We made it – to !

 

was much tougher than SDW (), as route less established (i.e. ploughed fields at times) and not bike friendly (how many stiles?) – definitely more trial than trail at times! No major mishap, apart from Stevie’s knees...

If you would like to see a few pictures of our lengthy ride (225km all told, after 3 long days in the saddle), please go to the following blog – http://ndwchallenge.blogspot.com/2010/09/intro_21.html

Many many thanks to everyone who supported us - we’re now half way towards our target – and there’s still time for more donations…

Cheers, Martyn & The Motley Crew

 

 

The Facts:-

Where?         The North Downs Way

From Surrey to Kent, some 245km,or 153 miles in old money, via Farnham – Guildford – Dorking – Caterham – Sevenoaks – Wrotham – Rochester – Maidstone – Ashford – Folkestone – Dover – Canterbury – Ashford (again?), phew, quite a list…

When?           From 17^th -19^th September 2010

Hopefully – 3 (long) days allocated, tough as difficult trails and steep hills (Leith, Box, etc), hopefully our legs (& bot) will hold up, and fingers crossed that the British weather will be kind.

Who?             The Motley Crew, aka 78CC82

Dom, Steve, Clwyd & I – all ex City Civils from ‘78-‘82 (yes, that long ago).

Supported by Ralph & Sue, plus Nicky.

Why?             Rwanda Aid & Sustainable Housing

To make this a really worthwhile event, we are again seeking donations for Rwanda Aid - http://www.rwanda-aid.org/ - a small charity working solely in the remote south-west of this desperately poor, but amazingly resilient, country. And in particular, to further the development of sustainable low cost housing, as recently promoted through my Design Competition - http://sites.google.com/site/nkombohousingproject/home

What?            Sponsor us please!

It would be wonderful if you could assist, by sponsoring us by Just Giving – pls click on “Donate now”, and Gift Aid if you can

The small print - All monies raised will go direct to Rwanda Aid (we are funding all costs of the ride ourselves) and donations will benefit from Gift Aid along the way. Being a small and focussed charity, Rwanda Aid is most efficient, with no paid administration team in the UK, ensuring maximum assistance in Rwanda.

How much?

Have a look at the attached pictures to see our recently completed prototype “pods” (think African igloo) and organic toilet, both built from compacted earthbags, and coated with lime render (but not yet painted).

Our target is £2,000, which should provide 3 living pods and 1 toilet for a needy family.

Here’s a selection of indicative prices, although we are working to lower these costs through bulk purchasing once commercial building works commence:-

“Eko-plate” (solid / liquid separator) for toilet - £23

Windows, with insect mesh above - £40 each

Door, with glass panes and again mesh above - £80

Food bags (plastic) - 23p each

Each pod requires around 650 - £150

 

Many thanks, in anticipation of your support. Every little helps, as an UK £ goes a much longer way in Rwanda. And I promise this won’t be an annual appeal!

Martyn & all the Motley Crew, including supporters