Twenty intrepid cyclists from Jersey have swapped the island’s green lanes for the bustling backroads of Southeast Asia, embarking on the Road to Angkor Wat challenge to raise funds for Maison des Landes. The demanding route stretches for 500km across Vietnam and Cambodia, weaving through lush paddy fields, buzzing villages, and poignant historical landmarks, offering participants both breathtaking views and sobering lessons in resilience.
The challenge had been undertaken in support of Maison des Landes, in its mission to provide respite breaks for caregivers. We caught up with Sam Healey, one of the cyclists taking part in the challenge, to find out more about the memorable, emotional and occasionally comical moments of their journey so far.
“Our funniest (but it really shouldn’t be!) moment happened when one of our group took a sharp corner a little too enthusiastically,” Sam Healey recalled. “They clipped the edge of a low bridge and were projected over the edge, plunging 15 feet into a murky river. Thank goodness they were unharmed. Once we knew all was okay – apart from a few big bruises – we all found it very amusing… we all heard the cry out on the way down…”
Beyond the humorous highlights, the group has been moved by the people and landscapes they’ve encountered. The Vietnamese countryside proved to be one of these, with small paths winding through vibrant paddy fields and local rice factories. Cycling through the backroads and villages felt like stepping into another world: “children would run out to greet us, happily shouting ‘Hello!’ as we went on our way”.
The route hasn’t been without its heavier moments. In Cambodia, the group visited the Studio 21 Museum, a site that once housed Tuol Sleng, the infamous Khmer Rouge prison. Here, thousands of innocent Cambodians, many of them educated professionals, were tortured and executed during Pol Pot’s regime. “It was deeply moving and upsetting,” Sam said. “Out of 18,000 prisoners, only seven survived. We all bought a book written by a 93-year-old survivor.”
Despite the emotional weight of some experiences, the challenge has united the group in their shared purpose. Each pedal stroke not only brings them closer to the iconic Angkor Wat temple but also raises crucial funds to support Maison des Landes. This charity-run hotel offers people with disabilities and their carers a unique opportunity to enjoy a stress-free holiday tailored to their needs.
To find out more about their journey, or to donate to the fundraiser, click here.
