Two-wheelers in Vietnam

We anticipate seeing lots of bicycles in Vietnam, though, from the balance of photos we're able to view online, it looks like motor scooters and motorcycles now outnumber bicycles there.  But at least we'll have lots of two-wheeled company.

Team Members: Bob Burtch

Meet Bob Burtch (blue jersey), one of the team members who will pedal through Vietnam in January 2011.  Bob recently retired from science teaching at Rotolo Middle School in Batavia, Illinois.  He taught in Batavia public schools 35 years.  For the past 15 years, Bob also taught at Wheaton College.  Bob is an avid ornithologist, as is Bob Yardy (in the white shirt).  Both have tried to call birds while riding in the bike line through Illinois countrysides. Bob Burtch lives near Chicago.

Hills We'll Encounter

This photo is from an area along our planned route. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, we will ride close to the Cambodian border, far away from the relative flatlands near the sea.  The terrain for much of our ride is substantially hilly.  That will be a challenge, but one we're all looking forward to.  Well...at least SOME of us!

More Training and Behind-the-Scenes Preparations

Our cycling team has shared a second weekend of training. We pedaled together 60+ miles around Champaign, Illinois, on a Saturday and Sunday in mid-October.  Now, we are training individually through November and December.  Cycling and training in November and December is a challenge because of short days and cold weather.  But we use trainers inside when the weather won't cooperate.  We want to be ready to ride with a good pace and meet the hills we'll face as we ride near the Cambodian border in Vietnam.

We're also doing the behind-the-scenes preparations for our journey: getting Visas, shots, equipment, supplies.  We're also raising awareness and funds among friends as we prepare for this 600-mile ride.  Hope you will follow our journey!