Location photographer. Getting behind the scenes. Showing off the secret, and not so secret, treasures of the world.
500km Hands Across the Water Thailand bike ride
What it’s like riding 500km through Thailand, in April. One HOT week (or five days).
One day close to Christmas I get a message from my cousin.. ‘today is the last day to sign up’. She is talking about a charity bike ride through Thailand with her business mentoring group. I had expressed interest earlier but was undecided. But this email made something click inside me. I did a few checks to see if I could organise getting my children looked after on those dates and signed up. Eek. I wasn’t sure what I’d just signed up for - but I knew I’d be riding a bike 500km through Thailand. And that I’d be needing to raise $5000 plus pay my $2000 odd fee (not including flights and accommodations before and after the trip) for the privilege.
Guess I’d better dust off my bike then. She had sat in my carport for a few years without being ridden. I checked if it still worked and all but a flat tyre, she was good to go. For the next four months, I’d be getting friendly with my bike. We would spend anywhere from an hour to three with each other at least three times a week. We’d travel the coast, we’d cruise down to Willunga, and we’d push up to Old Reynella on the Shiraz Trail. And when I couldn’t get outside, I’d pop her into a trainer and spin for an hour or so inside once the kids had gone to bed, YouTube running.
Now, it's Anzac Day, and I’ve just finished up my 500km ride through Thailand. I arrived home today, took one look at her then kept walking. I don’t mind not seeing my bike for a little while. It’s not that I don’t like her, it’s just that I’m sick of riding. I’m not a cyclist.
One of our pitstops between legs. A great chance to meet the locals in the rural areas.
I’ll get to the ride in a second but here’s what I learnt in the last few months in the saddle (yep, that's what the seat is called).
1. Padded bike shorts are your best friend.
2. So is bum cream.
3. Drafting helps get you further with much less effort.
4. Good conversation goes a long way to making legs (a term for a component of a bike ride) feel shorter.
5. When cycling all day in 40-degree plus heat, you can never have too much water and ice.
So… to the ride.
The hardest part. The heat.
I am not sure I can describe what it feels like to ride 7am until 5pm in 45-degree heat. The sweat pours off. The headache is near constant. Bags of ice melt in minutes. The hot wind does nothing to make me feel better. Waiting to push off, sweat dribbles from my neck bandana of ice down my back. Sweat pools behind the knees and dribbles into my shoes. Sloshing water over our head that has had everyone's hands in it is welcomed. Icy water being tipped over me only startles me for a second or two before it warms up and melds with the sweat.
The physical.
Riding 135km in one day in this heat is something I still can't comprehend how we completed. I think it is just a matter of pushing the pedals round and round like the song 'the wheels on the bus go round and round' but for a bike.
Taking it one leg at a time. Cruising while having a chat or pushing myself to keep pace - knowing that by getting to the next rest stop, I’d have time to sit in the shade and recoup. Attempt to cool me down, rehydrate and prep for the next leg. After all, it was only an hour or so in the sun at the one time.
With a buddy to rely on, and a buddy relying on me, we push on. Looking ahead, eyes up. Heck, sometimes we’d even have a chuckle. People fall. People pull out. People slow. People power on. Everyone suffers, or are pushed through, at a different level. Even the fittest of cyclist, the seasoned Thailand riders, struggle at times. People grow quiet, then silent. We all cope in our own way. The jokers quieten. We all agree, it isn’t the physical nature of the ride taking its toll on us, it is the heat.
Seriously, at home, we’d be cooped inside with air-conditioning blasting, not out wandering around in this heat. We wouldn’t even dream of exercising in it for just an hour - and here we are now riding all day in it. Crazy. But crazy with a cause.
The landscape.
From highway to dirt. We rode them all.
Each day is different. Some days we have undulations. Some days are flat. Some days are 75km, and we finish before lunch. One day is 145km, and at dusk, we are still riding. It is decided we have to cut 10km off our ride this day, to avoid riding in the dark. Safety first. Haha. That sounds funny… we can’t ride in the dark, but we can ride all day in this heat.
Early morning to late afternoon, we rode. I loved the legs before lunch before the heat set in.
There is a lot of farmland, burnt out paddocks and shanty towns. Flat (ish) plains turn into mountains, dirt roads and leafy sided roads. Highways thin to concrete single width country lanes to pot-holed dirt tracks. At one stage we have to dismount and walk our bikes through a section of road being resurfaced. The sand sinking our wheels as soon as we hit it.
Sometimes things were unexpected. Like re-building a road once the reccie had been done. No worries.
The riders.
