by Hoai Nam

DA NANG (Biz Hub) — The last stage of the 10-day, 1,500km ride from the northern province of Lao Cai to central Da Nang City drew crowds as 24 cyclists wound through tranquil fishing villages in Lang Co town and the Hai Van Pass.

The event aims to raise US$135,000 for an 18-month neonatal nurse training programme for 26 nurses at the city's Hospital for Women and Children. The finishing line was at the hospital and last stage between Hue and Da Nang.

Cyclists ride from the northern province of Lao Cai to central Da Nang City to raise fund for a nurse training programme.

"We had good traffic during the event, only a 20km section near Hue was difficult," said Canadian rider Todd Gilmore. "However, the weather was too hot and my teammates from Britain had socks off on the scorching days," he said.

Gilmore, who works as an engineer for British Premier Oil, said there were minor crashes and flat tires, but the team's mechanic handled things well.

Canadian rider Todd Gilmore.

"This charity ride provides me with a great sense of accomplishment. We started in Lao Cai and climbed up and over the mountains of Sa Pa. That was the toughest day. The next days were difficult as well with many mountain passes and extremely hot weather. However, when I first saw Da Nang from Hai Van Pass I was consumed with pride in the achievement - 1385 km in 11 days," he said.

The biggest single problem was dealing with the hot weather. Foreigners, who had spent a long time in Viet Nam, were acclimatised to the heat, but other riders were not. Many of them suffered badly in the heat.

Gilmore said this charity ride provides him with a great sense of accomplishment.

The bus and motorbikes escorting the riding team carried ice and cold towels for them. Supporters would also spray cool water as cyclists rode by or provide cold bottles of water so they could splash themselves.

"On about three occasions, we also took two or three-hour lunch breaks to permit the hottest part of the day to pass.

Cyclists had at least seven days of great roads and views during the 10-day riding.

Gilmore said through the ride, he had raised US$16,850 for the neo-natal nurse programme. — VNS