17 Nov Update: Mission complete - what an adventure! Thank you to all those that have supported me.

Having arrived back from Tanzania last Sunday I just wanted to share with you a couple of my experiences and some details on the charity that you have so kindly supported.

On our transfer from the airport to our accommodation it soon became apparent why we were there. Driving appears to be more of a game in Tanzania where just about anything goes. After only 10 miles we crashed into another bus that tried to ‘undertake’ us. Everyone was okay and the driver even seemed to find it amusing!! Despite all the dangers I had been warned about this was by far my most terrifying experience out there and one that I would not like to repeat.

Anyway, arriving on the Sunday we had the rest of the day to sort ourselves out and acclimatize before heading out on our challenge to ride 420k. The first two days were by far the toughest as we rode on average 90k per day over some very rough terrain taking 8-9hours. Temperatures were also hitting the high 40’s and with few trees to offer any sort of shade we were soon wondering what we had let ourselves in for.

I now understand why people are so taken by the African kids. On our first night of camping we were encircled by locals who seemed totally hypnotised by us. We learnt that most of them had never seen a white person before let alone some of the kit we had and just watched us in fascination. We were equally amazed wondering what on earth they must be thinking. That evening turned out to be one of my fondest memories. As I was on my way to get something from my bike I kicked a loose mango to one of the kids to see what he would do. Within 10 minutes I had somehow managed to get involved in a football game against an entire village of African kids. Now football has never been my strong point so I quickly decided I needed to even up the sides to have any chance of winning (It’s funny how such an easy task can prove difficult when you don’t speak the language). Anyway after a lot of hand waving we were soon able to play a fair game which went on for about an hour before I nearly collapsed.

The following days were spent riding through some of the most untouched areas in Tanzania which I had mixed feelings about but felt truly privileged to have experienced. The kids would always greet you with a smile and when offering them a hello in their language (jambo) they would typically burst into laughter.

On our final day of cycling we arrived, with much relief, to the finish line. With time for only a quick shower we were soon on our way to visit the local project which you have all so kindly supported. We were given a presentation and a tour of the facilities which was far better than I had anticipated. The project is quite simply a driver training school that teaches professional drivers how to drive safely and maintain their vehicles. Having witnessed their transport system first hand this was an even better cause that I thought when signing up.

I would therefore just like to say a final thank you for supporting me and this excellent cause. I will no doubt tell you more about it when I see you next.

Tom 

Transaid fights poverty in Africa by working with the locals to improve transport. This provides men, women and children with better access to essential services such as healthcare, education and economic opportunities. Your sponsorship is helping to support current projects such as the national training centres in Tanzania and Zambia. Since 2009 this project has trained 711 drivers which is reducing the number of road side crashes which are currently the third biggest killer in Africa after Malaria and HIV/AIDS. In places where it used to take 2-3 hours to reach a rural health centre using an ox-cart, it now takes an average of 30 minutes using a bicycle ambulance.