Mr. Mai Duc Thai, 22 years old, from Lam village, Minh Duc commune (Tu Ky, Hai Duong) has just completed a cycling journey across Vietnam. The 45-day journey of cycling over thousands of kilometers, passing through dozens of provinces and cities not only carried his personal passion but also contained many meaningful life messages.
We met young man Mai Duc Thai on a day in mid-April when he had just returned from a cycling trip across Vietnam for more than 3 weeks.
As soon as he saw him, my colleague exclaimed: "I thought you must be a tall person, why are you so skinny?". Mr. Thai smiled and replied: "But I cycled thousands of kilometers from North to South, I'm very flexible."
The young man, 1.69 m tall, 54 kg in weight, thin, with dark skin from his recent windy and sunny journey, was very simple, smiled often, and talked humorously, making us feel close.
- Can you share about your decision to take the recent trip, Thai? - I asked.
- On April 30 last year, my grandfather and I watched the National Cycling Race “Non song lien mot doi - Niem tin thang” on Ho Chi Minh City Television. I told him that I dreamed of cycling across the country one day. The dream came to me right then, I had never thought about it before - Mr. Thai replied.
How did your grandfather react?
- He just smiled because he probably didn't believe I could do it.
- Did you tell your parents?
- Yes! But no one said anything.
- What about your friends?
- No one believed it, some even said I was crazy - Mr. Thai said with a laugh.
Mr. Mai Van Thao (Thai's father) said: "When he was little, Thai followed me to the new economic zone in Dak Nong for 8 years. Since the first day he went to school, Thai was passionate about cycling. The forest roads in Tuy Duc border district were winding and bumpy, but every day he rode his old bike around the fields, falling many times and breaking his knees but he did not give up. So, when Thai told me about his intention, I was half-believing and half-doubting."
One day in June 2023, Mr. Thai left home with an old mountain bike he had bought when he was in 10th grade. He told his family that he was going to practice for a cross-country cycling trip. No one in his family tried to stop him, but only told him to be careful on the road.
Mr. Thai's practice cycling trip lasted 8 days, covering nearly 800 km from Hai Duong to Da Nang. "I felt my health was fine after that practice trip. Through the trip, I accumulated a lot of experience, from determining the route, distributing my health for each route to preparing clothes and belongings...", Mr. Thai said.
Returning to Hai Duong, Mr. Thai did not cycle across Vietnam immediately but continued to spend a lot of time learning experiences through watching videos and reading articles about some people in Vietnam who had done this. He decided to use his savings to buy a new mountain bike worth more than 7 million VND to ensure a longer trip.
On February 14 (the 5th day of the Lunar New Year 2024), after many months of preparation, Mr. Thai set out to fulfill his dream of cycling across Vietnam. In addition to the bicycle, Mr. Thai only brought very simple items with 3 sets of clothes, 1 pump, 2 inner tubes, 1 inner tube patch kit, 1 mobile phone... Other people cycling across Vietnam wear sneakers, knee braces, and dust-proof glasses. Mr. Thai wore a baseball cap and flip-flops bought for tens of thousands of dong at the market. "I live a simple life, I like to be as free and comfortable as possible. I also determined that I can rest when I'm tired and not under time pressure, so I don't need to bring too many cumbersome things," Mr. Thai shared.
On the first day of the trip, the weather was dry and cool, Mr. Thai easily completed his goal of cycling 90 km to reach Bac Giang province. The distance of nearly 100 km from Bac Giang to Lang Son the following day was not difficult for the young man from Hai Duong. But on the third day, the real challenge came. That was when Mr. Thai had to move through two passes Khau Muc and Bong Lau on National Highway 4A between the two provinces of Lang Son and Cao Bang. These are winding passes, one side is a high mountain, the other side is a deep abyss. On these two passes, there are many hairpin bends around steep mountain slopes. Mr. Thai struggled to cycle to conquer the steep slopes, his leg muscles were tense, his whole body was exhausted, and he was soaked in sweat. Occasionally, Mr. Thai got off the bike to walk because he had no more strength. After conquering these two dangerous and difficult passes, it took Mr. Thai 4 consecutive days to pass through Cao Bang province to reach Ha Giang.
