Vietnam Swans

Recruit a Swannie. Today! Artwork by Ross McRae Design.

With the much heralded string of recent departures, the Swannies are again recruiting in earnest.

Attached is a poster encouraging Wannabee Swannies, from the north to the south, to join the Club, There is also a number of upcoming events listed on the poster that will be distributed around town, published in the Word magazine and included in the next Auscham newsletter.

Alas, already the calendar of events is already out of date. More have been added in just the last couple of days. That’s the thing about the Swannies: the rolling momentum of the Club always has us moving forward.

So, recruit a Swannie. Today!

For enquiries, speak to your nearest Swannie or email the Saigon, Hanoi or National Presidents.

Artwork is by Ross McRae Design. Ah McRae, you’ve done it again!

Next Saturday is Pie Night (Day) for Saigon Auskick. And the big kids in the Swannies must be asking, “When’s our Pie Night?”

Kev Hornblower and Mark Stennett, resident Swannies and Saigon Auskick Gurus have just announced a cunning plan for the Auskickers: a Pie Night next Saturday afternoon!

This Saturday, 22 June, marks the end of midyear break for Auskick and we are going to celebrate with a traditional Aussie “Pie Night” (in the Daytime) for the kids.

Auskick is on at 10.00 am as usual at the AIS / ACG campus in District 2. Then we’d like to invite all Auskick kids and parents to Al Frescos in D2 (Xuan Thuy) where we’ll treat the kids to a pie , ice cream and a soft drink to celebrate their achievements thus far.

Saigon Auskick will provide the kid’s food free .

Parents are welcome to enjoy a wide selection of food and beverages from our great sponsors, Al Fresco’s .

Siblings (non-auskick kids) are welcome to participate for 100,000 which includes a Pie, Ice-cream and Soft drink.

Please RSVP (Auskickers and non-Auskickers) by email to saigonauskick@gmail.com before the end of today so we have numbers for catering.

Golf Life Tours is a Silver Sponsor of the Vietnam Swans and wants to raise money for charity at next year’s ANZAC Friendship Match.

The Vietnam Swans are delighted to confirm that Golf Life Tours is now a Silver Sponsor of the Vietnam Swans. Golf Life Tours’ sponsorship is locked in for the balance of 2013 and it has every intention of renewing the sponsorship in 2014.

Golf Life Tours was co founded by former resident Swannie, Phil Jordan (who became a proud father with Laurey earlier this month).

Phil lived and worked in tourism for many years over here in Vietnam and Indochina. He has teamed up with Patrick “Paddy” Kelly, a licenced golfing professional.

Together, the two of them opened Golf Life Tours last year. Not surprisingly, given their unique skills set, Golf Life Tours specialises in offering tailored golfing tours to Vietnam that combine holiday experience with golfing experience.

National President of the Vietnam Swans, Phil Johns, said that the Golf Life Tours sponsorship was especially pleasing for several reasons.

“The Golf Life Tours’ sponsorship is an endorsement of the Club”, said Johns. “Phil Jordan already knows and understands our Club from the inside and, because of that, he wants his new business to be associated with our Club.

“In addition”, continued Johns, “Golf Life Tours wants to support the charities that the Vietnam Swans are associated with: Swim Vietnam and the Vung Tau Orphanage”.

But there is also a strategic angle that particularly interests Johns with the Golf Life Tours sponsorship:

“In 2014, Golf Tours Tours will run a golf tour from Australia which will be scheduled to coincide with the 2014 ANZAC Friendship Match in Vung Tau. Golf Life Tours will be promoting the ANZAC Friendship Match to help fill their tour – and in the process raise money for Swim Vietnam and the Vung Tau Orphanage.”

“This is a ‘Nguyen-Nguyen’ situation for the charities, veterans, the Swannies and Golf Life Tours.”

The spring loaded Phil Jordan at the 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match will organise a Golf Life Tours trip that will include next year’s ANZAC Friendship Match.

Golf Life Tours’ 2014 ANZAC Tour: 21 April-2 May

From 21 April to 2 May, Golf Life Tours will run a tour through Vietnam that includes golf, travel – and the ANZAC Dawn Service at the Long Tan Cross on 25 April. The ANZAC Friendship Match will be played the following day.

Golf Life Tours has confirmed that “for every booking on this trip, we will give $100 per person to Swim Vietnam AND for every booking where people mention ‘Swannies’ at the time of booking we will give $50 to the Vung Tau Orphanage”.

