A Letter from Marty

Dear All,

So, no more cyclo.

I’m now suffering from Post Cyclo Traumatic Syndrome (PCTS). With  six days to reflect so far I’ve done no reflection at all. My body is getting used to not getting up at dawn and crashing at dusk...and it likes it! 

The trip was awesome, but I can’t say I’m missing the cyclo. It now resides with the kids at the Saigon Children’s Charity. I hope they get some use out of it. It proved remarkably stoic for such a cheap piece of crap.

 My enduring memories of this trip will be the kindness we have received everywhere we have been. Thank-you to all.

It was a bit embarrassing reading the website on the trip as webmaster Steve (great job Steve) kept referring to us as heroes. While Adam actually wears a t-shirt that says "I am a hero", I think that was a bit over the top. Real heroes play in rock n' roll bands.

Some Highlights:

 Crashing Twice: The first crash sent the cyclo and our friend Hai, who was stuck to his motorbike, hurtling across Highway One into a ditch. Afterwards his family invited us over for lunch, dinner, to stay the night, and to share laughs about how Id so very nearly killed their son.

Meeting Slash: After the tragic split of Guns N' Roses some years back many people have wondered whatever happened to master of the axe, Slash. I’m glad to inform you all that he is alive and well working as a chef in a roadhouse somewhere between Thanh Hoa and Vinh. His personal hygiene standards have dropped, but he still plays a mean Mr Brownstone.  Slash can be seen above.  

Hai Van Pass: Just because it was so easy. We did 40km/h up the pass and overtook trucks.

Mr Sau: "My motorbike is like my wife, sometimes I must make love to it." - Gold.

Saigon: Great welcome, some seven million people showed up in town that day. Amazing turn-out. Thanks very much to all.

I have a huge number of people to thank for their help in the past month. Apologies for anyone left out here, I have the memory of a goldfish. Apologies for anyone left out here, I have the memory of a goldfish. Apologies to anyone left out here, I have the memory of a goldfish.

Big thanks to.....

-In Hanoi, all the KOTO crew, especially Steve, Nadine, Jimmy. All at WET tours, all at Culi cafe, all at Barracuda bar, Tony, Lam, Rose and all sponsors, everyone who donated their time - thankyou very much.

-In Ninh Binh the Thuy Anh Hotel.

-Lam, Hai and family in Ha Tinh for extra kindness thanyou very much. Sorry for nearly killing your son. 

-Thanh, Phuong, and all the cyclo and moto boys in Hue for amazing welcome and hospitality.

-Hai, Nick, Duc, Paul, Maralyn, and all in Hoi An.

-Hai Yen Hotel

-Darren, Quinn, and all at Guava Bar in Nha Trang

-Peter and all at Sailing Club in Mui Ne

-Saigon Children’s Charity

-Mr Hoa and friends in Saigon

-Mr Sau for his patience, knowledge, and kindness. and Adam for riding for that 10 minute stint near Nha Trang.

Lastly, I’d like to dedicate the ride to my friend Mike Matsushita. We did it brother.

cheers and thanks,

Marty

Comments

[Van]

Oh dear i wished i knew about you guys when i was in vietnam this summer. so proud of you!

[Sean and Tram]

Well done lads!
Have just heard about your great trip south. Congratulations! My wife and I are in England at present, (wishing we were back inVietnam), and if you are organinsing any similar fundraising activity inthe future we would be very glad to help.
Good luck!
Tram and Sean.

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