vietnam for this trip and there are no planned activities. 5 members are going on to Cambodia for a few more days and leave for the airport at 9.00am. Everyone came down to the foyer and waved them off on their additional journey. We then do our own thing, so Christine wants to spend some money so we go shopping. The humidity in Saigon is higher than other parts of the country we have been through, after 15 minutes you are wet with perspiration.

At 6.00pm Hilly arrives with the bus to take us to the airport for our flight back to Melbourne. We arrive back to a warm Melbourne at 9.35 am

Below are comments made by some of the participants.

CATHERINE:- It was really wonderful to see each person push themselves on the bike ride and be really proud of the results they achieved. Every single group member succeeded in their personal challenge!!

JANICE: - Exhilarating riding, especially the down hill runs.

CHRISTINE: - My first bike ride in the traffic in Hue was a frightening yet exciting experience, preparing me for the rest of the bike ride along Vietnam roads. I overcame my fear of riding a bike in traffic in Vietnam, so I should be able to ride a bike anywhere.

MAX: - I really enjoyed the bike ride and the bonding of the group.

BRENDAN: - I challenged and exceeded my personal expectations. I enjoyed seeing others exceed their expectations.

NAHID: - I was pleased to participate and complete the program.

CLAIRE: - I found the actual cycling within Vietnam exhilarating and thoroughly enjoyed the comradely of cycling with new friends through rice paddy fields, exchanging "hellos" from the local Vietnamese people, Hi 5s from the children practicing their English and seeing up close their unique environment - one so different from our own. Our tour guide "Hilly" or Chong was ever patient, informative and sensitive to all our needs as well as being a very capable and safety conscious cyclist. His energy, knowledge of Vietnamese history, culture and terrain was enthusiastically presented to us and his obvious love for his country was evident.

My personal "downs" were related to my inability to function at my best when the weather became overly humid and hot. This happened on most cycling days which limited my cycling in the middle of the day. However, I was always reassured that there was no shame in waving down the bus when I'd reached my limit for that time-always knowing that I could get back onto the bike a little later when the heat had settled.

I mostly enjoyed getting to know the fellow "challengers"- all of whom had a different reason for being there. In particular, as a General Practitioner with limited range of experience in treating Parkinson's disease, I enjoyed meeting those members of the group that suffered from the disease.

I intend to further expand my knowledge about Parkinson's disease and hopefully I am equipped to better manage my own patients.

The fellow cyclists of this Vietnam Challenge who suffer from Parkinson's disease have shown us all that one does not have to be defined by his/her illness. Each one of them has shown enormous dedication, patience and inner strength in battling through their own frustrating and fluctuating limitations - they are the true heroes of this Challenge.

FRED: - When I left for the trip, I was a little concerned that I would spend more time on the bus than the bike. I was much slower than the others and my Parkinson’s condition had worsened reducing my training program. Once we started riding in Vietnam, it somehow felt different; I often found something extra and managed to cover larger distances. There is no doubt I pushed my personal boundaries, but then that was what the challenge was about.

It was fantastic that Karyn, Brendan and I (3 Parkies) all performed beyond expectations and came away from the experience A much richer person. Our personal goals were well and truly broken. Yes we all struggled with our Parkinson’s during the trip but we talked and helped each other so that we COULD achieve what we did.

We have demonstrated that even with a chronic condition like Parkinson’s you can still go out and achieve what might seem otherwise impossible.

Trip highlights - there were so many: walking and riding in Vietnamese traffic; some of the historical sites and history of Vietnam; Vietnamese food; the Vietnamese children and the Vietnamese people.

I owe a lot of thanks to all members of Team Parkinson’s Challengers, Hilly (our Guide), sponsors and supporters, friends and relations and Parkinson’s Victoria. I want to especially thank Christine (my wife) who supports everything I do, this time she decided to be a challenger too, making us the only husband and wife team members. We did it together.

Thank You.

Days 10 & 11

Temperature: 34ºC Humidity: 85%
Destination: Nha Trang to Saigon


Today was a leisure day for us all; some went for walks and shopping, sun bathed on beach, boat tour etc. It was great just to relax after a heavy few days of travel by bus and bike. I was still a bit exhausted and probably dehydrated, so we stayed around the hotel until the afternoon, when we went exploring and looked for some lunch.

I had had my fill of Vietnamese food (breakfast, lunch and diner) and was looking for something different – we found it. A modern restaurant with many overseas guests and more important they advertised a beef hamburger with french fries all for the sum of 45,000 VND (A$4.50 each). We both ordered the same and found it was a good feed – just what we needed before the train journey.