So, please support our new sponsor, Golf Life Tours and help spread the word as they spread the word about Vietnam, ANZAC Day and our ANZAC Friendship Match!

For further information on the 2014 ANZAC Golf Trip

• Download Golf Life Tour’s ANZAC DAY 2014 Preliminary Itinerary (includes 2014 ANZAC Friendship Match and McMillan Dinner)
• Email former resident Swannie, Phil Jordan for further information at phil@golflifetours.com

Phil Jordan’s Top 5 Travel Tips for Saigon & Surrounds

1. War Remnants Museum
2. Mekong Delta Day Trip
3. Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip
4. Long Tan, Nui Dat, Vung Tau Day Trip (“It took me many years of living in SE Asia before I visited these sites and it was only through playing Aussie Rules Football with the Vietnam Swans that I made the visit.”)
5. Walk along Dong Khoi Street

To read the full details, click onto Phil Jordan’s Top 5 for Saigon & Surrounds.

Reflection

Yesterday, the Vietnam Swans’ new captain in Saigon, Bill Crang, officially took over from former captain, Dukesy. Today, the Swannies announce the new Golf Life Tours’ sponsorship.

As the Village People once sung, “You can’t stop the Swannies’ momentum. No body can stop the Swannies’ momentum…”

Go you Swannies and Golf Life Tours.

The Shinboner has reportedly told Billy that,”Dukesy has gone back there; to the land of the long flat white. Now, you must lead the Swannies”.

Today marks the beginning of a new era for the Vietnam Swans with Bill Crang formally assuming Saigon’s Captaincy and National’s Co Captaincy (with David “SOS” Skowronski from Hanoi).

Billy succeeds Luke “Dukesy” Creamer who returned to Melbourne last night where he is expected to live happily ever after with his lovely wife, Pia and imminent new-born, and his good friend, the Shinboner (Natty Payne) who nowadays lists the long flat white as his beverage of choice.

Meanwhile, the highly disciplined Cranger has already begun turning up the heat on confirmations and recruitment in preparation for this year’s 14th Annual Asian Championships which will be held in Thailand on 17 August 2013. In the previous two years, the Swannies have made it to the semi finals.

Some of the big names to have already confirmed their presence at this year’s Champs include Nick Shiells, the Milner brothers (Nathan and Sean), Damo Ballantine, Josh Daly, David Skowronski and Kev Hornblower. Dave O’Shea, who will relocate to Jakarta just three weeks prior to the Asian Champs has confirmed that he will be available to play for the Vietnam Swans (the rules of the Champs stipulate that, to be eligible, a player must have been a former resident of the country they are playing for).

Meanwhile, the recruitment drive lifted a notch in Saigon on the weekend with the arrival of a very fit and skilled Josh Leary from Frankston. And, we are now tracking down a 5′ 3″ fit American who is reportedly very keen to play some Aussie Rules.

Again, everyone at the Vietnam Swans, past and present, congratulate Bill Crang on his richly deserved appointment which also add a touch of excitement to the Swannies.

Do you want to join the Vietnam Swans as a player or a social member? You need to!

• In Saigon, contact Bill Crang
• In Hanoi, contact David Skowronski

Update from EAAFL Website: Jakarta Bintangs thump “very undermanned” Singapore Wombats: 151 to 35pts.

The Vernon’s monthly newsletter on the Vung Tau Orphanage. Above, Huyen with her lanyard.

Ron and Ailsa Vernon have returned to Australia after spending a number of months in Vung Tau helping at the Vung Tau Orphanage and being such an important part of the 4th Annual ANZAC Friendship Match.

Below is an extract from their Princess Project Newsletter No. 16.

Hello everybody, we finally made it back to Australia and are getting back into the routine of things at home. We had a very busy and fulfilling time in Vietnam during which we had the pleasure of introducing the students and staff from Burdekin Catholic High School to the Centres for teh Protection of Children (in Vung Tau and Long Hai) and to the interesting and rich culture of Vietnam.

It was especially exciting to watch as Noelle Relf bonded with Huyen, the little girl who the Relf family sponsor. Noelle left her lanyard with Huyen and arranged for a fish tank to be bought for the room Huyen lives in. The fish tank is the centre of attention in the room now and Huyen was proud to show off her lanyard when we visited before we left.

After our visit to the indoor play centre we bought some tables and chairs, teasets, blocks and karaoke keyboard to equip a playroom at the centre for the kids. It has been a great hit and good to see the children having so much fun with their own toys.

