<p><strong>Who? What? Why?</strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>My name is <a href="http://www.robertsargent.co.uk" target="_blank">Robert Sargent</a> and I'm travelling the length of South America on a bicycle. I began my journey at the end of May, 2011 in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogot%C3%A1,_Colombia" target="_blank">Bogot&aacute;, Colombia</a> and aim to reach <a href="http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tierra_del_Fuego" target="_blank">Tierra del Fuego</a>&nbsp;at the southern tip of Argentina by the end of the year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I've already been blown away by the warmth and generosity of the people of this great continent and want give them something in return (other than&nbsp;<a href="http://www.robertsargent.co.uk/post/6398203170/what-goes-up-must-come-down-and-then-up-again" target="_blank">chocolate</a>).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>100% of your donations will go to charity. I promise that none of it will be spent on chocolate.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Children of the Andes</strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>One of the most memorable encounters I've had so far was with a group of children high up in Colombia's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordillera_Central_(Colombia)" target="_blank">Cordillera Central</a>. They cycled alongside me for almost an hour (uphill) asking inquisitive questions and giving me bemused looks when I answered them.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As we parted they asked for a gift, something by which to remember this crazy Englishman on a bicycle. After scratching my head for a while I decided to give them my <a href="http://www.baroudeurs.cc" target="_blank">club</a> cycling cap, which they accepted with big smiles and disappeared back down the mountain.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It doesn't take much to brighten somebody's day but, in the longer term, Colombia's children need more than what I can carry on my bicycle and so I'm asking for your help.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.childrenoftheandes.org/" target="_blank">Children of the Andes</a>&nbsp;is a UK-based charity working to educate and prepare children for adulthood whilst supporting their families and protecting them from the violence and conflict that affect parts of this country.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>My experience of Colombia is of an incredible place with a beautiful people and in complete contrast to the depiction of narco-trafficking and violence on the news. However, these problems do exist in many areas and future generations deserve better. Perhaps through the work of organisations like <a href="http://www.childrenoftheandes.org/" target="_blank">COTA</a>, with your help, things can change.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Whatever you are able to give will be gratefully received. Thanks for your support.</p>