Frequently asked questions
Challenge Questions
 Who can Participate?
How much will it cost me to join the Challenge?
Who is the tour Operator?
What level of fitness is required?
How much spending money do I need?
What happens if I can't cycle the full distance each day?
Can I take my own bike?
What do I need to bring?
What about Insurance?
How far will I have to cycle each day?
How will I reach my fundraising goal?
How will my fundraising help?
How is the trip funded?
Will people think they are sponsoring me to take a subsidised holiday?
How do I register to join the team Parkinson's challenge and make a difference?
How can I find out more?
Who can Participate?
The Challenge is ideal for anyone committed to personal development and with a desire to help others. It will appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Individuals, teams, corporate's, families and friends can all become part of the Challenge Team.
A reasonable level of fitness is required, plus loads of enthusiasm and a little time dedicated to fundraising and training. The Challenge will bring together like-minded people who share common goals and values.
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How much will it cost me to join the Challenge?
The cost to each individual participant is ONLY their $550 registration fee (non-refundable), which secures their place, and includes a Welcome Kit, support materials and access to a fundraising mentor.
The additional requirement is that each individual participant fundraise a minimum of $6,000. This covers the balance of the trip costs, with approximately 60% of funds raised going directly to support the work of Parkinson’s Victoria. All funds raised over and above $6,000 increases the contribution to the work of Parkinson’s Victoria.
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Trip Questions
Who is the tour Operator?
World Expeditions is one of the world’s original adventure travel companies, starting in 1975, and was the first to pioneer cycle touring through Vietnam back in 1992. Over time, they have evolved into one of the leading authorities in the field of adventure travel.
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What level of fitness is required?
There’s a reason this event is called a Challenge! However, while there are some challenging parts to the cycling component, all participants are fully supported with an assistance vehicle (where you can take a break any time), professional, experienced leaders, and a luggage transport vehicle (so all you have to carry on your bike is your day pack).
As long as you have a reasonable level of fitness - and with some prior training and preparations - you’ll be able to make the most of this amazing experience.
Information and training tips will also help with pre-trip preparations.
Above all, remember this is an adventure holiday, not the Tour de France! The level of cycling required and the route has been tailored accordingly.
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How much spending money do I need?
During the organized components of the Challenge trip, you won’t need much money at all (as most expenses will have been covered already). Around $10 a day should be sufficient, but of course this will depend on the individual!
On “free days” (not covered by your trip costs) around $50 and upwards should easily cover additional activities you’d like to do, meals, drinks and souvenirs.
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What happens if I can't cycle the full distance each day?
A support vehicle accompanies the participants at all times. If you feel you need a break, you just need to let the Challenge leader know. However, we encourage you to challenge yourself to do as much cycling as you can to get the most out of the experience.
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Can I take my own bike?
World Expeditions Vietnamese agents advise us that local customs can make it very difficult for foreigners to bring their own bicycles into the country. As such we do not recommend Challenge participants bring their own bikes.
You may also be subject to additional duties, which could make it a costly decision. Finally, there can be difficulties carrying the bike on the train journey from Hanoi to Hue.
The bikes supplied by World Expeditions are 21-speed, aluminium frame with hand brakes and a water bottle holder. They are more than suitable for the level of cycling and terrain that the Challenge entails.
For safety reasons, cycle helmets are included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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What do I need to bring?
When packing be aware that dress standards in Vietnam (and South East Asia) are extremely conservative and you should dress accordingly.
Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate (there is no need to pack a fleece or waterproof top as the weather stays hot/warm into the evenings). For more information please click here. 
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What about Insurance?
Current comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of the acceptance of your booking. The cost of travel insurance does not form part of the advised price and must be paid additionally.
World Expeditions can suggest a preferred insurer and will make available the policy document with your pre departure information. Alternatively you may source your own insurance.
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How far will I have to cycle each day?
Average daily cycling distances are approximately 60 -100 km's.
You can expect to be cycling up to seven hours a day at a slow but steady pace in hot and very humid conditions.
Some days may involve longer cycle times, depending upon the conditions and the speed of the group. The roads are not always sealed and can be uneven and rocky.
Occasionally, you will encounter busy roads which will require all participants to take great care and attention. This trip should never be misinterpreted as an easy trip…this is a challenge!
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Fundraising Questions
How will I reach my fundraising goal?
With the help of our Fundraising Mentor, you’ll develop a fundraising and awareness raising program to get you started. The fundraising program will be tailored to suit your personality, time commitments and network.
While the fundraising part might seem challenging, once you start the support and momentum builds, and you’ll find the experience incredibly rewarding, especially when you reach your goals! The list of activities and ideas is limited only by your imagination. We’ll also provide you with a comprehensive Fundraising Kit with loads of ideas!
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How will my fundraising help?
There are currently 80,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s. 25 Australians are diagnosed every day of the year.
Parkinson’s Victoria provides services and support to reduce the impact of Parkinson’s on individuals, families and the community. These services include comprehensive information, education, counselling, research, advocacy and a network of 47 support groups across Victoria.
Funds raised from the Challenge will enable Parkinson’s Victoria to continue to provide and develop vital services and support.
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How is the trip funded?
The Team Parkinson’s Challenge is a discounted trip offered by our partner World Expeditions. The sponsorship level we ask Challengers to raise (as a minimum) is based on the package price that World Expeditions has arranged.
You should explain to sponsors that you are making a personal contribution towards your trip costs (non-tax deductible) and that a percentage of the money you raise will pay for the remaining costs.
The balance supports the work of Parkinson’s Victoria, which based on $6,000 will be approximately 60%. Of course, if you raise more than this amount, for example $10,000, then the percentage that goes directly to support the work of Parkinson’s Victoria will go up accordingly, around 75% in this case (the trip cost stays the same)!
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Will people think they are sponsoring me to take a subsidised holiday?
Not when they understand the concept and the commitment you’ve made and the time you’re dedicating to fundraising for Parkinson’s!
The Team Parkinson’s Challenge could not really be considered a holiday. You will be training for the months prior to your event to get fit AND raising thousands of dollars for Parkinson’s Victoria, and then, undertaking a real physical challenge. All of these elements take time, effort and commitment.
The Team Parkinson’s Challenge is designed to be a rewarding experience that will challenge participants in a variety of ways, including staying motivated, pushing yourself physically and mentally, and being an Ambassador for Parkinson’s. Some will be challenged by the days of bike riding, the basic facilities in remote areas and the high temperatures of Vietnam.
Others will be challenged by moving outside their comfort zone, the amount of pre-planning required or simply by the experience of doing so much for others.
The Challenge trip will be “hard work” in many ways, in what will be challenging, unusual and sometimes difficult environments – without many of the comforts of home. That would not correspond to most people’s definition of a holiday.
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How do I register to join the team Parkinson's challenge and make a difference?
That’s easy! Just click here
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How can I find out more?
That’s easy too. Click here
OR
Learn more about the Challenge and the Cause at an information session. On the night you’ll meet our fundraising mentor, some of the team at World Expeditions and staff from Parkinson’s Victoria, as well as people living with Parkinson’s.
To RSVP to our information session please contact our challenge coordinator Chris Harrison ph: 0423 780 716.
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