…Recently a group of three dentists, two from England and one from Vietnam spent time at both Centres doing much needed dental work on all children. Apparently there was much drilling and extraction done and children were like children the world over, not at all impressed by the gift donated by these generous people. However, it was really an essential service and it is hoped that they will come back and do follow up work. Especially the HIV children who have such strong medications and who have such low immunity need good dental health. The HIV children were the last to be done and all equipment was discarded after use.

Trang Dai, has now left her position as Director of the Centres and has taken up her new role in Social Services. Hopefully she can make a difference through this government department. My Huong is now Director at Long Hai and still very involved in the day to day work especially working with adoption families at P Centre and their sponsorship program.

The Vietnam Swans, an AFL footy team, comprising mostly western expatriates from around the country, have become very special friends of ours in Vietnam. They treat us as family and have taken an interest in our projects in the Ba Ria Vung Tau Province. Following the ANZAC Friendship Match and Gala Dinner, a donation of A$1,025 was made to the Centre which has been used to replace the old blinds at the Long Hai school. They also made a generous donation to the Swim Vietnam Program. We are very grateful to the Swannies for their interest and fellowship.

On ANZAC Day, the patrons at Tommy’s Bar contributed to a generous donation which was used to purchase new cupboards for the Ngo Quyen children to store their belongings . Thanks to Glenn and Trang Nolan organising this fundraiser and for all the generous support and interest they give to the Centre.

Read the full newsletter

To read the full newsletter, click Newsletter No. 16.

You will recall that at the McMillan Dinner on this year’s ANZAC Friendship Weekend, we auctioned a footy signed by Sydney Swans’ superstar, Adam Goodes, for Water Safety Vietnam. We also auctioned a jumper of Adam’s for the Christchurch fundraiser.

Last month, of course, Eddie McGuire made the King Kong gaffe about Goodes. While we knew Goodes was extremely upset, we didn’t really hear from him as to why he was so upset.

Mike Sheehan, in June last year (the year of the Swans’ premiership), interviewed Adam Goodes in Open Mike. In that interview the man who The Age ranked as the 10th most influential person in the AFL (the highest ranked player), speaks about many things including racism in footy. Incidentally, Goodes praises Eddie McGuire for his efforts to stamp out racism in footy.

It’s a fascinating insight into this man and gives a much deeper understanding of what happened last month.

Goodes’ leadership position is most impressive.

Last year, the Sydney Swans’ Fan Development Executive, Mick Martin visited Vietnam. One of the things he mentioned was what a giant of a man Goodes is.

MArtin said that people just gravitate towards Goodes. At pre season, the players all work super hard in the heat. Afterwards, the fans will ask for autographs. Most of the players will sign a few and then escape. But not Goodes. He keeps on signing and signing. He just keeps on putting in.

There is also some discussion about the Sydney Swans’ Bloods culture.

It’s an awesome interview and a fascinating insight into why some people soar on and off the field.

Courtesy of the Club, last night in Saigon, outgoing Skipper, Dukesy, caught up with incoming Skipper, Billy Crang for dinner at Club sponsor, Jaspas.

To ensure the punters didn’t think it was some type of Vietnam Cupid date, Jaspas decorated the intimate corner in Swannies’ colours.

Even though it wasn’t Vietnam Cupid, there was still plenty of love in the air for the Swannies.

Go you Swannies!

On 23 May, 2013, Thanh Nhien News ran an article on Things going swimmingly for Scottish woman in Vietnam.  

The article, which also appeared n its monthly magazine, Vietweek, speaks with Jo Stewart from Swim Vietnam. Swim Vietnam is a beneficiary of several of the Vietnam Swans fund raisers, including the ANZAC Friendship Match.

An abridged version of thge article appears below (click here for original article).

Four sixth graders drowned last week in a hydropower reservoir in central Vietnam.

As tragic as these deaths are, the greater tragedy is how often this happens. Official figures show that more than 6,000 children drown every year in Vietnam, a country with long coastline, numerous rivers and lakes, but apparently few swimmers or qualified swimming instructors.

A woman from Scotland is doing what she can to change this situation, believing swimming lessons for local children as well as adults will go a long way.

“These types of deaths could have been prevented if the children knew how to swim and survive in the water,” said Joanne Stewart, who set up Swim Vietnam in Hoi An five years ago.