Riders are from all over Australia and New Zealand, and one lady coming from the USA. We are used to all different temperatures. And our fitness levels are just as varied, as are our ages. Our youngest is 16 and the oldest is Dale’s dad in his 60s (from memory - eek). But one thing we have in common is our reason for doing it - to help the kids. And we all possess the mental can-do attitude that helps push us through our dark moments. We have one girl that does zero training through to our every week cyclists.
How do I go?
Good conversations make the km’s fly past.
Physically - I am fine. Well, apart from tingly toes and one pulled muscle in my left leg which voids that leg of doing any pushing up hills. It's nearly a week since I have finished riding and I still have tingles in my right foot.
Heat - so-so. I get heat exhaustion on day three and think I’m going to have a hospital visit. I spend the night barely unable to lift my head from the bed. I am trying to hydrate as much as I can but clearly not enough. After this night on my bed and head in a toilet I ensure I always have water within reach. I enlist a second bottle to stick in my back pocket while riding. That way I don’t have to ration. It helps. And when I get a headache, I drink even more, rather than thinking it’s normal. Obviously, there is no such thing as too much water on this ride. And I also eat more. More fruit, peanut brittle, chips and sweets. The first few days I was only stocking up on fruit during breaks - having more substance makes me feel better for the second half of the ride.
Riding into the Kanchanaburi orphanage on the last day completes the ride in many ways. Not only are we physically finishing it, but we are also seeing the reason why we have gone through all the pain right before us. Bright, smiling kids that are being given a chance of choice because of us are waving us in to the song of 'We are the Champions'.
The money we have raised through doing this ride will fund Kanchanaburi orphanage for a year. This orphanage that has given life back to over 50 kids that have, in one way or another, have no family to give them life. Spending a few hours with these amazing children is the best reward I can receive. And dancing with these energetic, happy souls in the evening is the icing on top.
Here is some video from 'in the saddle' of the trip... plus the wonderful night of celebration with the kids. Non, the child I was 'riding' for (when needing mental support on the ride we thought about a child we were helping) is a cheeky, small 12-year-old with an infectious smile. I loved meeting him and will remember his beaming face always.
Street life in detail.
Looking closer at street life.
Looking through some street photos I took while on my recent travels I noticed a theme emerging. I like photographing details, windows, reflections and snippets of life. More texture and pattern than an overview.
I can still see the personality of the place but don't get lost with what to look at.
SA Regional Tours... 2019 dates.
I’m heading to regional South Australia to get photos for businesses. No travel fees. Want in?
Image for Regional Council of Goyder on previous tour.
The time has come again... I'm going to get my tunes (or Podcasts) plugged in and hit the road. I'm always so excited to do these trips, I love meeting new people, helping businesses with great photographs and spending time in our beautiful state.
Outback/Flinders - May 2019 *BOOKINGS REQUIRED ASAP
Of course, I'll be offering a full range of photography including my popular $450 Editorial Package. You can check them out here. For a tailored photography package just call or email me. We can work out something that suits you perfectly.
https://www.heidiwho.com/popular-packages/
If you have any suggestions for pics 'on spec' or for me to take as 'stock', please let me know. I'm always keen to help where I can and get the photographs that are missing. On spec means no obligation - you don't pay for me to photograph them, I get them if I can in my time frame.
"One picture is worth a thousand words."
"Put your best foot forward."
Sayings that have been around for years and are still critical to your success.
Part of the foundation of a great marketing plan is awesome, professional photographs. Without them, your online (well, any marketing) presence fails. And let's face it, the world is going online. Customers and guests first impression of you is very likely to be online. Make it a good one. Create the connection. Show them how great you are.
Get in touch ASAP to take advantage of these tours. All shoots on tour have the added benefit of no travel fees.
Image for Flinders Bush Retreats on previous tour.
The other side of fear...
Thought for today…
Many things in my life at the moment… so exciting yet scary. I’m concentrating on the excitement. :)
How do you cope with fear?
Riding 500km in 5 days - am I crazy?
Riding 500km through Thailand in 5 days. Raising $5000 for the kids. Let me tell you about my idea…
Have you ever done a charity challenge? Where you fundraise for the charity and then go off on a challenging trip that tests yourself? Sometimes getting to see first hand where and how your fundraising efforts are being used.
I've always wanted to, but never created the opportunity until now. heidi who photos has joined forces with The Family Law Project and together we are riding with another 70 odd riders through Thailand in April.
About what I'm doing...
I'm going to ride 500km in 5 days through Thailand to raise money for the New Life project in Kanchanaburi, located near the Thai-Burma border in western Thailand. More than 50 children call Kanchanaburi home.
Children at Kanchanaburi have come from difficult situations: sexual abuse, substance addictions, or they have no family to care for them. Others have been used as exploited labour.
I need to fundraise $5,000: 100% of donations go directly to the children in Thailand. It's a lot but I believe I can get more!
