F&A Cycling: Biker's Physiques and "Big Ring U"

Far and Away Cycling

......your passport to adventure

August 8, 2007

In This Issue

Big Ring "U" in Lao PDR

"Send a Friend" mailed!

Flight Deals

Air France and United Airlines announced sales YESTERDAY that may get you too a Far and Away tour at a reasonable price. For example, the Air France fare from Washington DC to Bastia (for "Le Beast") is $1100. The United fare from Washington DC to Bangkok (for "Lao - Journey Back in Time") is also $1100.

Air France

United

Vietnam

Water Puppets and "The Tonkinese Alps"

Now is the time to sign on for November's Vietnam tour. This will be the first time in Vietnam for Far and Away.

The tour starts and ends in Hanoi, famous for its "Water Puppet Theatre". Our ride is in the area Northwest of Hanoi and and takes in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains which the French dubbed "The Tonkinese Alps". The 2000 meter Tram Ton pass is pictured at the top.

Who's Going

Dear Robert,

The New York Times recently had a great article, The Bicycling Paradox: Fit Doesn't Have to Mean Thin. It really is difficult to judge the strength of a rider by their physique and/or age.

I used to consider Far and Away tours "for experienced cyclists" only. I have learned better. People who I could not have imagined would have enjoyed a tour, have done very well. I have learned that the best thing to do is describe the tours and then let people judge the fit between their abilities and the tours for themselves. Much more important than cycling experience is attitude. Sure, it helps to be 25, have no body fat and be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but if that is not you, does that mean you can't do a challenging tour? No way.

The youngest on our tours has been in their early 20's and the oldest over 70. We have had experienced racing types as well as virtual first timers. I would still say the tours are plenty challenging even for experienced people, but I would no longer say to anyone, "you can't". The truth is almost anyone who really wants to, can.

All the best,

PS - If this email does not render properly, try

THIS

A New School for Ban Van Thang Village

Howard (aka "Big Ring") Stauffer, who was on the last Lao Tour, has lined up funds to help build a school in Ban Vang Thang (BVT) Village which is on our route in Northwest Laos. BVT is on the road between Pak Beng and Odomxai. Those who have been on the tour, will remember this as a beautiful area but without electricity or much other infrastructure. Howard has teamed up with Ken Phet, our local rep, to make it all happen.

Plans have been drawn up to build a cement and wood structure big enough for 150 kids. It will replace the dirt floored single-room school pictured above.

I will have more in the future as this project progresses. We will, of course, drop in when in Laos. It is VERY exciting to see this project moving forward.

"Send a Friend" letters mailed out.

If you are an existing customer and I have an up-to-date address for you, you should have received some "$100 off" business cards in the mail.

If you did not get these or you would like more, send me a note and I will you get asap. It's a good way to reduce the price of your (and your friend's) next adventure.

Also, you don't have to be a customer to take advantage of this.

More info..

Far and Away Cycling
571-275-2814
travel@farandawaycycling.com