 |
Money raised
36,682 |
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Total Fundraisers
39 |
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Total Donations
113 |
Digital Live Home Hug Ride is proudly sponsored by
“Helping us Peddle Faster for the Kids”.
We love that you are considering joining us for the Digital Live Home Hug PLUS Celebration Ride in 2025.
Get ready for an incredible adventure as the Digital Live Home Hug Ride returns in February 2025. Prepare to pedal 500km down the Mekong River, passing through picturesque villages in the Isaan Region. This ride promises to immerse you in Thailand's lush green rice fields, offer genuine connections with local villagers, and provide an authentic Thai experience. As you cycle into Baan Home Hug on the final day, emotions will run high as you meet Mae Thiew and the children who you have been riding to support. Home Hug's enchanting aura will capture your heart and soul, making it a place you'll never want to leave. The kids will imprint tiny footprints on your heart, creating an impact like no other.
PLUS Celebrate with Steve Carroll
Why not take it a step further and include the 2-day Celebration Ride, extending your journey to cover a remarkable 700km? In Steve’s opinion, this is the most exhilarating and scenic 2 days of the Coastal Ride. He's eager to invite you to join in this experience, especially as we celebrate some significant milestone birthdays and commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Boxing Day Tsunami and Hands Across the Water.
These two days will guide you through the stunning landscapes of Khao Sok National Park, with a visit to Ratchadmara Dam and a stay at a picturesque hotel nestled beneath a magnificent cliff. On the second day, you'll conquer a 4km ascent, followed by a thrilling downhill journey (with a few elephant encounters!) leading you to Wat Yan Yao. This temple holds immense significance in the Hands Across the Water narrative – it's where Peter Baines devoted six months identifying the 5,395 recovered bodies. Your route will then take you to some key Tsunami memorial sites, concluding at the very first home constructed two decades ago for children who lost their parents. As night falls, the kids will throw an extraordinary birthday bash, commemorating all the significant milestones achieved.
Where
Bueng Kan to Khao Lak
When
23rd February - 6th March 2025
Distance
700km in 7 days
Riders
25 amazing humans
Fundraising
Minimum $7,000 towards the team's fundraising goal
Itinerary
Day 1
23rd February
Arrive in Thailand and Welcome Dinner around the corner from Novotel
Today you’ll meet your fellow riders for drinks and receive your fresh set of lycra ready for your cycling adventure.
Please note that you will be responsible for booking your own International Flights and airport transfers.
Day 2
24th February
Today we fly to Udon Thani where we will transfer to the start of the ride by coach. The Hands Team will take care of the domestic flight for this part of the trip.
There will be a 3 hour bus ride from the airport to our hotel where we will start riding from the following day. We will also host a ride briefing after setting up our bikes in the afternoon.
Day 3
25th February
Bueng Kan to Ban Phaeng ~ 110km
Today our adventure begins and you’ll see the incredible Mekong for the first time as you cycle down the purpose built pathways. Enjoy the sights and sounds of some of the smaller villages and the cries of hello from the grandmas sitting in their cabanas.
Day 4
26th February
Ban Phaeng to Nakhon Phanom ~ 102km
Today is another 100km day but nothing that can’t be achieved. There are a few highway stretches that are best ridden together to pass the km in a blink of an eye. Then a beautiful riverside finish as we make our way into Nakhom Phanom town ready for our rest day.
Day 5
27th February
Rest Day
A much needed rest day after 2 solid days in the saddle. Enjoy a sleep in and a lazy morning by the pool before heading off for a massage and some lunch in the beautiful town of Nakhon Phanom.
Day 6
28th February
Nakhon Phanom to Mukdahan ~ 114km
Back on the bike for more beautiful scenery and friendly locals as we make our way towards Mukdahan. This is a bigger town in the region and a great place to say goodbye to the Mekong as we start to make our way inland towards Yasothon.
Day 7
1st March
Mukdahan to Amnat Chareon ~ 124km
Our biggest day on the bike but nothing that can't be achieved together. We start as a team and finish as a team and there’s a fresh cold beer or soft drink at the end to quench your thirst. Mentally this day can be a bit challenging but as we tell everyone, it’s only one more 20km leg on the bike and by this stage in the ride you’ll be feeling stronger than ever!
Day 8
2nd March
Amnat Chareon to Yasothon ~ 82km
The day you have all been waiting for. Our final ride into Baan Home Hug where you will meet the beautiful kids that you have worked so hard to support. Being a shorter day on the bike, this is a really nice way to finish your epic 500km adventure.
Day 9
3rd March
Breakfast at the hotel then the group will depart from Ubon Ratchathani airoport and will have you back into Bangkok in time for the Australian International flights home. We say goodbye from here as you head back home or onto new destinations.
The domestic flight to Bangkok is arranged by the Hands Team. You will need to arrange your own International flight or other domestic flights for your trip.
*Celebration Riders - from Bangkok we will catch a flight to Surat Thani to prepare for the next leg of the ride.
Day 11
4th March
Today, we're embracing a well-deserved break in Surat Thani. You'll have the freedom to unwind by the pool or take part in an exciting optional tour.
In the evening we will come together as a team to share a meal and hand out the Celebration Ride jerseys.
Day 12
5th March
Surat Thani to Khao Sok ~ 106km
This is by far one of our most favourite days on the bikes in Thailand. This is a stunning ride to Ratchaprapha Dam before heading into Khao Sok National Park for a cave visit and beautiful hotel stay. This day really does feel like we are riding through Avatar… you have to join us to understand why.