We were taken by bus to the railway station to catch the Reunification Express to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) at 6.30pm. After boarding we were surprised to find we had all been upgraded to first class cabins. The same arrangements as before – 4 to a cabin, but more comfort and better toilet facilities. This was great news as we could get some sleep – it was a 10 hour journey. The majority of us got some sleep on the train except Brendan who had an uncomfortable night.

We arrived at Saigon railway station around 5.05am and were transferred to our hotel where we had a good breakfast and shower before some planned sightseeing activities with Hilly. I spent this time updating the blog as I had got behind.

The final Farewell dinner arranged by Hilly was at another Vietnamese restaurant were we had a room of our own. The food was some of the best we had tasted on the tour. During dinner a number of fun awards were presented to all participants – this was organised by Catherine (Parkinson’s Victoria) and Hilly.

Some of the results are shown:

King of the Mountain - Brendan
Queen of the Mountain - Jenny & Helen
Lance Armstrong No 2 - Fred
Best Team Player - Max
Best Prepared (remedies etc) - Dr Clare
Most Persistent Performer - Karyn

It was a fun night with a number of us offering thanks to all for support and mostly to Hilly for his support and assistance.

Day 9 - Sunday

Temperature: 32°C Humidity:86%
Destination: Buon Ma Thout to Nha Trang

Today is a significant day - it is the last day of the bike ride. We also will be taking a Team Parkinson’s official photo with us all in our Parkinson’s bike gear.


Breakfast was at 6.30am ready for a start of 7.20am. It was a busy start as we were in the morning traffic and we stopped at a small coffee plantation. Organising our bikes and ready for the photo shoot was quick as everyone cooperated well and we quickly took many photos with a number of cameras, so we hopefully have a good one – you can be the judge.


After the photo shoot we are on our bike ride. The Parkinson’s bike challengers snaked their way forward and in a southerly direction towards to Nha Trang. Guess what - we have no headwind. At the next regular drink break, Christine hopped aboard the bus as she was experiencing headache problems caused by the heat and humidity. On and on we cycled to the next drink break. I was in my usual position - the end of the snake’s tail. I was still riding and I was feeling great, having only taken a ½ dose extra Sinemet at 8.00am. As usual I was the last together with my mate Ngoc, so to help reduce any delays we got on the bus to catch up with the others before the lunch break. I was exhausted and lightheaded once I got off the bike, but a cold can of soft drink fixed me up at the lunch spot. I had ridden 27km this morning.

Following lunch we were on the bus to Phoenix Pass which sits at 850 m. Some of the experienced riders took Hilly’s challenge of cycling up the last 10km of the pass. 7 riders; Hilly, Jenny, Helen, Janice, Max, Leanne and Nico; grabbed their bikes and were sent on their way. By the time we had got back on the bus and started after them they had traveled quite some distance approx. 4km. We followed them up and took photos, with the lead changing regularly. At the top of the hill they stopped and they were applauded for staying close together and achieving the feat.

Now it was everyone’s turn for the last ride down of the trip, unfortunately Christine stayed on the bus as she had not improved. This was going to be some ride as many trucks going in either direction were taking up most of the road. Ensuring we considered safety first, Hilly started us of. I was near the front, something I had not been able to do. Down and down we went in single file with good distance between each of us. We had a photo opportunity part way down, following which we carried on cycling down the pass. It is difficult to explain, but it was very exciting, with an element of danger, one could hear various shoots of joy as we came down the pass. 14km down, plus a further 9km and we reached our drink stop where we all had a break, discussed our ride down the pass and looked at an old dwelling still in use.

Then for the final leg we were off again, 12km to Minh Hoa our last rest place, before the bus trip to the hotel. Determined to finish the, I kept up the pedaling, and while I still came in last I had cycled the whole afternoon. There was much hugging and congratulating people on their efforts and all just sat or lay in hammocks to rest.

Well this is what I had come for: to cycle my way through parts of Vietnam, as had the rest of the team. I was exhausted, standing taking in some water, I had a strange feeling come over me and I recall someone calling my name. I had almost fainted and awoke to find Christine and Sue holding me - I had lost 20 seconds where i do not know what happened.
Quickly recovering Karyn, Brendan and myself (3 Parkies) had a moment together congratulating each other. We were pleased, proud and grateful that we had attempted something that was a real challenge for the 3 of us and survived without to many scars.

