Hello –

Thank you for visiting the Ride for Africa Japan fundraising page. Please take a few minutes to read about my background and the project. Your time and contribution to this project is greatly appreciated.

Background

I am a 27-year-old South African living and working in rural Japan. For the past two years, I have taught English at a Junior High and Elementary School in Mitsue Village in the eastern mountains of Nara Prefecture. I have an educational background in development studies, environmental science and human geography. My interests in terms of this discipline are in food security and sustainable living. I am also a keen cyclist, photographer and love the outdoors.

My time in Japan revealed to me the importance of the land to human existence. There is so little habitable and arable land, that every possible piece is used. Many people I have come to know produce their own food despite working regular jobs. Their little vegetable farms have provided me with very good organically grown produce. Needless to say, I have been eating well. However, many people in the world do not have this basic need fulfilled, and simple fresh produce is a luxury. This knowledge coupled with the current global food crisis we are witnessing gave me the impetus to support an organisation that focuses on helping people become self-sustaining. Garden Africa is such an organisation.

Project

Starting 04 August 2008, I will ride my bicycle in support of GardenAfrica and its work in sub-Saharan Africa. The ride will cover a distance of approximately 3500km (2190mi) from Japan's northern-most point, Soya Misaki (in Hokkaido) to the southern-most tip of the four main islands, Sata Misaki (in Kyushu). This journey will be made over a period of six weeks. I will live off what I carry on the bicycle, camp, and rely on the goodwill of people I meet along the way. Anyone is welcome to join this ride and/or contribute in any way that is possible for them. Thus far, I have received good support, encouragement and inspiration from friends and family. I have also taken much inspiration from similar such undertakings both here and in other parts of the world.

Donations

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: GardenAfrica will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Please be assured that the funds raised during this project will not be used to cover the costs of the ride.

Every bit counts!

Many thanks for your support.

Chetan

For updates on my progress visit:  www.rideforafricajapan.blogspot.com
P.S. on revision of the route the distance has come down to 3000km.