Between plans, mishaps, and the scent of pepper

It's early morning in Phnom Penh. The city doesn't wake up slowly—it jumps into the day. Motorcycles flood the streets, vendors hawk fruit and breakfast soups, and somewhere in between, our first official day of touring begins.

Since traffic in Phnom Penh is too chaotic and dangerous for novice scooter riders—especially in a group of 17 people—it was clear from the outset that we would not be starting our two-wheeled journey in the capital. Instead, our tour begins with a group bus trip south to Kampot, a charming provincial town on the river that will be the starting point for the first leg of our journey.

Responsibility packaged – help along the way

Before we set off, however, there is something important on the agenda:
The aid we have brought with us is being prepared for onward transport.

  • 15 wheelchairs,

  • several thousand pairs of glasses for the Augenlicht project,

  • and 20 laptops for the Kandieng Sustainable School

are packed, loaded, and divided up: some go to Pursat, others to Battambang, where they will later be handed over—directly and personally.

These moments, when donations become destinations, are more than just logistics. They are quiet reminders of why we are here in the first place.

On the road – Cambodia in passing

The bus ride takes us through a different Cambodia – away from the sights and tourist routes. Along National Highway 3, we pass numerous textile factories, where some of the clothing sold in Europe is probably produced.

Large halls, often plain, sometimes with groups of uniformed workers taking a break on the premises or going to work. The scene seems ordinary—and yet it makes you think: about global supply chains, production conditions, and our own role as consumers.
Fundriding also means being attentive on the road—not only to what is directly in front of us, but also to what lies behind it.

Scooter approaching – not quite as planned

While we are on the road, the logistics for our vehicles are running in parallel in the background.
Because it was planned from the outset that the scooters would not be handed over in Phnom Penh, but only in Kampot.
Our Cambodian guide David organized the transport of the 20 large-wheel scooters from Battambang with two pickup trucks—a journey across the country, covering several hundred kilometers.

But as is so often the case in Cambodia, not everything goes according to plan. One of the pickups breaks down with engine trouble. The scooters arrive in Kampot significantly late—too late to carry out the driver safety training as planned today. We'll make up for that tomorrow. Today, it's all about patience—and a little more time to settle in.

Arrival in Kampot – new faces, first encounters

In Kampot, we meet other important members of our team:

  • Phalla, our second Cambodian guide—calm, experienced, attentive.

  • Chan Bunna, our tour doctor, friendly and ready for anything from insect bites to first aid.

  • And our van driver, who will safely maneuver the support vehicle through Cambodian traffic.

In the evening, we sit together on the banks of the Praek Tuek Chhu and enjoy the sunset by the river.
Tomorrow, the first stage of our journey on two wheels begins—with the wind in our hair, new encounters, and the next installment of adventure.

Stay tuned—and help out!

Even though the first day of riding is still a long way off, the journey has already begun.
In our minds, in our hearts, in the logistics.
And above all: in the shared idea of making a difference with this tour.

If you would like to support our mission, you can do so right here:
👉 Donate and get involved: www.fundriding.de/spenden

Every donation helps—in a concrete, transparent, and sustainable way.