We had done it

We had arranged a farewell diner at a Vietnamese specialty restaurant with Hilly's full team as our guests. All participants had agreed to cover all expenses. Due to tiredness Karyn was not able to attend the Farewell dinner. After diner we made a tip donation in which all participnants donated to the 4 members who were leaving us in Nha Trang. Hilly was taking us on to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) tomorrow.

I will try and finish the final leg to Saigon by train and cover a few more items in the next blog.

Day 8 - Saturday

Temperature: 20 - 34ºC Humidity: 87%

Destination: Kon Tum to Buon Ma Thout


Firstly let me correct something in Day 7. I made reference to Nahid and Nadia in one section. It should be Nahid and I apologise Nahid. Keeping the blog up to date often means working into the early hours which means Christine is usually fast asleep so she doesn’t always get chance to check for typos before I post it to the site.


Second – I have had delays in posting the blogs to the site due to internet issues and long hard days, making us all tired and still needing our sleep for the next day.


Breakfast at 7.00am and then board the bus for the Dragon Slope at Pleiku, a 1 hour 45 minute ride to the top. We grab our bikes for the start of today’s ride which is to take in a local village market. We rode on and on, not much changing at the back of the pack, me as usual at the back. We catch up with the pack at the next drink spot,on the edge of a rubber plantation. Hilly gives a talk on the plantation and we continue on, this time we are off road for about 5 km, which gives us a breather from the traffic. As I’ve said before, the traffic is chaotic to us, but it seems to work and there is no road rage. On the journey we pass many coffee and rubber plantations. We also pass through a number of small villages where we are greeted by the well know “hello, hello”


We arrive at the market and go for a walk through. Perhaps we should not gone in as all types of produce including; meat, fish and chicken all amongst general produce is sold at the market. It is Saturday and the market is busy. We head off again and Christine decides to take a bus ride instead. A further 7 km on, after riding for 32km in busy Saturday traffic, Karyn and I decide to get on the bus as we are a long way back from the front riders.


The Happy Bush - From the very first day we were advised by Hilly of a new term. If you wanted to use the bathroom when we were out cycling you would use the "Happy Bush". Following our ride there are many many happy bushes from North to South Vietnam. A different happy bush is used for the ladies and the men.


Lunch stop at the 51km mark – Hilly is cooking lunch for us. He has many hidden talents this guide of ours; tourist guide, Vietnam historian, singer, translator and now cook. He cooked a beautiful Vietnamese lunch for us, how many courses – we lost count.


After everyone had their fill of a great lunch we made ready for the bus trip for Halan Slope which is a 2 hour ride. We then had a steep descent by bike a journey of 14km. This was going to be an interesting descent as Christine was nervous going down the slope constantly braking and negotiating the sharp bends. So with Ngoc in the lead and me at the rear this small convoy of 3 went down the slope at a sedate pace, negotiating the traffic as it arrived. 14km later we reach the bottom and continued on for a further 9km. As the darkness arrived we boarded the bus, picking up others along the way, finally arriving at the front runners about 23km from the hotel, by which time it was pitch black. Wisely they had stopped riding sometime earlier and were waiting for the bus to pick them up.

55 km traveled by Fred

Some interesting sights observed by other riders:

- A girl rode up to Kim on her non-geared bike grabbed Kim's arm to help pull her up the hill.

- Brendan after getting off his bike after a long ride - he is covered in perspiration.

- Imaginative ways using a scooter or push bike to deliver or carry goods.

- How to carry long pieces of timber with one hand and steer with the other.

- How to take your family of 5 for a ride on your scooter

- How to negotiate other traffic or pedestrians

Day 7

Temperature: 20 to 34ºC Humidity: 89%
Destination: Quang Ngai to Kon Tum

We apologise for the delay in posting this blog but we had a few bad internet links.

Breakfast was scheduled for 7.15am, as we were up and ready we went for breakfast 6.45am. Everything was organised for departure from the hotel at 8.15am. We boarded the bus for a 1 hour ride to Thach. We passed numerous rice fields and a number of sugar plantations while travelling along.

