REACH Riders Club

For most of the kids in our village, joining a sports team is a dream they simply can’t afford. While we know how much a weekend game can build a child’s confidence, the cost of gear and entry fees means our students are usually left watching from the sidelines. At REACH, we believe every teenager deserves the chance to feel the pride of wearing a jersey, the thrill of a challenge, and the support of a team that has their back.

The REACH Riders Club was established to promote physical and mental health for students over the age of 12, offering them a safe space to grow. Just as with our other programs, a place in the club comes with a responsibility: students must maintain high attendance rates at both their public school and REACH classes to keep their spot. This same commitment carries through to the rides themselves, where our youths explore the beautiful surrounding countryside while building the resilience needed to overcome daily challenges.

The REACH Riders Club runs from May to December each year, with students training on Thursday and Sunday mornings and afternoons, heading out on long-distance rides through the Angkor Wat World Heritage site and nearby jungle trails. During public school holidays, training steps up to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday sessions, continuing until the third week of October. From November, the schedule narrows to Tuesday and Sunday as the final preparation begins.

The peak of their efforts is the annual Side by Side event, held this year on 12th–13th December, where our most committed students cycle over 200 kilometres in just two days, camping overnight and celebrating their success with a hard-earned awards ceremony. This event empowers our youth through personal achievement and community fundraising, strengthening their commitment to social responsibility.

Beyond physical training, our club focuses on leadership, equality, and community education. Our riders promote gender equality through events like the Pride Ride and All-Girls United, and take part in educational excursions, cycling to the local water authority to learn about urban infrastructure and the Royal Gardens for “read and play” sessions.

Alongside these social and educational experiences, students also build practical, hands-on skills. Supported by technical training with partners like Ripple Effects, our students master mountain bike maintenance, gaining the practical skills and confidence needed to lead their community forward.

Follow us on STRAVA to keep up with our students’ progress and see the routes they conquer in real time.