|  | See Tim's photo gallery here>> Before he embarked on his bike expedition, the furthest Tim Smith had ridden his cycle was about five miles from Hitchin to Stevenage. So completing a 3,300 journey across seven countries in South East Asia was no mean feat for the 24-year-old Hertfordshire man. The lure of raising cash for the troubled population in Cambodia, plus completing one of the toughest challenges of his life, was ample inspiration for Tim. The former Hitchin Priory School head boy, arrived back in England this week, having endured cycling in both tropical heat of 40°C and strong winds, cold and rain.  I drank 10 litres of water but was still so dehydrated I was unable to eat any dinner without being sick. | Tim Smith |
Before his expedition, Tim travelled to New Zealand to put in essential cycling practice around the South Island, pedalling 1,200 miles. He then worked in Wellington, the capital, for five months to fund his trip. His journey in Asia began in Singapore at the start of October and took him through seven countries before reaching his final destination in Hong Kong. "It was definitely an experience of a lifetime," said Tim, a management sciences graduate. "Most of my time I was cycling through towns and villages which rarely see westerners, and the local people couldn't have been more friendly. I was always shouting out "hello!", waving at little kids and giving impromptu English lessons to teenagers who cycled alongside me!" But the going was not always so pleasant for Tim. "Some days I had to cycle nearly 100 miles to reach the next town before dusk. "Once in Thailand the temperature reached 40° and there wasn't a cloud in sight. I drank 10 litres of water but was still so dehydrated I was unable to eat any dinner without being sick." The tropical temperatures were not to last and in China Tim found himself riding in 5°C through wind and rain, wearing five layers of clothing to stop himself from shivering. | While cycling I had to be careful not to go even a metre or two off the road, as many of the fields haven't been cleared of landmines and unexploded ordnance. | Tim Smith |
Tim's trek was raising money for The Cambodia Trust, which works with the people of the war-torn African country which has immense problems with poverty - the average person earns less than 50 pence a day. The country has been crippled by decades of war, and much of the countryside is littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance. Over 40,000 people are landmine amputees. "Many amputees live and beg on the streets in Phnom Penh, the capital, as there is no work for them in their home towns and villages. While cycling I had to be careful not to go even a metre or two off the road, as many of the fields haven't been cleared of landmines and unexploded ordnance."  | | Tim crossing into Cambodia from Thailand |
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Adrienne Liron, of The Cambodia Trust said: "We are here to enable landmine survivors rebuild their lives again, providing artificial limbs and a helping hand towards employment and self-sufficiency. "We're reliant on donations to keep going and every year it's a struggle for us raise funds, however thanks to our energetic supporters, like Tim, our work is making a real difference." Tim has raised around £400 so far, and hopes to reach at least £1,000.
To sponsor Tim online visit www.justgiving.com/cycling-se-asia See Tim's photo gallery here>> 
| Chris, Sydney, Australia | Sunday, 11-Apr-2004 15:48:00 BST | | | Tim, I like to thanks you on behalf of all the cambodian that are suffering. You are very brave and has a good heart for all the combodian that been suffering. Actually myself was born in Cambodia and i knew how the war has effect alot of family and the country itself. If everyone have the same heart as you, Cambodia would be a better place to live like it used to be. I definately sponsor you. |
| Gwilym Gibbons, Kilberry | Wednesday, 03-Mar-2004 11:06:43 GMT | | | A man that always goes that extra mile... well done Tim. |
| Nicole and John Hardiment, Isle of Wight | Tuesday, 24-Feb-2004 15:56:41 GMT | | | We cycled on our tandem with Tim for 2 hard days in the mountains of Laos. He is such a cheerful and encouraging person, it was memorable riding with him. Tim we wish you every success with your fundraising and hope to see you again one day. |
| Andrew Bathgate, Quito, Ecuador | Friday, 20-Feb-2004 17:11:09 GMT | | | Wow, what a guy! He must have legs of steel. If only everybody in the world did what Mr Tim Smith did the world would be such a happier place and there would probably not be any war or famine. God bless you Tim! If you ever choose to cycle through South America and are in Quito I'll buy you a beer! |
| Claire Thomas, London | Wednesday, 18-Feb-2004 12:35:15 GMT | | | Brilliant-what an effort. Definitely will sponsor. |
| Rachel Brenneman, Colorado, USA | Wednesday, 18-Feb-2004 15:56:38 GMT | | | I have met this extraordinary man and he is just as amazing as portrayed in the article. What a beautiful and true story!! Hats off to you Tim. |
| Pete Cuff, London | Tuesday, 17-Feb-2004 18:07:57 GMT | | | That is the most selfless act I have ever heard of. If I ever met Mr. Smith, I would listen intently to the experiences and knowledge gained by his extraordinary act. |
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