Arriving in Thach we were reacquainted with our bikes for the next part of the journey - into the Central Highlands. So we now move inland as we continue our journey southward. Hey - No headwind today, this is a major weather improvement over the previous 2 days. These roads are not flat, as there are many hills or inclines we have to cycle over. The temperature was heating up and so was the humidity. After cycling for about 20kms Christine was feeling the effects both the temperature and humidity and decided to get on the bus. A further 5kms on and I decided to get on the bus, I had nothing left in my legs and it was extremely warm – no I mean hot. The bus has an excellent air conditioner and it was working overtime. The rest of pack were way up ahead. As we move on to catch the pack we come to a long incline and we could see in the distance a lone rider making their way up this hill. (The bus and support vehicle are normally behind the last rider; which is usually me). As we approached we recognised Nahid, all by herself, cycling up this hill. She had obviously been separated from the others for some reason, but she was putting her gym training to good use. The bus crept forward and stayed a short distance behind Nahid as she kept pedalling up the hill. (As a rider, you quickly become aware when our bus or support vehicle is behind you – the constant sound of a diesel engine just keeping steady is a comforting sound when no one else is around.) Nahid is aware we are behind her. As she moves further up the hill, all other traffic is passing and sounding their horn at the slow moving convoy, unperturbed she keeps pedalling. As we near the crest, the driver pulls out and stops at the top allowing me to get out for a photo opportunity. I congratulate her and offer encouragement as nears the top. In laboured she says “Thanks Fred” and she is off down the other side of the hill. A short while later we arrive at our lunch stop. A great effort on your own Nadia.

Following lunch we are back on the bus for a 2 hour trip to the top of VIOLAK pass which is 1000m high, 46km long going up and 26km going down. Some great views as we slowly climb up the pass. Fortunately we do not meet too much traffic because the roads is narrow, however grazing and sleeping water buffalo can also be a hazard. Sitting in the front of the (I was) can be disturbing as we round sharp bends and meet the any oncoming traffic. We are driving on the other side of the road with and LHS driver position – often I was forcing my foot to the floor trying to press an imaginary break pedal.

We eventually get to the top of the pass and make our way down for a rendezvous with the support vehicle and our bikes. We are to ride down the rest of the pass (19 km) and onto the hotel a total distance 57km. There was a delay - the support vehicle was running late. So we get of the bus, and much to the amusement of the locals we form a ring and start massaging the person in front’s neck, turned around and then massaged that person’s neck. There were some Tai Chi moves and other demonstrations as we waited. To complete the picture, we were in out lycra riding gear and bike helmet which highly amuses the Vietnamese (They do not wear helmets).

The arrival of the support vehicle creates a furry of activity as it is getting late in the day. After checking our bikes brakes we are off down the 19km slope and quickly gather speed, braking and watching for traffic. It seems we are destined to be the back markers because Christine and I with Ngoc (spelt incorrectly in previous blog), support guide are last with the bus and support vehicle behind us. Ngoc took the lead, but Christine set the pace, she was a little nervous going down to fast because of all those sharp bends, narrow road, gravel edges, pot holes, cattle and of cause the traffic. There was traffic in both directions all honking their horns as our convoy moved down the pass. It is a fantastic ride down, although I’m not sure Christine enjoyed that much. The trip down seems to go on for ever, very little pedaling required – hey I like this. The traffic continues to pass us (bus and support vehicle behind us). Eventually we reach the bottom and continue on. After travelling about 27km we decide to board the bus, it was getting dark and we had no running lights. As the bus made its way to the hotel we picked up others along the route. About 10km from the hotel we reach the main group waiting for us, it was now very dark. We eventually arrived at the hotel at 6.40pm.


I can chalk up another day of over 50km – and it was very hot

Day 6

Temperature: 27ºC Humidity: 82%
Destination: Hoi An to Quang Ngai

Breakfast was scheduled for 7.30am, but thanks to the noisy rooster we were awake early and had breakfast at 7.00am. Everything was organised for an 8.45am departure from our hotel. We boarded the bus for a 1 hour 45 minute journey to Nui Thanh Township.

Before we go any further, I offer some general information on other members of this group. I mentioned the names of all the participants on Day 1 blog. There are 15 of us, 11 women and 4 men. Ages range from mid twenties to early sixties. Each one of us has our own individual reason for doing this Challenge and we are respectful of each others motives. Nevertheless all people with Parkinson’s in Australia will benefit from this Challenge, as a great deal of awareness to Parkinson’s has been generated by all participants in the months leading up to the bike ride. Awareness in Vietnam is also being generated as we ride through the country with our colourful “Pedalling for Parkinson’s” bike gear on. Most of the group are accomplished and regular bike riders, one of the main reasons I’m at the rear of the pack, however all offer advice and encouragement to those of us with lesser skills. We also all get on well together as a group.

