I have actually been saving up photos of the gorgeous Emma, who has been the best room mate ever. No complaints when I wake up early to blog (but I guess that it gets her off the hook for writing hers!) and she also has no bad habits and does not snore!
Thanks roomy for everything!
There are 29 riders all together, each one an integral and inspiring member of the group.
This is a picture of the boys that was taken on the last day.
More importantly, here are the girls! A great bunch of awesome women.
It has been amazing to have time to connect with people this week and it made me realise that in real life, we do not take the time to do that enough. In our busy worlds, conversations too often remain at the superficial level and we never really find out quite how fabulous a person is. Experiencing the highs and the lows, the pain and the thrills of a week like this with people who all share a common goal and have sacrificed a huge amount personally and financially to be here, is extraordinary.
Thanks team for a life-changing experience! I cannot mention everyone but here are some that did stand out for me.
The most inspiring person on the ride is Mae Thiew. Director of Ban Home Hug, she rode tandem with Craig (Borat) all the way. Mae Thiew dedicates her life to the orphanage and, with the help of Hands, has turned it into a place of hope and courage for children affected by HIV. Up until a few years ago, children were dying at the rate of a few a week. Now it is a more rare occurrence, thanks to Mae Thiew and Hands. She herself, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several years ago but seems to soldier on with such dignity and grace. She was so encouraging to us all but we knew she could not wait to get back to Ban Home Hug to the kids she missed so much.
Peter Baines (our intrepid Hands leader) and his girlfriend Claire Thomas make such a lovely couple. They have been very supportive to us novice riders. He reminded me that that the night I first met him in Sydney at Emma's party, I asked him if the book he has written was any good! Yes is it is great and it certainly moved me to action, so anyone thinking about doing the ride or getting involved with supporting Hands Across the Water should definitely read it!
Some would say the Brown family are a liablity! Although they have been involved with Hands for a long time, John was the rider that ran down a small child, with thankfully only some impressive bruises to show for it.
Jan rode only some days as she was nursing an injured foot in a sexy black boot. Their daughter Emma had a shoulder op about 3 months ago but still rode like a champion with her lovely boyfriend Danny. They play mean game of cards, however.
Then there is, of course, Team New Zealand! Andrew Blair and Chris Wilson were great and and very supportive. The dry sense of humour got me through the days boys and you flew the flag well. Sorry I beat you all at scrabble and glad you learned the rules of 500!
Kelly is the mad blond Aussie girl with the pimped up bike. She has a huge heart and is a breath of air freshener (as Kath and Kim would say) with her jokes and random acts of madness.
Frank was riding for the second time with his 15 year old grandson,
Broden. What an experience they must have had. Riding with the girls,
he became known as Frankie and the Squashed Peaches and he pulled out
some impressive dance moves on the last night as well!
Gorgeous Lisa from Adelaide grew up in Australia but is originally a Kiwi, so we made her an honorary member of the NZ team. Here she is pictured with Henry, who is already famous for his legs.
Gorgeous Lisa from Adelaide grew up in Australia but is originally a Kiwi, so we made her an honorary member of the NZ team. Here she is pictured with Henry, who is already famous for his legs.
Other Frank is an inspiration. Originally from SA and a former policeman there, this power house was the oldest on the road and his determination and courage is fantastic. Here he is pictured with the gorgeous beautiful Renee.
The lovely Lyn did not stop smiling and is one of the most positive people I have ever met. She is pictured here on the left with Jan and I after the most gruelling leg of our ride. Thanks girls for getting me through.
Scott is on the Board of Hands and one of the kindest people I have met. He was only just getting over pneumonia when the ride started but still found time to help and support everyone else.
Chris from Cairns is hysterical and very kinds and gives the best hugs when most needed.
Also could not have got through with the lovely Trevor (Trev the Rev) - another very interesting and kind man. Shame about the 80s tunes. Will have to upgrade your playlist for you if you do the ride again!
Andrew (pictured here with Kelly) is from Perth and his lovely wife Gabe would be waiting for us at the orphanage where she had been working for a few days.
Scott is on the Board of Hands and one of the kindest people I have met. He was only just getting over pneumonia when the ride started but still found time to help and support everyone else.
Chris from Cairns is hysterical and very kinds and gives the best hugs when most needed.
Andrew (pictured here with Kelly) is from Perth and his lovely wife Gabe would be waiting for us at the orphanage where she had been working for a few days.
There was also my other lovely "roomy" on the first night, the intrepid Erin from Brisbane, who is great company and dances on her bike as she cycles along!
The other lovely girl from Brisbane is Catherine, who is a little camera shy but here she is in the tuktuk in the Bangkok!
Last but not least was Woot, who also works at Ban Home Hug. He had limited English but never stops smiling, was a very strong rider and was official photographer on the ride. I look forward to seeing all his shots.
Thanks to all you extraordinary people for your love and support. Now heading to the last day with my new family!
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