This Social Night is going to be all about Asia. Three great speakers have been lined up to take you through 4 countries to cycle in and in different styles.

As it is the CTA’s 50th Anniversary, Dale, one of the co-founders of the CTA, has been lured out of his retirement. He will provide us some entertainment on the night with his superb photography and commentary on cycling in Bali and Vietnam. Ian and Deb, regulars on our weekly rides, will also show us how to ride in style and be supported in Taiwan and Thailand.

To whet your appetite even further, Robyn will be preparing a light supper with an Asian theme. Ken, our new president, will be the MC for the night, so give him a warm welcome for heading up the CTA.

Dale Neill – Adventures in Bali and Vietnam

BALI – Ten years after co-founding the CTA Dale led the CTA’s first overseas tour ‘Bali Baik Baik’ in 1984. Before helmets. Before bottled water. Before air con. With the aid of Qantas, local police and good luck CTA’s “Dirty Dozen” circumnavigated the Island of the Gods and lived to tell of the adventure.

VIETNAM – In 1997 Dale, then a sprightly 53 year old, and his daughter (25) pedalled 1680 kilometres from Hanoi to Saigon. He was an old seasoned pro and she was a novice cyclist. The Vietnam venture was set to either make or break them. She ate sparrows, he drank snake whiskey, together they crossed the Hai Van Pass in a tropical storm and were led astray by two Irish conmen. They discovered the pleasure of Pho and the pitfalls of Highway One.

Ian and Deb – Cycling in Asia

Come and listen to Ian & Deb explain how to cycle with full support and no panniers in Thailand and Taiwan. They used Grasshopper Tours and a guide is really useful in these places to explain the sights and order your meals. Of course this was before they joined CTA, so they had not “hardened up” at that time. Not sure, but it still looks attractive!