Now back to our journey - On arrival at Nui Thanh we set up the bikes, making any necessary adjustments before we set off on today’s journey southwards. We start riding – but guess what we have another headwind today. We ride heading towards the coastal road. I start off near the front of the pack, but it doesn’t take long for me to get back into my usual position - at the rear of the pack. It’s hard going with the increasing temperature and the wind constantly blowing into your face, but we get to the next main drink break – I’m about 10 minutes behind the pack together with my new mate ‘Knoc’. We had ridden about 20kms with the bus and support vehicle always close by. Fruit and some other light snacks are available as I take a little while to recover. The pace is not fast according to the experts, but it is continuous.

Refreshed, we are back on the bikes as we continue our journey southward. Christine decides she has had enough and gets on the bus, her face very red, showing the effects of the sun. As it warms up, I take a few minor drink stops as the bus and support vehicle hover close by. Some 6kms further on I am fully exhausted and decide to get on the bus. The back marker now is Karyn with Leanne and Knoc in support. (Leanne has often ridden with me as support). Karyn is struggling up this long incline; the main pack is way ahead in the distance. Stopping for a drink, the support crew jump into action thinking she is going on the bus - they don’t know how determined us Parky’s can be. Karyn waves them off and gets back on her bike to continue on up the hill, the bus and support vehicle are right behind her. Leanne sings out “Karyn’s run out of water”, but she won’t stop as she snakes her way upwards. I find a bottle and pass it through the buses window to Leanne who gets it to Karyn. On and on she struggles, as Christine and I offer her words of encouragement through the bus window. Her bike is wobbling but her determination is evident on her face, she is not giving up just yet. We near the top, and find we have reached the location for lunch, Karyn has made it. I congratulated Karyn on a fantastic effort. Well done Karyn.

After the picnic lunch, we head off again. We find our way onto a narrow dusty road, which is very rough. Cars and trucks passing both ways and make it very dusty. Partway up we find Sue with a broken chain, I continue on as the mechanic goes about repairing the chain. Eventually Sue, with repaired bike, catches up and passes me. Back on the bitumen again, we finally reach the main group at a drink stop, I needed the stop. We set off again heading towards My Lai. I went for a further 4kms before boarding the bus, exhausted.

We stopped at My Lai and looked around the site – this is where a company of American soldiers massacred over 300 men, women and children on 16 March 1968. It was now getting late, it was after 5.00pm (it is dark by 6.00pm) we had to hurry and had to get to our hotel, around 12kms away, before it got dark. I got back on the bike to complete this final leg. Because of the darkness we were to ride in as a group. The pace was fast, the journey flat as we rode on amongst the traffic. Darkness came quickly as we rode on, the support vehicle taking the lead and the bus the rear giving some protection to the group. Suddenly, we were in total darkness, without bike lights and riding fast in single file heading to our hotel. Nico stayed at the rear of the pack as support and as we came into the town, traffic lights separated the group. The first group waited for the next change of light sequence and we regrouped and were off again. A few minutes later we crossed another set of lights and then reached our hotel. That was an exhilarating and fast ride, everyone was pumped.

I had ridden 50kms today. I felt good, though exhausted.

Hilly advised that tomorrow is going to be tough as there are many steep hills.
Lets see what happens.

Day 5

Temperature: 25ºC - Humidity 87%
Destination: Hue to Hoi An

Breakfast was scheduled for 7.30am however many of us arrived at 7.00am. The breakfast restaurant is on the 11th floor and due to the humidity you could not see anything through the windows. Everyone was looking forward today’s ride. After breakfast we needed to be ready for cycling at 8.30am and our entire luggage removed from our rooms and loaded on the bus.

My Parkinson’s medication schedule is to take my medication 4 hourly, the first at 6.00am, and then 10am etc. During my training I found that due to the increased physical energy in riding the bike, the Parkinson's medication was not enough to sustain me over long distances. So in between the doses I added an extra Sinemet tablet to boost my dopamine levels. I made mention of this in an earlier blog. So at 8.00am I took another tablet ready for the ride. Our ride started from the Hotel in Hue and took us through town and onto the back roads heading south. It was an easy ride once out of town as there was very little traffic and the roads were pretty flat, but we had a head wind all day.

