 |
Money raised
82,293 |
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Total Fundraisers
10 |
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Total Donation
203 |
Starting in the city of Nong Khai in Thailand’s north-east, you’ll follow the incredibly biodiverse Mekong River for seven days before heading inland to Yasothon. Travelling through remote villages and rural communities not often visited by foreigners you’ll discover the real Thailand. As you ride in to meet the children at Home Hug on the 8th day you’ll experience first hand the immense appreciation for everything that you’ve done.
At Hands we work on the principle that supporting charity should be good for you, not just those receiving the money. Personally benefiting from your involvement in charity is not just a good thing it’s so often delivers profound experiences that deliver impact which will last a lifetime.
You may need the fitness. You may need the challenge. You may be looking for a way to give back.
You may need to take some solace from the world as you know it, create some distance to bring greater clarity.
Whatever it is, this experience will be an upgrade to your life and to the lives of others.
Every year the money raised from our annual Ride to Provide experience provides critical funding to the operations of the seven homes Hands supports across Thailand, housing over 350 kids.
The monies entrusted to Hands are used to bring about change and provide the life saving necessities for the kids in our homes and importantly it supports many families in an outreach program keeping kids out of our homes. We know the best place for kids when all things are equal is in a family. When that doesn’t exist we provide a home for those kids, which really is just one big family.
Will YOU join us in 2024?
Where
Bueng Kan to Yasothon
When
4th January, 2024 - 12th January, 2024
Distance
800km in 8 days
Riders
40 people
If you are in NZ, you can now raise funds for Hands in NZD and claim the tax deduction at the end of the year. Simply register through the NZ Registrations below to participate.
Itinerary
2nd January
We highly recommended travelling to Thailand on or before 2nd January to allow for time to get a domestic flight to Udon Thani. There are options to fly up in the evening, or you could stay one night in Bangkok and get a flight to Udon Thani on the morning of the 3rd January.
Note: You will be responsible for booking your own International and Domestic flights to Thailand and Udon Thani.
3rd January
Welcome Drinks and Jersey Presentation - Udon Thani
Tonight you will meet your fellow riders for drinks and receive a fresh set of lycra for your cycling adventure.
4th January
Day 1 - Nong Khai to Pak Khat (91km)
Today is the start of a wonderful adventure with your new family. The first couple of legs are a breeze as you settle into your bike and find your place on the road and within the group. By lunchtime, you will have the process nailed and feel more comfortable about your time on the bike. The reward for today’s efforts is a beautiful sunrise over the Mekong.
5th January
Day 2 - Pak Khat to Bueng Kan (65km)
Today is a shorter day that travels along the Mekong to a larger town called Bueng Kan. The day finishes prior to lunch and you can opt to stay at the hotel for the afternoon or take an optional tour out to one of the most spectacular temples we have seen in Thailand. Wear your sneakers for this one as there are a few stairs to climb.
6th January
Day 3 - 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.
7th January
Day 4 - 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.
8th January
Rest Day
A much needed rest day after 4 solid days in the saddle. You’re officially at the halfway mark so 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.
9th January
Day 5 - 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.
10th January
Day 6 - Mukdahan to Khemarat (94km)
We leave the big town of Mukdahan and head towards a beautiful resort on the Mekong. This will be the last day that you will spend taking in the views of this beautiful river. It is a longer day on the bike but nothing that can’t be achieved together.
11th January
Day 7 - Khemarat to Amnat Charoen (133km)
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!
12th January
Day 8 - 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 800km adventure. Get ready for the biggest party of the year.
13th January
It is time to make the trip home or onto a holiday destination following the ride.
You will be responsible for booking your domestic and international flights home. We advise you to travel on the same domestic flight as the group (we will provide these details) so that we can arrange a group transfer for the 1.5hour bus ride to Ubon Ratchathani Airport. The flight will be in the morning to allow plenty of time for people to connect to their International flights home.
What Previous Riders Say
The annual Ride to Provide experience is consistently ranked 10/10 by all our riders year after year! More often than not the experience exceeds our riders expectations. It's this amazing feedback which drives us at Hands to continue to deliver amazing shared experiences which deliver benefit to both the riders and their communities and the children in our homes.
"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.
"After speaking with a number of previous riders my expectations were high but the ride exceeded my expectations." Steven F.
"Best experience of my life, so well organised and what a great cause." Doug
"Without a doubt the most amazing thing I have ever experienced." Melissa J
"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
Inclusions
10 Nights Twin Share Accommodation
3rd – 12th of January 2024 inclusive
Hotels will be modest in their offering and often in remote areas. WiFi is not always available however majority of the hotels do have WiFi services.
Hybrid
Bike
You will be riding a hybrid bike which is a flat bar bicycle with tyres that are thinner than a mountain bike and thicker than a road bike.
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. If you would like to purchase some luggage inserts to keep your clothes organised you can do so here. You will also receive a Ride to Provide t-shirt to wear during the trip and training shirt pre-ride.
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
Once you have registered for your experience, you will receive a link to your personal 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 800km 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$3,895
Not included:
• International and Domestic Flights
• Airport Transfers
• Alcohol
• Spending Money
• Travel Insurance
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.
If you are in NZ, you can now raise funds for Hands in NZD and claim the tax deduction at the end of the year. Simply register through the NZ Registrations below to participate.
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 $10,000 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 one of the sponsorship packages
A personal donation
Holding your own event
Selling raffle tickets
Leaderboard
Distance
FAQs
What is the Cost ?
The tour cost is $3,895 and you will need to arrange your own international flights to and from Bangkok, Thailand. To register you will either pay in full or can choose to opt into regular monthly payments.
There will be a $500 non refundable deposit as part of the initial payment that will be forfeited should you cancel your place on the ride.
Is Fundraising Compulsory ?
Yes. By fundraising a minimum of $10,000 for your ride experience, you will 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, 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!
