With four cycling teams now on the road, Africa is feeling closer than ever to our hearts and homes. For some of the cycling groups Morocco is now so close that they can see the beautiful and distant blurry shoreline.
The AC Bug Eleventy Ride group have already arrived in Tangiers and are celebrating their the success of their grand journey. Next in line is the Link Veterans team who are less than 100 miles away from Morocco with the Spanish port town of Algeciras virtually in sight. Also in Spain and not far behind are the People’s Republic of Cavendish who will be passing through the gorgeous countryside of the Corral de Almaguer in the next few days. And finally a big welcome to our newest members, The Roger Cooper Fat Rascal North Yorkshire Stunt Display Team who are leaving from Harrogate, England and have the longest distance to cover out of all of the teams.
Reach Africa is an event that is in tradition with Graham Thom’s revolutionary idea of keeping fundraising contemporary, interactive and innovative. Our cyclists have helped to keep the event alive by asking their friends, families, and work colleagues to go the distance with them, literally! The teams have the virtual goal of reaching 1,100 miles, starting in the UK and ending in Tangiers Morocco. This is the same distance as the original Hitch event back in 1992, which a few of the cyclists were previously involved in. Everyone is able keep in touch by updating their own distance and following their team member’s progress through the online Tracking Centre.
Through the support of each team member's friends, families, co-workers, and primary schools, the Reach Africa teams have been able to pledge over £3,000 so far and there is still more coming! Liz Burrell, from the Link Veterans team was very excited to tell her group that her son had come home from school one day with an unexpected donation of £150 from a class mate’s family. How exciting! Teams have been using the online blogs, as well, to keep everyone they know updated on their journey and to raise money for better education in sub-Saharan Africa.
Our cyclists have seen the additional payback to their lives by going the extra mile. Sally Maxwell, Link Veterans team, told us that the cycling was, “easy to do, good fun and had health benefits for everyone too”. Whether they have relished the chance to be more “green”, to get in shape on the bike or just feel inspired by their team mates, it’s been an exciting and memorable journey for all. We are so encouraged by everyone’s dedication and look forward to seeing them cross the line into Morocco. Good Luck everyone! Safe Travels!
Lauren Moser
Link Events Marketing Assistant
23 October 2009
This is a small taste of what you will feel when you are a part of a Reach Africa cycling team. The event can be done in your home and on your own time, however, you can personally experience all of the emotional and physical rewards as if you rode to Morocco yourself.
If you would like to have more information and to register online for free - click here. Thank you!