We passed through a number of small villages, with many of the villagers waving as we snaked past. One thing that stood out was the friendliness of everyone we passed, especially the children. Every time we came close to a group of them they would rush to the roadside and shout out “HELLO, HELLO”, some holding out there hand for a high five as we rode past. All the school children would rush to the school fence and also shout the hello chant as we rode past. We all waved and returned the hello chant and did the high five as we rode on. Max had a problem with his bike, which caused him to fall off, fortunately no major damage to Max or the bike. Hilly immediately changed roles and became the first aider, cleaning and covering Max's grazed knee.

We stopped at a mushroom farm and had a look around. Then off again on our bikes we went. We had covered about 20kms and the heat and humidity and wind was starting to take effect on some of us, so Christine and Karyn decided to take the bus for a rest. The mechanics truck was at the rear with the bus so it was made very easy to get on the bus. By this time I was at the rear of the field together with “Knock” our support worker. I continued to ride for a further 6kms and then decided to get on the bus. After about 46kms everyone boarded the bus for an hour’s bus trip into Lang Co Beach Resort, where we had lunch.

Following lunch we had a bus trip to Danang for a visit to Marble Mount. There were various items of marble in all shapes and sizes available to purchase. We then retrieved our bikes for the final leg into Hoi An. I was feeling extra good but unable to keep up the pace set by the leaders, so I just kept to my own pace at the rear with Knock keeping me company. Every so often the group would stop and regroup, but I still found myself at the rear. Not to be undaunted I cycled on with the bus and mechanic truck following closely behind, waiting for me to call it a day. I had a few extra drink stops but managed to regroup with the main group. As we neared Hoi An we regrouped again. We would cycle into Hoi An as a close group. I did mange to keep up as the leaders slowed the pace down, so as one, we road into the Lotus Hotel courtyard and checked in. I was exhausted and was congratulated by the group on completing the 30+km leg without the bus. That head wind stayed with us all day, but those extra sinemet tablets helped me have a good Parky day. I have achieved one of my personal challenges now - I had managed to cycle over 50kms in one day.

A quick shower and brush up and we were out for dinner and an evening walk.

It was an exhausting day and I was ready for bed – hence the reason for the lateness of this blog.

Day 4

Today Tuesday is bike day. (this blog is one day behind)

We arrive at Hue railway station just after 8.00am after a long 13 hour train journey. Very few of us had been able to get much sleep. Hilly rounded us all up and helped remove our luggage from the train. We boarded our bus and made our way to the hotel and a very welcome breakfast at 8.45am. A very comfortable hotel and a variety of food was available for breakfast. Some of us would have loved to go to bed for a sleep, but no, Hilly had other ideas.

By 10.30am we had to be in front of the hotel in our cycling gear ready for modifying bikes to suit individuals. Max, who in Australia had a run of punctures during the lead up to the trip, brought his good luck charm with him. He only touched the bike and immediately a tire blew. Max was relieved that the mechanic carried out the repairs and hopes that will be his only puncture for the trip. A number of adjustments were made to the well used Trek mountain bikes, to suit every ones comfort. We then were told that we were to ride around Hue to the Citadel imperial Museum.

This was going to be a challenge as there are no traffic rules, cars, trucks, motor bikes and bicycles criss-cross the roads to get to their destination. Hilly emphasized the point he had made early in our talks – signal your intention and make your way to the next point, don’t stop; the traffic will work around you. Single file was the order of the journey, with a distance of 5 meters between bikes; this was for our own protection in case anyone got into trouble. Off we went, with many reservations about talking the traffic. Every so often Hilly, who took the lead, would stop regularly so we could regroup. There were various exclamations and comments made by our group as we as turned right, left or went straight on through an intersection. Most of the comments were “hey we made it..”, “Good on you…. you did well….”, “Great riding…”. After a 10 km ride, we arrived at the Citadel, where everyone was excited and thrilled that we had indeed cycled through a traffic maize. (Note: The traffic in Vietnam travels on the right hand side of the road – as in USA)

The visit to the Citadel and Imperial Museum involved climbing a number of stairways – this activity didn’t suit me as I was having a “not so good Parky day” so I did not venture too far. Following this visit we cycled to Paradise Garden Restaurant for lunch. A few minor modifications were made to people’s bikes, including mine. I requested some cushioned grips for the handlebars as I was constantly getting a tingling sensation in both hands. There was no debate, the mechanics went of and sourced what was required and fitted them. This made a big difference.

