The Reason: the last 2 years have been particularly difficult for many communities in Africa which have struggled to find work, feed their families and educate their children as a result of the COVID pandemic. If that wasn't bad enough, the cost of living crisis is now impacting them as food becomes more scarce and prices rise. Life is so tough for these people for whom each day is a struggle. 

Mission Direct works closely with partners in countries such as Zambia, Kenya & Uganda to help relieve poverty in many ways in these desperately poor communities such as building school classrooms, and providing food to feed the school children.

I have recently been appointed the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Mission Direct and as I have just entered retirement I wanted to use this opportunity to go on this adventurous trip and raise some much needed funds to help support Mission Direct's programs. 

https://missiondirect.org/

https://www.facebook.com/missiondirect

The Ride: I have had a long standing ambition to cycle from the West Coast of the United States to the East Coast a distance of approximately 3,500 miles / 5,600 kilometres.

In early July I will set off from Astoria, Oregon with several school friends and we should arrive in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in mid September. I have been training for the last few months and hopefully the body will stand up to the rigours of the heat, mountain climbs and long days in the saddle.  It should be a memorable trip!