Sheree rides through Thailand

Hands Across the Water is an Australian, New Zealand and Thai charity set up by Peter Baines, a former NSW Police Officer sent to Thailand following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. One of their most well known fundraising events is the Business Blueprint Hands Ride, which SWAG Director Sheree has just completed. Here’s what Sheree had to say:

“We did it! 66 riders rode 500 km in 5 days, in temperatures well above 40 degrees. We were pretty much off the beaten track in Thailand, riding along breathtakingly beautiful beaches and through picturesque countryside. There were hills to climb, temples to visit, and friends to be made.

It was challenging but made achievable by the fantastic support from Tour De Asia, who set up our route and provided the bikes, sunscreen and refreshments at every stop to keep us at our best, and the generosity and care of fellow riders who encouraged and educated us novice riders, and stayed by our sides. It was truly a team effort.

We visited the slums of Bangkok and the houses being built there by Hands Across the Water. We took a rather perilous bus ride to meet a group of boys at another Hands home, and planted teak trees with them.

We were joined by Peter Baines on the last day of the ride, who took us to the temple where it all began for him, before riding in to Baan Tham Namchai to meet the children. It was very emotional, seeing their excited faces, giving them hugs , learning their names and giving gifts. The children entertained us with song and dance and we joined them for both lunch and dinner, with the best still to come when they joined us at our hotel for a pool party the next day. It was so much fun!

A heartfelt thanks to all who supported me on the ride and for the contribution they have made to the children of Hands Across the Water. If this is something you think you might like to be a part of next year, please give me a call.”

Sheree