Two men have cycled the world’s ‘toughest bike ride’ to raise £175,000 for a water project in Africa.
Habib Khan, 38, a development worker at Beeston’s Hamara Centre, and 24-year-old Adil Hussain, from Harehills, cycled almost 500km in six days from Vietnam to Cambodia.
Their journey took them from Ho Chi Minh City to Angkor Wat, through rice-paddies and rainforests, past stunning rural regions and ruins of ancient civilisations, via Buddhist temples and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
The pair underwent a punishing training schedule to prepare themselves for the trip across the two formerly warring South East Asian countries.
Habib, who has three children, said: “I’m shattered, and my body has gone, but it was 100 per cent worth it. We did 50km the first day, 90km the second day, and it got more and more difficult.
“The heat was really tough. But the people were so warm and welcoming. Kids were running out and giving us high fives, and the views were amazing.
“There were a few bruises, but we went through the pain barrier. The views, the people and the team spirit kept us going. It was physically and mentally exhausting, but it was by far the best thing I have ever done.”
Adil appeared in the YEP earlier this year when he and two other North Leeds pals climbed the 5,900m-high Mount Kilimanjaro, raising £110,000 for the same charity project.
Habib, Adil and their teammates have already raised £175,000 in pledges. for Islamic Relief’s Water4Life projects in West Africa. To donate visit www.islamic-relief.org.uk
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