Located in the flood-prone province of Quang Nam, the club has taught more than 4,500 children to swim and trained around 120 adults as swimming teachers.

It holds a total of 32 classes each day for children between 6 and 14 years old (Ed’s note: the original article incorrectly states that only 8 classes are held each day. In fact, Swim Vietnam runs 8 classes in 4 venues each day for a total of 32 classes).

“Ideally we like to teach younger children, as the younger we can teach them to swim, the quicker we can protect them from drowning,” Stewart said…

The program was planned for three to six months at the time, but Stewart has managed to find many sponsors around the world and build a Vietnamese management team from local volunteers…

Then two “very important things” happened to the club, she said. The Vietnamese owners of Yaly clothing company in Hoi An built a swimming pool in a primary school for it, and, thanks to an Australian volunteer, the Australian National Body of Swim Teachers (AUSTSWIM) agreed that the club could run AUSTSWIM training courses.

Two of the senior teachers in the club have become the first Vietnamese to complete their training as AUSTSWIM presenters, allowing them to train new people as AUSTSWIM teachers, who are recognized internationally…

Stewart also said that she would love to have the government’s attention to expand the program to other regions.

Read the article in its entirety now!

To read the full, unabridged article:

• Click here for the online version
• Click onto Vietweek 0513 to download the original article in pdf format

Hanoi President, Dan Hopkins (who dislocated his shoulder in this year’s ANZAC Friendship Match), says farewell to the departing 11 Swannies in Saigon.

Dan Hopkins, Hanoi President, sent his farewells to the departing 11 in Saigon last Saturday night on behalf of the northern contingent.

His email was read out on the night by counterpart, Saigon President, Nick Shiells.

Firstly I’m sorry I could not be in Saigon for the Mega Swannies Farewell to be with you all for what will definitely be a great send off for some absolutely awesome Swannies.

Whilst laughing in stitches watching Charlie Chaplin taking his glasses off and cracking the shites about all the talented and long term players leaving (see the Hitler rant), I was thinking also what a great bunch of characters.

We all know what each of the leaving players have brought to the field for the Swannies. Whether it was for a short time or a few years, all of you have been great contributors to the Swans.

To name a few, we have seen the skills and determination of Mighty, Brian and Moggy, the ‘mits’ and leading ability of Revo, the cream and composure of Heater running of the half back line, Dave O’shea’s… um… um… kicking and stuff. And leading us all for the last few years, Dukes, who won everything there is to win and lead us all from the front with his football.

What the Swannies will miss on the field will be matched by what we will miss off it. This Club was made from mates who like to get around each other and enjoy football. All bring their own unique character to wherever they might be; on the ground, at the bar, anywhere. It was good blokes enjoying footy. Throughout the years, as the club has grown bigger and bigger, this has not been lost. You only have to look at the blokes leaving to prove this point. Some real characters who make the Club enjoyable to come to training, to play together and to tour together.

One who stands out and I’d like to personally thank, is Dukes. Such an honest footballer whose reign at the top gave the team confidence and inspired all to reach for the next level while, all the time, keeping it fun and inviting for all comers. You let the football do the talking as I know it’s hard to get too many words out of that mouth. Thank you Luke Creamer one of the great skippers!!!!

As the Hanoi Pres, on behalf of all Hanoians, I would like to say thank you to all the blokes who are leaving and for your efforts for the Club. I wish you all the best for the future in whatever your next adventures are.

Again I wish I could be there for the MSW and to enjoy a few dozen froffies with all. Have a great night.

Until we cross paths next time!

Phil Johns pays tribute to eleven departing Swannies last Saturday and provides a club context for going forward.

Last Saturday night, the Swannies farewelled no fewer than 11 players (one, Marty “Lurch” Beecroft flew out the week before) and five wives in Saigon. Below is an edited extract of National President, Phil Johns’ speech.

“You’re dead to us!”, screams the farewell banner with the names of 11 players and 5 wives who have served this Club selflessly and tirelessly for the last several years… Awkward.

By way of background, the Swannies played our first Asian Champs in 2007. However, it was not until 2010 in Shanghai that we won our first game (two, actually).

The mischievous Shinboner, Natty Payne was best mates with two star Swannies: the recently departed skipper, Monkey and his successor, the recently arrived Dukesy.

Sunday morning in the team’s hotel foyer, Natty persisted that the Club had moved on since Monkey claiming our first ever scalps at the Asian Championships. Eventually, I concurred that Monkey was ‘dead to us’ and that nothing could stop the Swannies juggernaut.

