Cyclists in Vietnam braved tropical storms to complete Animals Asia’s annual 62km Ride for the Bears, raising funds and much-needed awareness for the fight against bear bile farming.

An incredible 300 animal lovers were up long before Hanoi daybreak to take part in the third annual Ride for the Bears – a charity bike ride from Hanoi to Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in Tam Dao.

The torrential rain which greeted the riders at 5.30am did little to dampen spirits as riders got happily soaked for the bears, before being joined by another 170 youngsters who ran and rode the last 6km.

Animals Asia Vietnam Director Tuan Bendixsen said:

“The turn out this year really was outstanding. Last year, 50 riders made it to Tam Dao, while this year we had 300 – and even had late requests for more. It reflects the great work that is being done by a number of organisations in Vietnam to end the shame of bear bile farming in the country.”

Ride for the Bears began in 2012 when Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre was facing eviction from the Tam Dao National Park. The second incarnation in 2014 attracted 50 riders, before numbers escalated sharply to 300 this year.

Animals Asia founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE said:

“All 300 riders wore bright orange tops so everyone saw them coming and could see  that they were riding for the bears. These supporters turned themselves into an orange ribbon, snaking through every village from Hanoi to Tam Dao and were a perfect advertisement for our campaign. All along the way, even more people learned about the fight to end bear bile farming in Vietnam.”

Animals Asia would like to thank Ride for the Bears sponsors Dai Loc, CJSC, GloryBites Chocolate, Vital, Ohnew, and Giant, as well as Hotel Mercue Hanoi La Gare, Centech Communication, and Vietrunners for helping to make the event possible.

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