After lunch we cycled to Tu Duc Tomb, this was a test as there were a few hills to cycle. I soon found my position at the back of the line, sometimes nearly 200+mteres behind. One of Hilly’s support workers cycles as back marker, so I kept him company. On our journey back to the Hotel we found ourselves amongst peak hour traffic and it really did come from everywhere. We all did well except at the last roundabout before the hotel; traffic was everywhere and Karyn stopped as someone cut in-front of her she lost her balance and fell from her bike in the middle of the roundabout. She was not injured got back on and cycled away. Amazingly the traffic went round Karyn giving her plenty of space to get back on her bike.

In all we cycled some 30km around Hue, this was practice for the start of our cycle ride south, starting tomorrow.

Day 3

This blog was delayed as no internet connection available on the train.

I have forgotten to mention (how could I forget) there are 3 of us traveling in the group who have Parkinson’s – Karyn, Brendan and myself. We are looking out for each other, checking for signs that we may need assistance. This is especially so because of the 4 hour time difference between home and Vietnam; our systems have to adjust. Today we have free time until 3.30pm. At breakfast I offered to show the blog page to interested members and offered them the opportunity to contribute information to the blog. A number read the blog and were happy to contribute. We also sent off a number of emails.

A group of 8 of us wanted to visit the Hoa Lo Prison which was a comfortable walking distance. On the way we stopped at an ATM and I withdrew 2,000,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND) for spending money (this approximately AUD200.00. Hoa Lo Prison (The Hanoi Hilton) is infamous for holding the American POW’s. The prison was for both male and female. Reading exhibits we were surprised to learn how brutal the French were during their control of the country. Janice demonstrated how the prisoners were kept immobile by being shacked. Many escapes were made through the sewer system. It was a very informative visit.

Following a coffee, we took a 7 seater taxi (for 8 of us) and went to a local market for tourists, some small purchases were made. The taxi ride was a bit of a squeeze and very enlightening in how to deal with the traffic. Once again Brendan took the jump seat. We split up with 4 of us going to the old quarter by 3 separate cyclo’s (rickshaw). The cyclo ride was even more enlightening with our death defying kamikaze driver. This gives a new dimension to cycling, just get in and relax; the driver knows what he is doing. Following this exhilarating ride we decided we needed lunch so we treated ourselves to pancakes and a beer for lunch.

A visit to the Temple of Literature was undertaken at 3.30pm, after which we had an early dinner prior to our train journey. The train – The Reunification Express, left the station at 7.00pm, we made it with 15 minutes to spare. We had bunk beds (4 to a room), so we quickly sorted out who went where. I shared a carriage with the 3 other men, and ensured I slept on the bottom bunk. It was a very long 13 hour journey to Hue and very few of us got any real sleep. Leanne did some Parkinson’s Awareness promotion when she found other Aussies where on the train and received a donation of 200,000 VND (approx. $20.00).


Tomorrow is Bike familiarization day

Day 2

Breakfast was at 07.00am after a long day previously, it was good to see everyone up and eager to go. The day was overcast and it was raining, something we have not seen much of in Melbourne.

After breakfast we had our first morning briefing from our guide Hilly. He advised that we would have regular briefing sessions. We were given a run down of the trip over the next 12 days, starting with a 2 hour walk this morning around Ho Chi Minh monument. During the briefing Hilly advised us about the traffic rules. He said “Basically there are no rules, if you want to cross the road, then you step off the pavement and cross. Do not stop or run, keep walking at a steady pace, the traffic will go round you”. When you see traffic (especially scooters) coming towards you from all directions your instinct tells you not to move, but undaunted we follow Hilly’s advise and we find it works. It still very nerve racking walking into the traffic to cross the road.

We boarded the bus for a short drive where we were invited to queue up to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. It was amazing to see a long queue of people steadily streaming into the mausoleum. Strict security was imposed, no cameras, backpacks, water containers etc were allowed in. Once inside you walked around a viewing deck to see the embalmed lifelike body of Ho Chi Minh. Once outside we then continued on to other sites in the complex, which included: Ho Chi Minh’s residence, Presidential Palace, the museum and Pagoda. Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and still today he is referred to as Uncle Ho to the people of Vietnam.

Following an enjoyable lunch in a local restaurant in old Hanoi, we had free time. Some went shopping and others went to the army museum. Over 2 hours of walking earlier in the day was too much for my feet; so Christine, Brendan and I took a taxi back to the hotel. The ride back was extremely enlightening. Brendan sat in the jump seat, we sat in the back. The taxi weaved in and out of the traffic at the same time as the traffic weaved around the taxi. The continual pressing of the horn is a must other wise there would be accidents everywhere. Somehow it all works and people get to there destinations without too much concern. The tourists, in the taxi were glad to get back to the hotel, as we were convinced we were going to be involved in some sort of accident with a scooter. It was exactly the same when we were on the bus, but somehow things looked different as we were a lot bigger and felt safer.

