Rick Sherker's Tour of Duty in Vietnam.

With the pressures of racing off I really enjoyed the week off at Vietnam, although it was not exactly all R&R. It was go-go-go the first few days starting out with a tour of Vietnam Yamaha. The next day we traveled a few hours to the shore lines of Vietnam, then back to Ho Chi Minh City the following day. Along the way back, we stopped at Carrie’s, a big wig at Jettribe Vietnam, family farm and got to see the rural areas of Vietnam. As well as try to catch some pigs….that didn’t go so well.

But was a lot more fun than I expected.

Once back in the City, it was time to hit some of the touristy stuff. We visited the War Museum, the Palace, the Post office, and some local shopping in the outdoor and indoor markets.

The big advantage of traveling here with Jettribe, was that we got the insider’s tour as well. We went to some restaurants that Tony and ,local designer for Jettribe, Ellen recommended. We all got hair cuts one night and all I can say is I will never visit Vietnam without getting one. They included neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and head massage, shampoo, straight razor shave, and finally a hair cut. All that at Hair Cuttery price.

The last two days we traveled by scooters around town. It was a little scary, but a lot of fun! It was like organized chaos that seemed to work. Outside of the city, it was not uncommon to see some impressive loads of cargo hauled on scooters.

In the city it was a little tighter.

But anyone could do it… But some are Pro’s

One of the scariest and most memorable experiences was the tour of the Co Chi Tunnels.

They were very tight, dark, and full of bats. It was a relief to get out. But full of some interesting history.

After the tunnels, we hit the shooting range and shot some old war weapons including an M16, M30, and a 45.

A couple of nights we made it out to the clubs, to see where Tony typically spends his time when he visits Vietnam.

On our last day we took a scooter ride across town to visit a house in Tony’s family and went to a Buddhist temple. Then had the rest of the day for some last chance shopping in the markets, just short walking distance from the hotel we were staying in. Two weeks after leaving, we were back on the plane headed home the following day. All in all, this trip was an adventure! Thailand was much easier having been there the prior year in terms of working out logistics and knowing what to expect. Getting sick was surely a disappointment but also leaves me with a little extra motivation to focus on another chance to compete in the 2013 World Cup. It was also an opportunity to get to see friends I only see during the race season or at World finals, as well as meet a bunch of new people. I originally had mixed feelings about Vietnam, but am sure glad I got to take part in that trip. It was also a great opportunity to learn about the development of Jettribe. It’s funny the places a Jet-Ski can take you, along with the help from some great people. Thank you: Jettribe, Riva, Jettrim, Fly, Full Spectrum, ADA racing, and Hot Products!!! Written by Rick Sherker