The Shinboner was a happy man. He had his headline. His best mate was ‘dead to us’ and he was all too pleased to tell anyone who gave him time enough to open his mouth. Mischievous in the extreme to such an awesome Skipper of this Club – but at least the Club now had a tagline for all people leaving the Club!

The current crop of departees

Skipper, Dukesy, farewells MIchellin Man, Heater, who played such a major role in the on field performance of the Swannies over the past few years.

There’s Dukesy (and Pia), the man who brought Cool Hand Luke to life out on the footy field; Revo (and Dani), as the Hitler video pointed out, who has ‘his songs and chants’; American Michael and his bandana; the larger than life Mighty (and Asami) who stormed onto the field in Cambodia to announce his arrival to Asian football; Phil Ghasseb the steam roller who was steam rolled earlier in the day by a rampaging American Michael last seen wearing a bandana; Dave O’Shea, who brought footy and a presidency to the people of Binh Duong; Dave Robb (and Anne Marie) who was drawn from rugby to the culture of the Swannies club; the heavily bandaged Michellin Man, Heater, who declared that ‘there is nothing that sticky tape can’t fix’; Irish Brian who would translate Irish John’s wise words in an Australian accent with an Australian twist; and Moggy (and Dani) who famously suggested during last year’s election for Saigon President which had a US style Presidential election flavour to it – “Get over yourselves. It’s just a football club!”.

Contrary to popular belief, these players and their lovely wives are not dead to the Club; they’re more like martyrs. They have done what they can during their time in Vietnam. Now they move on to different paces in the world to support a growing Swannies alumni (and probably do other stuff).

The Club sincerely thanks each of them for their amazing contribution.

Can the Swannies handle such a mega departure?

In terms of the number of players it is unprecedented in this Club’s 10 year history. But you would expect that. The Club is much bigger now than it ever was.

I remember the bus trip back from the Indochina Cup in Phnom Penh, October 2010. It was the farewell tour for Saigon’s first President, Scotty Stacey. A devastating loss and… the Club kicked on.

I remember that tour to Hong Kong in May 2010. It was the farewell tour for former Skipper, Danny Monk, JD (CHF, Jarrod Dean (not the Swannies first Skipper, Jarrod Dale who today leaves a five year post in Tanzania and is now bound for Tashkent in Uzbekistan!)) and “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry”. Again, devastating losses and… the Club kicked on. And, on every measure, it has kicked on more strongly since.

Departures – which feed the Swannies growing alumni – are part of the Swannies landscape. The accompanying challenge of the change here in Vietnam is something we embrace. We have a great stock of quality people, prepared and ready to seize the opportunities presented to them. We also have a great brand and exposure in the community. People talk about this Club. And the more people are talking, the easier it is to recruit new players.

The building blocks of the future

Billy Crang, National Co Captain elect and Andy Glendinning, Coach.

Coach Andy Glendinning has a wealth of high level footy experience back in Western Australia. For the past 10 months, he has been learning about the Vietnam Swans and Asian footy. In the short time he has been here, his development has been really exciting. There is no doubt that his influence and input into the Club will take the Club to the next level and beyond. Watch this space.

Saigon Captain elect and National Co Captain elect, Bill Crang has incredible experience. Billy is the only Swannie to have played in all five ANZAC Matches (including Thailand, 2009) – awesome evidence that being appointed Captain of the Swans is not a decision taken lightly.

Billy’s development as a player on the field and a clubman off the field has been especially significant. One example is that in 2009, the Club wanted to help Billy get to Thailand for the ANZAC Match. We also needed photos of the ANZAC Dawn Service and the weekend. The Club then offered to support Billy’s trip to Thailand with $100 as long as he took some photos. Today, which Swannie tries hardest to get other Swannies to travel? Billy.

Andy and Billy are our two on field leaders. It now falls to the rest of us to get on with the job and actively support them on and off the ground.

Recognise and salute

Again, to the departing players and your ever supporting wives, we salute you for your contributions and we thank you.

Your legacy in Vietnam is our foundation.

Go you Swannies!!!

Auskick – every Saturday from 10am at the AIS / ACG School in District 2, Saigon. All welcome.

Dear Auskickers

We had a great session last week at AIS, D2, Saigon, with a noticeable improvement in the kids’ skill levels which is great to see.

This Saturday we are out at AIS / ACG campus again at the normal time of 10.00 am.