How you can help:
I am creating an online auction... but need some prizes! Anything would be helpful. If you could donate something, please reply and let me know what you can commit to by Wednesday 23rd January 2019. The auction will go live towards the end of January, when everyone is recovered from the summer holidays. :)
And in return (apart from the feel-good factor of helping me raise this money for the kids) I will smother your logo/tag name all over everything in the promo for it. I'll also mention on social media and in a blog post that goes out to an email list of nearly 1000.
I can also give you a hug. Who doesn't love a hug?
So you know who I'm riding with - here's a bit about Hands Group...
"Hands Group is an Australian, New Zealand and Thai social enterprise that gives at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand through our charity Hands Across The Water. Our charity Hands Across The Water is currently the biggest Australian and New Zealand charity operating in Thailand. Our projects are tailored to meet local communities’ needs – for the long term. As part of our fundraising, we provide shared experiences for our supporters to engage in our work."
Of course, if this is something you can't do... then any donation would be greatly appreciated. Here is my profile page for the bike ride where you can donate. Click on the image below.
THANK YOU!
Home... what do you love about it?
Home. What do you love about living here?
My new personal project exploring different places, cultures and people. Uniting us in one common thing.
I recently started a new personal project while in Bali. I love meeting people and this gives me an excuse to chat with them.
I also hope that it brings some connection to people from around the world. By getting to know others, realising how different (or in fact, how similar) we are generating better understanding, respect and friendship. Just imagine what that could do?!?!
I keep the question simple - but open. To allow my new friend to answer in a way they feel right. I record their answer by video then scribe (with a little editing) to caption the photo.
As I travel for work and fun, whether it's in my hometown or the other side of the world, I will meet people and ask 'what do you love about living here?'
A project of positivity. Exploration. Love. Humanity.
What’s with the rubbish in Bali?
Wondering where all the rubbish comes from, I stumble across amazing people making a difference.
I’ve wandered down to Berawa beach for a late afternoon stroll. I love the beach, and I especially love it in the late afternoon when locals come down to cool off after work — watching people surf, kids splash, princesses tiptoe down to the water and burnt tourists sleeping on their sun lounger with Bintang beside them. But today I’m distracted. The beach is lined with driftwood and in between it all… tonnes of rubbish. Literally. For as far as my eye can see.
I start to take photos of it, intrigued (and horrified) as to how much there is. I wonder where it had all come from. I’d heard that the current at this time of year brings it here from around the world, but I do wonder. So many lolly wrappers, straws and small toiletry containers. And lots of thongs.
As I wander further, I notice people with gloves and big white bags. They are picking up rubbish and sorting it into recyclables and not recyclables. The rubbish then goes to Suwung landfill in their hired truck. The driver sends his location and photos as evidence.
I start chatting and learn that most of them are expats that are volunteering to keep the beach clean. They come down every Sunday. The beach clean is organised by Ocean Mimic - two scuba divers, Emma and Chelsea. I go up to talk to Emma, and find myself asking for a bag and glove. I wander the beach, picking up rubbish and chatting with the others for over half an hour. There is so much, I could stay all night, but have plans.
I love what they are doing and hope it replicates along more beaches. For the environment, for the beauty and the health of our animals. It would also mean not surfing in plastic while in Bali - a bonus for me.
If you are heading over to Bali, go check it out (more details below). Do your part. Meet at the steps by Finns Beach Club 5 pm every Sunday.
Also find them on Facebook here.
"Ocean Mimic is run by two scuba divers - Emma and Chelsea. We pursued this dream because we felt compelled to protect the ocean we both fell in love with. We met on an island in Malaysia in 2017 and saw first hand the trash wash up onto the usually spotless beaches. We created Ocean Mimic because we had no choice but to act.
We started out on this journey because we felt an urgent need to protect our oceans and our planet. We accepted that as individuals we have power. We took a leap of faith to take responsibility to do everything possible to inspire others and lead courageously by example. Mimic was our answer. A platform to inspire the public to act.
Our story is only just beginning … we need your support to make this a reality!
It all starts with you!
Thanks to everyone who joins us.
Emma & Chelsea"
500km, 5 days, $5000 - and your chance to WIN!
Fundraising and prizes! Lots of good vibes.
Why the raffle?
Because it’s a fun way of raising money! Read below to find out why I’m fundraising…
About what I'm doing...
I'm going to ride 500km in 5 days through Thailand to raise money for the New Life project in Kanchanaburi, located near the Thai-Burma border in western Thailand. More than 50 children call Kanchanaburi home.
Children at Kanchanaburi have come from difficult situations: sexual abuse, substance addictions, or they have no family to care for them. Others have been used as exploited labour.
I need to fundraise $5,000: 100% of donations go directly to the children in Thailand. Yes, that’s right - no admin, marketing or whatever is taken out of your donation.
