Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the poverty of Cambodia but feeling the country's resilience and sense of hope as it improves from the decades of horror and misrule. The youthful population is looking forward, not back. In Phnom Penh's Genocide Museum are photos of many victims. In their eyes you see fear but also defiance, innocence and, occasionally, hope. Those people are gone but the strength of their spirit lives in the new generation. May it find the leadership and community spirit to accelerate the current progress.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wasan was a very capable and upbeat leader, always smiling and always on top of the details. He had to handle several traveler emergencies and illnesses and always did so with poise. A good source of information, particularly about Thailand (his home country). His English is good. One suggestion: replace the small electronic megaphone (used by Wasan and the local guides) with something more robust! Or just speak up! That megphone, unless used well, distorts rather than clarifies.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be ready for some fairly demanding first days of cycling, several covering 70 to 90 kilometers. Though flat, it is a lot of time in the saddle, and our group was often battling a strong wind. Retiring to the "sag wagon" is no dishonor and can be a smart move to avoid stressed muscles or joints. I second Katy's wise advice to test your anti-malarial before you go -- if it is a bad fit for you, the side effects can be disabling. Be prepared with plenty of sunscreen. This is the tropics, after all! I was surpised to see my fair-skinned British companions exposing themselves, unprotected. Admittedly, as a redhead, I am a bit paranoid about melanoma.
Suggestions
The local guides are all enthusiastic and helpful but vary in level of English proficiency and ability to be heard. All could be more useful by giving a more organized overview of their country and culture. Some are too repetitive, lacking sufficient prepared content. With some focus by the leadership, this can all be fixed.