After exploring the Ha Giang stone plateau, Mr. Thai followed National Highway 4A to Hanoi and then joined National Highway 1A towards the Central region. Realizing that this route had a lot of vehicles and was dusty, when he reached Quang Ngai province, he decided to take National Highway 24 to the Central Highlands provinces. On the 39th day, Mr. Thai arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. After a few days of rest, he continued to move to Can Tho and on the 45th day, he set foot on Ca Mau Cape. "It was around 4:00 p.m. on March 29 - the moment marking the completion of my cross-Vietnam cycling journey. I felt so happy and joyful. After going through many difficulties and challenges, I have completed one of the most meaningful trips of my life," Mr. Thai said emotionally.
During the 45 days of cycling across Vietnam, Mr. Thai braved the sun and rain, persistently cycling a total distance of 3,179 km, passing through 32 provinces and cities. Before that, he had practiced nearly 800 km to prepare. This is truly an impressive feat for a young man of only 22 years old.
The recent cross-Vietnam cycling trip gave Mr. Thai the opportunity to explore and experience many amazing natural beauties, scenic spots, historical sites, people... in many new lands.
The beauty that Mr. Thai felt during his journey was sometimes created by the vast rows of reed grass stretching along the slopes, proudly on the cliffs. Plum and apricot trees were blooming brightly on both sides of the road. There were endless green forests blending with the towering rocky mountains but exuding a clear, close, and liberal sound typical of the Northwest mountains and forests. Or the winding red dirt roads as beautiful as the silk ribbons of the Central Highlands, with endless coffee and rubber plantations on both sides of the road. The rows of coconut trees bend, reflecting on the rivers of the South, bustling with boats and ships loaded with fragrant fruits... "Our homeland Vietnam is so beautiful! Wherever I go, I take pictures and post them on Facebook and Zalo to introduce them to everyone. I think that for those who have not yet fully explored the beauty of their homeland, before traveling abroad, they should prioritize traveling domestically first. That is also a way to show love for their homeland and country," Mr. Thai shared.
During the recent journey, there were two places that Mr. Thai felt proud and elated when he set foot on. They were Lung Cu Flagpole (Ha Giang) - the northernmost point and Ca Mau Cape - the southernmost point of the country. He also spent time visiting historical sites such as Lenin Stream, Nha Rong Wharf, some revolutionary historical sites, martyrs' cemeteries... to listen to and learn about the great contributions of Uncle Ho, of national heroes, previous generations who sacrificed their blood and bones for the eternal existence of the country, of the nation, for the independence, freedom and happiness of the people today. From there, he became more proud and loved his homeland more in each historical story.
During his 45 days of traveling from North to South, Mr. Thai met and interacted with many people in the places he passed. Everywhere he went, he felt the friendliness and hospitality. Mr. Thai said that when he entered Hue City, two women knew about his cycling across Vietnam, so they enthusiastically took him sightseeing and enjoyed the specialties. Yesterday, at Vi O Lac Pass on Highway 24, because it was evening and there were no motels, he was allowed to stay overnight by the soldiers. Then there were many kind people who were willing to give him drinks, food, and a place to rest along the way. Talking to people from other provinces, he learned more and also introduced them to beautiful images of his hometown Hai Duong. "Vietnam is not only beautiful in terms of natural scenery, but the people are also wonderful because of their hospitality, friendliness, and lovability," Mr. Thai confided.
For Mr. Thai, the above journey is an unforgettable milestone in his life. The trip did not bring him material value but helped him improve his health, satisfy his passion and especially learn many meaningful lessons in life.
The recent journey will also give him more motivation and courage to face and overcome the difficulties and challenges ahead. "When you have a dream about something, just be determined to do it, don't be afraid but need to think carefully and prepare thoroughly. There is no path to success without thorns, hardships and challenges. As long as we are bold, dare to think, dare to do, and have a strong determination, everything will be achieved," Mr. Thai advised.
Mr. Mai Van Luyen (90 years old, Thai's grandfather) was surprised when his grandson fulfilled his big dream. "I am very happy because this trip has helped him learn many useful things for his future life. No matter what difficulties he encounters, he will know how to overcome them and live a useful life for his family and society," said Mr. Luyen.
Mr. Thai studied at Hanoi University of Science and Technology and is working at a local company. He will soon go to Hanoi to work in a bicycle manufacturing and trading facility. The bicycle has planted in him a dream, given him memorable experiences, meaningful things and now will be the beginning of a bright future...
Content:GOING STRONG
Present:TUAN ANH