Dear friends
A small group of our youngest members started the new year on their bikes. For them, it was an unforgettable adventure and a milestone in their development. It made my heart beat faster. An illustrated short report.
From idea to adventure
Cycling is not a popular sport in Africa. Most roads are poor, dangerous, and often the law of the strongest prevails. These are not exactly ideal conditions. And yet, young men are seeking adventure, and our Esbern Budolfsen wanted to find out more. He floated the idea of cycling from Kenya to Uganda on remote routes with just a sleeping bag and tent.
A group of ten interested parties quickly formed. The plan was to travel by bus from Uganda to Kenya in two to three days. There, they would buy ten used touring bikes with luggage racks. Road maps were studied, route options discussed, and preparations made.
After a few days, they were sitting in small public buses with their sleeping bags and tents. While travelling in Kenya, they camped with friendly athletics clubs and trained one morning with some of the best long-distance runners in the world.
Finally, they reached their starting point in Kenya, where the used bicycles were inspected, tested and accepted. In total, they had to cover a distance of around 600 kilometres and 7,000 metres of elevation gain.
But what is not a problem in Switzerland thanks to its perfect infrastructure poses formidable challenges in East Africa. Simple flat tyres, dangerous brake failures, luggage, rain and mud were compounded by chaotic traffic, steep climbs, heat and corrupt traffic police.
After seven exhausting days with an average of 16 hours of driving per day, moments of exhaustion followed by magnificent views, the adventure culminated in a festive welcome back home at the Kids of Africa children’s village.
«Yes we can!»
All our younger children eagerly awaited the announced return of the young adventurers. The beaming faces of the returnees were just as moving for them as they were for the cyclists themselves. They became inspirations and role models.
Those who returned home looked back with pride on an unforgettable experience. Motivation, camaraderie and adventure went hand in hand with the courage to push perceived boundaries.
The snapshots, Ronald’s tabular daily log (PDF) and the note that the next group has already set off for the remote forest farm in the mountains illustrate the success of this excursion.
Finally, a personal thought. Experiences like this are very important for young people. It would be wrong to view them as a holiday trip. The young people were left to their own devices and had to overcome unexpected challenges every day.
Breakdowns, traffic, national borders, corruption and two accidents challenged them. Even more important were the inner trials. Carrying on instead of giving up, taking responsibility, maintaining discipline and safety. That’s how they mature. From boys to men.
I am proud of them all. They are beacons of hope for Africa, for our younger protégés and also for me.
I wish you an uplifting Sunday and send you my grateful regards.
Yours always,
Burkhard Varnholt
PS: Even on a bicycle, there are faster people in East Africa. A Kenyan runner easily overtakes our group. A moment to smile and a nice example of how endurance is a matter of course here.