As always please have the kids bring hats, sunscreen and water as well as their red and white Auskick tops for the game.

A few other things to note:

• The AFL have a great Auskick website which is worth a look for both kids and parents.
• The more kids we have participating the better, so, if you know of anyone that might be interested… recruit them and bring them on down.
• Lastly, some advance warning that the mighty Vietnam Swans have another game at RMIT coming up on Saturday 20th July. This time, it will be against a visiting team from Malaysia and we’ll be out there for another great session of Aussie Rules. More information as the date gets closer.

See you all Saturday!

Kev and Mark and the team.

For more information: Email Kevin Hornblower and Mark Stennett at saigonauskick@gmail.com

Garry West-

Garry West-Bail wants to run and cycle from HCMC to Hanoi to raise money for KOTO (Know One Teach One).

On 12 October 2013, Garry will run 25km around HCMC before joining the Swannies for an Auskick clinic at RMIT University.

Afterwards, he will watch the big clash between the Vietnam Swans and the Southern Dragons (Melbourne-based (predominantly) Vietnamese footy club and sister club of the Swannies). The following day Garry will set off for Hanoi.

Gary explains more below, as per the Intrepid Foundation’s website.

I’m planning on running and riding 1,000 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, and I need your help!!

It was Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war that sparked my interest, but it has been the history, culture and the amazing people that has kept me returning over the past 25 years. Through all my visits, my readings and understanding of the country, I knew I wanted to give of myself to the people of Vietnam. Many activities, including volunteering at an orphanage and studying Vietnamese language, have impacted my decision to commit to a fundraising project in support of KOTO.

KOTO is a vocational training organisation for street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. Hundreds of teenagers are given the opportunity to participate in a two-year hospitality course. The results are amazing – transforming their lives and those of their families and community.

As a way of showing my respect for the Vietnamese culture and people, I will be running and cycling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi – a distance of 1000 kms. The trip will take 10 days – running 25 kms and riding 75 kms on average per day.

And this is where I need your assistance! I am hoping to raise a minimum of $36,000 for this extraordinary organisation, which will support 15 youth through KOTO’s two year program. Your donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated and help make an enormous difference in these young peoples lives.

For more information on my mission, please visit Run Koto Run or KOTO.

Background information

• Garry West-Bail’s son, Rohan plays for the Melbourne Football Club. In 2010, Rohan donated one of his jumpers to the Vietnam Swans to auction at our AFL Grand Final Party.
  

  Josh Little presents Melbourne footballer, Rohan Bail, with a Swannies jumper carrying his number, at the 2010 Asian Championships in Shanghai.

• At the October 2010 Asian Championships in Shanghai, Coach Josh Little presented Rohan with a No. 44 Vietnam Swans jumper. Click here for story.
• Back in December of last year, Josh Little met with Garry in Melbourne to discuss ways that the Vietnam Swans could support his initiative. Click here for full story.
• Swannies platinum sponsor, Wide Eyed Tours is a supporter of Garry’s trip to Vietnam.
• The Melbourne Football Club is also a supporter of Garry’s fundraising initiative. It is also a supporter of the Southern Dragons.

Energy intake required to run and cycle from HCMC to Hanoi

Rohan Bail, an AFL footballer with Melbourne, has given his old man a few tips on energy intake for his mega Run KOTO Run campaign. Check out the note below:

“Hey dad, I think you need to do some research on supplement and energy intake for the trip.

Covering 100k+, I’m estimating you’ll lose more than 4kg just in fluid. Therefore, you need to be taking in approx 6L of pure water plus your gatorades and sugary/glycogen drinks.

“As for food, I’ve done a little bit of reading and you’re going to need to be taking in about 200 calories per hour. So we’re talking 1/4 cup dried fruit and fruit and nut bar. A banana with 10 almonds. An English muffin with cream cheese n jam. A protein bar and some strawberries. Slice of banana bread. While wheat crackers and cheese. Two large hard boiled eggs covered in seasoning. A rice cake topped with almond butter etc etc. along with fluid supplements.

“That’s every our! While you’re riding. Not only will this help you get through each day, but you’ll need to load up on natural sugars, fats and carbs at the end of each day to ensure you’re fueled for the next day. We can work on these lists later.

“Sleep will also be really important. You might not have the energy to go sight seeing every night. You might for a night or two but if u want to back up for almost 2 weeks straight, you’re going to need to rest.

Most important of all will be replenishing fuel with food and fluid.”