Real Estate to Rural Roads: Property Manager Swaps Open Homes for a Gruelling 500km Ride Across Thailand

When you think of a career in real estate, you picture property inspections, rental legislation, and perhaps the occasional stress of a volatile market. You probably don't picture pedalling a bicycle 500 kilometres through the sweltering heat of Thailand.

But this November, Rachel Atkin, Property Management Operations Manager and Performance Coach at Harcourts Victoria (pictured on bike), is doing exactly that. She is trading her corporate wear for cycling gear to take on a five-day endurance challenge in support of Hands Across the Water.

Hands Across the Water funds and operates homes and programmes that provide at-risk children in Thailand with safety, stability, and opportunity.

Through ongoing community support and fundraising events, the charity ensures that every child receives the basics they deserve: a safe home, food, and an education.

The charity is dedicated to supporting over 350 children who lack safe family care. The funds raised go directly toward providing secure homes, nutritious meals, and access to education. As Rachel points out, it is all about giving kids "a life of choice, not chance."

To prepare for the gruelling trek, Rachel has been clocking up the kilometres at home alongside industry colleagues and teammates Anne Donchos, Lisa Grey, and Nicole Johnson – Team ‘Miles for Smiles’.

Surviving local training rides is tough enough, but it is only a small taste of the extreme humidity and long days in the saddle waiting for them in Thailand.

“This isn’t a holiday,” Rachel admits. “It’s going to be physically and mentally tough. But every time it hurts, I’ll be thinking about the kids we’re riding for – that’s what will keep me going.”

For Rachel, the stark contrast between her day job and this physical challenge makes perfect sense. “Real estate is ultimately about people and community,” she reflects. “I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I do, and this ride is one way I can give back in a meaningful, lasting way.”

Every donation helps cover essentials like accommodation, schooling, and pathways to further employment for children who need it most. Rachel is calling on colleagues, clients, and the wider community to get behind the cause. Whether it is the cost of your morning coffee or a larger contribution, it all adds up to more security, better education, and brighter futures.

Support Rachel’s Ride

If you would like to support Rachel’s 500km journey, you can donate online here: Support Rachel’s ride – Hands Across the Water. Your support will help turn a tough five days on the bike into a lifetime of better choices for these children.