At 4.30pm we boarded the bus to see a performance of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This was an unusual and interesting performance of seeing the puppets controlled from under water. The puppets themselves were performing on top of the water which acted as the stage. The performance of cause was in Vietnamese, but we could follow the basic story line as the performance moved on. This theater company has taken the show to various countries including Australia.

An official Vietnamese dinner at the Green Papaya Restaurant was next on the agenda after which we were taken back to the hotel for an early night. This gave me time to write and publish this blog.

The next blog may be late as we will be traveling overnight by train, the internet will be unavailable.

Day 1

The 15 Parkinson’s Challenge participants are:
Leanne Barnes, Helen Bignell, Maxwell Bradfield, Sue Dutton, Clare Eizenberg, Kim Harris, Nahid Jones, Brendan Lourey, Karyn Spilberg, Nicholas Taylor, Fred Van Ross, Christine Van Ross, Catherine Watson and Jenny Young, Janice Mulchinock

Early to bed early to rise, well it certainly was an early rise as neither of us could sleep. A neighbour (Ian) took us to the airport by 08.20am, living so close to the airport is certainly an advantage. We joined the check-in line and slowly the other participants started to arrive and joined the line. Unfortunately we did not have the advantage of a group booking so seat allocation was a bit hit and miss. Glenn Mahoney (CEO Parkinson’s Victoria) and Judy Mooney (Parkinson’s Victoria) and Chris Harrison (Memorable Challenges) were there to send us off.

Many of us put on our Parkinson’s tops for a group photo prior to departure. But wait - there is someone missing from the photo – Catherine. Where was Catherine – well she was busy saying goodbye to her new boyfriend. After the group photo, we all made our way towards customs and the departure lounge, where everyone got through without problems except one. Customs thought Karyn looked suspicious and she was given the touch search. Some drifted off for some last minute duty free shopping, while the rest waited in the lounge for the boarding call. We boarded the Vietnam Airlines 777-200 and our seat allocation was down the blunt end of the plane. It was not a full flight so some took advantage of the empty seats to spread out and try to sleep. We were able to freely roam around the cabin and talk to other participants.

After a long 8 hours we arrived at Ho Chi Minh where we were required to deplane and go through Customs and catch a domestic flight to our destination – Hanoi. We were unaware of this, as we assumed that we would retain the international flight on to Hanoi. We stayed together as a group and managed to get to Hanoi where we were met by our guide “Hilly” After welcoming us and handing out a flower to everyone we boarded a bus ready for a 1 hour drive to get to our Hotel in central Hanoi. Vietnam is 4 hours behind AESDT, so it as after midnight AESDT, but only 8.00pm in Hanoi. We were all starting to feel the effects of a long day. We were quickly assigned our rooms and of to sleep – I think.

I want to get some sleep now.

A few days left

We have just 3 more ‘sleeps’ left before we take the Vietnam airlines flight to Hanoi this Saturday 7 March. We are busy making sure we have all the items, clothing and medication organised and ready to pack. With all the medication I take, I could almost start my own pharmacy (see photo).
It is amazing the amount of things we have to pack. Bike helmets, 2 drink bottles each, gel seat covers, bike clothing including wet weather gear, back pack, sleeping bag liner (use on train), sun cream, mozzie repellent, basic first aid items, antiseptic wipes and disinfectant. – The list goes on. We also have to take some regular clothes.
What’s the baggage allowance?

During our fundraising campaign Dallas Primary School came on board as one of our sponsors, and I made a presentation to the kids at the school in August last year. We agreed at that time to do a blog of our trip so the school could follow our adventure - one of the main reasons for creating this blog. The school released the blog to the kids yesterday (Tuesday). Christine and I went to the school, in our colourful Parkinson’s bike gear, later that afternoon to follow up and answer any queries. While waiting in the foyer, a number of kids came up and said “we saw you today on the internet…. “.
We were introduced to the kids, many of whom remembered my previous visit. We gave a brief explanation of what we were doing, showed the map of Vietnam and answered a number of questions. The Vice Principal advised us that the school will regularly visit our blog and may even make a comment or ask some questions. We were requested to revisit them after our return, to talk about our experiences and show some pictures.
It was a good feeling being applauded by the kids and teachers - Thankyou