AFTER 10 tough days mountain biking in extreme humid and wet conditions throughout South East Asia, the Mark Hughes Foundations trekkers are home.
Mark Hughes, Danny Buderus, Paul Harragon and Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes were among the group of 22 men who took part in the Men's Vietnam to Cambodia endurance challenge to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer.
Mr Hughes, a brain cancer survivor and ambassador, said he arrived back home in Newcastle on Monday, October 21, from an "unforgettable experience."
"Just the way the guys all came together - from all walks of life - for a common cause and a goal and the way we just attacked it, no matter what was thrown at us," he said.
The riders covered 532 kilometres with 27 hours on the bike. Their biggest day covered was 120 kilometres, riding across a mixture of mud, dirt and slippery rock and pavement.
"We had lots of different things to deal with and lots of blokes came off the bikes at different times due to these conditions. But everyone got back up and kept going," he said.
It was remarkable to see the local culture, eat local food and experience the kindness of the people.
"We came across a lot of people that didn't have much but their smiles and happiness and contentment - that's something you take back with you and realise you don't need everything.
"You just need your family and to be happy," he said.
"We rode in some remote areas through these villages where people said they hadn't ever seen a white man before.
"They were just so happy and friendly and welcoming, and I don't think any of us will ever forget that."
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the ride was a real challenge and the heat and humidity were "truly debilitating".
"... and on another level to anything I have encountered before," he said.
Mr Hughes said a highlight of the trip was tracing Australia's war history in Vietnam.
"We had a memorial service and that was really nice," he said.
Collectively, the group has raised almost $430,000, just shy of their $450,000 fundraising target.
"We've had some great local sponsors as well to help us, we will continue to campaign to get over the line. Thank you to all who donated," he said.
To donate to the Mark Hughes Foundation visit vietnamtocambodiaendurancechallenge.gofundraise.com.au
