TRAVERSE Issue 02 - October 2017 | Page 67

the tracks. The simplicity was beauti- ful as they moved around using their chin and body to drive the propelling lever. The process was fascinating. While the older people made do with their lot, going about business like life was good ... is good! It was during these periods of reflection that we experienced the energy from the local kids. Every chance they had to get a high five or even a wave hello was taken, it was so reviving. Many would even run beside us, their laughter fill- ing the air as they got close. A simple thumbs up enough to bring joy and excitement to both child and rider. Nearing the end of the ride we stopped at a café and were given an option before eventually finish- ing where we had started; to take a paved or unpaved road. Considering what we’d rid- den throughout the day I knew unpaved was the road to take and Dave agreed. We made our way down the last dirt road for the day and made it back to the garage in one piece. Greeted by the company's owner we shared a well-earned drink with our guides. While chatting we were told that our ride back into town would be on an old retro style bike and side car. The ride back was slow, yet a lot of fun. TRAVERSE 67 A great way to end our ‘adventure’. An adventure that started with fear, replaced with a myriad of emotions, and ended with great delight. I guess that’s Vietnam ... VP