"Done "WoW" " This November, the great and good of the transport industry and "ME" abandoned the swish interior of my company car for a hard saddle and a set of pedals, and set off to cycle 420 km of Indian Ocean coastline.

We supported international development charity TRANSAID in its sponsored event, Cycle Tanzania, which raised funds to SAVE & IMPROVE lives in Africa and the developing world.

This nine-day expedition – across the dusty terrain of game and nature reserves under the unforgiving(46.2c) African sun – will help Transaid facilitate access to healthcare, education and work for thousands, by providing them with safer, cheaper and more efficient transport.

The Challenge was very tough & ran from November 6th-14th. It was truly about doing something positive for people whose lives need improving.  We alll had our work cut out as Cycling across Tanzania was not like any old Sunday afternoon bike ride. mostly off road & seemingly constant hills. 

Road deaths are currently the third highest cause of premature death in Africa after HIV Aids and Malaria, a problem Transaid is addressing by raising driver training standards and safety on the roads. Funds raised will help Transaid establish a Professional Driver Training project in Tanzania, following the success of the charity’s first project to reduce road deaths in Zambia.

Coming face-to-face with the issues was a wake up call & a real eye-opener but the whole experience itself was amazing, especially engaging with the Tanzanian population.

We passed wild beasts, mountains, water and saw it all from our  bikes and not from the comfort of some air-conditioned 4x4 or whilst sitting in front of the TV at home.

We have come back having seen the real Africa – and achieved something good for the world through our efforts.

Thanks for looking & please give generously: John ("Bradders")

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