The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Grand Tour of Vietnam--2018

January 10th to January 29th

Ride Coordinator: Albert Balingit
Report by: Terri Keppler

This tour was marvelous and I highly recommend it! Lasting twenty days, we began in the city of Hanoi and finished in Ho Chi Minh city; a route that took us through bustling cities and villages, up challenging passes into the Central Highlands (stunning views), and down lush mountainsides. We wove through the MeKong delta with it’s many bridges and rivers, and along spectacular coastline and cliffs with outstanding views of the ocean. Along the way we experienced the lovely diversity of Vietnam: it’s people, countryside, history, and scenery. We pedaled 528 miles and climbed over 13,000 feet.

We were twenty-eight people, a mix of Americans and Canadian, and all different levels of riding ability. Whether someone was a seasoned rider or fairly new though, we all brought great enthusiasm to every mile. The cold lemonade with a touch of salt helped too (thanks PedalTour crew!).

After our first meeting in Hanoi everyone hopped in a personal rickshaw and had a tour of the Old French Quarter. The flow of bicycles, cars, trucks, motorbikes, buses, and people moving at such a rapid pace was thrilling and impressive (lots of honking but everyone gives and takes space). Arriving at Rue Lamblot, we had our first meal together and afterwards, it was back to our hotel for much needed rest. The next day we flew from Hanoi to Hue where we enjoyed a tour of the city and got our bikes fitted. Cycling began the following day. It was a bit cool and temperatures stayed cool for the first 5 days (50-60 degrees) but became warmer and more humid as we traveled south.

Along the way, smiling children called “Hello!” from their houses or yards or as they walked and biked from school. We happily returned the greetings, feeling so welcomed. There are many domesticated animals in Vietnam and there were daily sightings of cows, water buffalo (usually near rice paddies), pigs, chickens, goats, dogs, and a few cats.

The land is also rich with farming and lush green rice paddies stretch for miles. Local farmers wearing traditional circular sun hats work row upon row of luscious vegetables. Which explains why the food is absolutely sumptuous. Breakfasts were usually a huge buffet of traditional Vietnamese as well as bakery items and western choices. Lunches and dinners would usually include freshly caught fish (a staple in Vietnam), lots of vegetables and spices, noodles, rice, spring rolls, and more. No one left the table hungry and special attention was given to vegetarians and vegans.

Vendors abound throughout the country, selling their wares in cities, villages, and along the road. Handmade items, fresh vegetables, and fresh meats are for sale everywhere.

The accommodations on this trip were excellent, consisting of hotels and resorts, many with beautiful gardens, pools, and with stunning views.

Our guides, Hoang and Ho, were very informative about the culture and history of Vietnam. They gave presentations on the bus and planned visits to museums and historical sites, temples, boat rides, musical performances, special meals, and even introduced us to local Vietnamese people. Our bus driver Mr. Phat, our mechanic Mr. Phuc, and the truck driver Mr. Tuan were outstanding! They assisted with directions, marking the road with turns, taking our bikes when we came to a rest stop or finished for the day, and giving us the much appreciated lemonade.

This was the second time that Albert Balingit (our ride coordinator) and his wife Jacquie Duerr led this ride for PedalTours. They were a delightful couple, always available and helpful, making sure things ran smoothly. Albert is quite the dancer and Jacquie is a good mountain climber!

I will always remember this tour and always be grateful for each smile I was given, delicious bite of food I ate, and mile of country I witnessed . Thank you BAC and PedalTours!