Hands Group is an Australian social enterprise that gives at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand through our charity Hands Across The Water.
You can purchase your raffle tix by donating via my fundraising page (click on image above). I’ll then send you your raffle tix. OR you can buy them at La Bomba dance studio in Adelaide OR from me direct.
Every dollar counts. Every dollar helps these beautiful children - so please consider buying a ticket (or more ;))
THANK YOU!
Wave House Surf Camp, Bali - time for me to improve!
Wave House Surf School and Surf Camp, Bali. Why should you go? My thoughts.
When you love something and want to get better at something - what do you do? Practice, practice, practice. And then what happens? You get better!
I've been surfing for a few years now but not progressing in my ability. I know that daily practice is what benefits the most, but I have only been going out sporadically. Sometimes three times a week, most times once every week or three. I was getting frustrated, so I decided to carve out the time to make improvement happen.
Bali flights were going cheap so suddenly I was logging in and hitting 'purchase'. Then came the task of finding somewhere to stay. I looked at hotels, AirBnB's and surf camps. I decided a surf camp would be best because, heck, how many times was I going to get out and surf a new break on my own? I knew... not many.
Wave House stood out as a great place because of it's location to the beach (a 3-minute walk away), Seminyak (with the salsa places I was keen to check out), the beautiful grounds and being inclusive of surf lessons each day. I've been to a few surf camps around Bali so knew that I'd be surrounded by like-minded people that were chilled but exciting. What I didn't know was that I would be one of the only native speaking English guests there! That doesn't happen often.
Other guests were mainly Russian, but thankfully, their English is fantastic. We chatted at breakfast and on the surf trips, but other than that, I was normally by the pool listening to Gabrielle Bernstein's 'The Universe Has Your Back', journalling or taking trip notes. The camp was so quiet, I often wondered if I was the only one there. However, I knew otherwise, that there were quite a few guests tucked away in their rooms working. It made me smile - knowing that people are here living their life the way they want. Combining their passion for surf, travel and work. Now, that's my type of person.
Surf lessons were at different surf breaks, depending on tide, wind and swell. It was 'off' season for surf in Bali but we found some great waves and clean (as in wind, definitely not always clean water) conditions. We surfed Old Mans, Padma and Kedungu - all located within a 30-minute drive of camp. We surfed with meet up times from 5.30am to 11 am. Small groups, one instructor and a couple of guides. It worked really well. Guests are split up into ability from beginner upwards. I was in Intermediate 4 and it worked well with everyone being a similar ability. We got feedback in the water and when we got tired, our guides helped push us onto the waves. How's that for pampering! Seriously, the instructors and guides at Wave House are the friendliest and most helpful I've experienced in Bali.
After our surf lesson, unpacking the boards and grabbing food (if it was an early surf) we met in the yoga pavilion for the second part of our lesson. Photo feedback. Eek! This scared me the first time. I hate seeing photos of myself - and I've seen myself surfing before. I described it as 'taking a poo while holding my nose from all stink'. Thankfully, I'm not 'that' bad anymore so seeing myself wasn't too bad. And the feedback was helpful. Picking up on things like hip rotation, pop up technique and working the wave.
Other bonuses of staying at Wave House? Surf skills lesson in the pool, a training area to practice, a cute resident cat and the occasional visit by the most gorgeous little pup (owned by the Aussie surf instructor). Staff are also super helpful - getting me about on the Gojek service (think Uber for mopeds), organising massages and being there for a chat.
So, after five days... would I do it again? Heck yeah. I relaxed, met some awesome people and learnt new surf skills. I conquered my fear of lefts and overcome trauma I had from previous experience at Old Mans. Growth all around. While having fun. The best surf camp I have stayed at yet.
Check it out at https://wavehousebali.com/surfcamp/
CLIENT: Fleurieu Living, Summer 2018-19
Some fabulous people and stories of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
My first photo featured in Fleurieu Living was in their second issue, Spring 2012. All I can say is... it was colourful. :) Check it out on the right.
Now I do photos for Fleurieu Living every issue. I love the work I do, and the people I meet. It also provides me with a great opportunity to see how wonderful the Fleurieu Peninsula is. There is so much here that I'm very grateful for. From wineries, quirky function venues to the down to earth, casual and easygoing nature of people. The diversity of talent and passions in the area - it's bubbling with possibility for anyone.
In this issue, I photographed Jessica and Surahn Sidhu on their almond orchard where there is no mechanical harvesting or sprays. And near Myponga I met siblings Sam and Yasmin Whitehead of Gut Feeling who does fabulous things with cabbage. I also photographed the bubbly artist Henry Jock Walker for an ultra quick shoot mid lunch break at Port Noarlunga.
Young, ambitious and inspiring.