Day 13
6th March
Khao Sok to Baan Tharn Namchai ~ 68km
This is it! The day you have worked hard for. We have one final uphill and then it’s downhill to Baan Tharn Namchai and the beautiful kids that you have been riding for. It’s another shorter day on the bike but don’t wish your time away. Soak up the love, the memories, and the joy of being on the bike with a fantastic group of humans.
Day 14
7th March
Over to you…
It is time to pat yourself on the back for your hard work and efforts to be here. You’ll be glowing and oozing energy as you kick back for a few days (at your own pace and expense) or make your way back home. The official events might be over but you are welcome to kick back and enjoy some quality time in Thailand.
What Previous Riders Say
Our charity ride experiences are consistently ranked 10/10 by our riders! More often than not the experience exceeds our riders expectations. Check out what some of our riders have had to say…
"One of the greatest philanthropic endeavours from the industry I have ever seen."
- John Cunningham -
"Life changing and outstandingly organised."
- Valerie Timms -
"The friends you make, brilliant. Educational and entertaining."
- Louise Lupton -
"For my mental health, one of the most significant things I have ever done."
- Colin Gooding -
"So memorable seeing the kids’ faces."
- Katie Cotton -
Fees and Fundraising
Registration Fee: $5,190 (inclusions below).
In addition to your registration fee, you will need to contribute to the team fundraising goal by raising a minimum $7,000
Inclusions
12 Nights Twin Share Accommodation
23rd February– 6th of March 2025 inclusive
As we travel to some sleepy beachside towns, hotels will be modest in their offering but the locations will be on point. You’ll have a hot shower, a bed to sleep in, and occasionally the WiFi will be good!
Hybrid
Bike
Your registration includes a hybrid bike which is a flat bar bicycle with tyres that are thinner than a mountain bike and thicker than a road bike. You have the option to bring your own saddle and pedals if you choose.
E-Bikes can be offered for an additional surcharge.
Meals, Domestic Flights and
Ground Transfers
All meals excluding lunch on the rest day are covered in your registration. Our team on the ground takes care of breakfast, lunch and dinner on the rides and provides plenty of sustenance throughout the day at the water stops.
Custom
Cycling Kit
Your registration includes a customised cycling jersey, bibs and gloves. You will have the opportunity to order additional kit if you choose. You will receive a sizing chart in coming months to help you order the right size kit for the tour. You will also receive a Celebration Ride jersey to commemorate 700km in 7 days.
Travel Bag and
Team Shirt
You will receive a Hands Across the Water travel bag for the trip. There is plenty of room in the bag for the tour and additional clothing you might want to bring for holidays pre or post the ride. You will also receive a training shirt to wear during your training and in Thailand.
Support crew and bike mechanics
Our rides are run by our very own Hands Experiences Thailand. Nothing is too much trouble for this fantastic crew of people as long as you bring your manners. Our bike mechanics keep everything running tip top during your tour in Thailand.
Individual Fundraising
Profile
During the registration process, you will be prompted to set up your fundraising page. You can update this page with your story and share your unique link to start raising funds. The team at Hands are here to support you with ideas so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Training
Program
You will receive a training program that will help prep you for your 500km journey. The key to your training will be time in the saddle as opposed to km’s ridden so even if the weather turns poor, you can get to the local gym or spin class to clock up your hours on the bike. We also have a great series of videos if you are new to cycling or looking for some additional training tips.
7 DAY TOUR COST: AU$5,190
Your tour cost includes everything that we have outlined above. It does not include International Travel and any additional accommodation or airport transfers that you are responsible for.
Pay a deposit of $576.67 today then second and subsequent installments begin in February 2024 for 8 months .
There is a $500 non refundable deposit included in the tour cost. Your place will not be secure on the ride until we receive full or partial payment.
**E bikes are available for this ride at an additional cost - rates upon registration.
Fundraising
Fundraising can be a little bit daunting but it needn’t be. You see… great fundraisers aren’t born. They are made. Anyone can become a great fundraiser by simply getting out there, sharing their story and implementing some fantastic initiatives to bring in the funds.
You are required to raise a minimum of $7,000 to participate in the bike ride. It might seem like a lot but we are here to help you every step of the way. We’ve got some great ideas below or check out our Resources Page to download our fundraising guide.
Your own fundraising page
Selling or purchasing ticket packages to Future of Leadership
A personal donation
Holding your own event
Selling raffle tickets
FAQs
What is the Cost ?
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation greater than 3 months out from the ride: $500 + any costs already paid
Cancellation 3 months out: 50% of total registration fee
Cancellation 2 months out: 75% of total registration fee
Cancellation 1 month out: 100% of total registration fee
Is Fundraising Compulsory ?
Yes. By fundraising a minimum of $7,000 for your ride experience, you provide 350 children in our care with access to basic necessities, healthcare and education. Importantly, you are providing them with a life of choice.
What is the best way to start my fundraising?
Getting started can be a bit daunting at first; we always say the first $1,000 is the hardest and then it gets easier. Below are our top 3 tips to get your fundraising dial off zero:
- Your online fundraising page is the most simple and effective way to kick start your fundraising. Update your page with your profile image, a story about why you are fundraising and share directly from your page to kick start those dollars coming in.
- Make a personal donation to your fundraising page. This can help set the tone for your supporters and show your commitment to your experience.
- Download our fundraising guide that includes tips and tricks for planning events, auctions and raffles to help you raise your funds.
If you need support please reach out to the team at team@handsacrossthewater.org.au
So... are you up for the challenge?
With places strictly limited to 25 people, this amazing once in a lifetime experience is not to be missed.
Secure your place today via deposit using the checkout below. You'll be talking about this experience for years to come!
