 |
Money raised
871 |
 |
Total Fundraisers
3 |
 |
Total Donations
5 |
How would you like to join the next group of extraordinary humans on a mission to give our kids the life of choice and opportunities that they deserve?
Now in its 4th year, the Digital Live Ride and Real Estate community has raised over $1,000,000 for Hands Across the Water and Steve Carroll would like YOU to join us in 2023 as we start climbing towards the next million dollar milestone.
In 2023, the Digital Live Ride will be held not once, but twice giving you more reasons to say YES!
Digital Live Home Hug Ride will be held in August 2023 and you’ll be cycling 500km down the Mekong and through the stunning villages in the Isaan Region. This is the ride to do if you want to see lush green rice fields, make friends with the locals in the villages, or experience authentic Thailand. There won’t be a dry eye in the house as you cycle into Baan Home Hug on the last day of riding to meet Mae Thiew and her children. This is a magical place that gets into your heart and soul, you will never want to leave.
In 2023, our mission is to bring together a group of ordinary people with a desire to do good in the world for this once in a lifetime experience. Does that sound like you?
Where
Bueng Kan to Yasothon
When
19th - 27th August 2023
Distance
500km in 5 days
Riders
25 amazing humans
Fundraising
Minimum $5,000
Itinerary
Day 1
19th August
Travel to Bangkok
Welcome Drinks and Jersey Presentation
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
20th August
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
21st August
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
22nd August
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
23rd August
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
24th August
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
25th August
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
26th August
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
27th August
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.
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…
"Absolutely Phenomenal!" Erin.
"It's an absolutely brilliant experience that pushes you both physically and mentally and makes you grow in so many ways!" Jenny T.
"This experience has impacted my life positively. To have the opportunity to have such a personal journey as well as helping to change children’s lives." Racheal N.
"I can highly recommend this opportunity to individuals, groups and businesses. An experience that helped me grow as a person while changing the lives of others." Carinda G
"Hands is one of the most inspirational, well run, industrious and forward thinking charities I have ever worked with." Carol S.
"Deciding to ride and raise the $10k is without doubt one of the best decisions I have made in my life!" Micheal P.
Fees and Fundraising
There is a $3,995 registration fee that covers the cost of your ride expenses on the ground in Thailand. In addition to paying this fee, you are required to raise $5,000 to support Hands Across the Water.
Inclusions
8 Nights Twin Share Accommodation
19th – 26th of August 2023 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 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.
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
We only work with the best and you will get to meet some of the nicest Thai people and support crew that you will have ever met. Nothing is too much trouble 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.
TOUR COST: AU$3,995*
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.
You can pay in full or choose to make regular monthly payments for 6 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.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Your ride registration includes twin share accommodation for the duration of the ride. If you elect to room with a friend, partner, or family member at the point of registration, this will be factored in when we do the room allocations. If you are a solo traveller, we will partner you up with another solo partner of the same gender.
If you do wish to have your own room, there are limited single supplements available at a cost. Allocation of single rooms will be based on a first in first served basis due to availability at the hotels.
You can reserve a single room today for $100 deposit and we will contact you closer to the ride once the numbers and room availability is confirmed.
Leaderboard
Distance
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 $5,000 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 $5,000 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!
