What a morning. Ninety bikes road up to the school, which I wrote about yesterday. The five riding teams (I'm in the orange team) then removed old desks and chairs from the classrooms (except the reception class who, until now, had sat on a concrete floor) and replaced them with brand new ones.
Prior to this, the school of 250 pupils had turned out to greet us, cheering, and the local choir was singing for us. I suspect that the sunglasses of most of these bikers masked a tear or two, they did mine anyway! It was a touching few hours, culminating in some of us giving rides to the kids. This is definitely what the trip is about, and is something in addition to the actual Riders for Health project. The school has one toilet (hole in the ground) for 250 pupils and the village raises its water via a pump from a borehole. Ingeniously, the pump is connected to a child's roundabout. So when the kids play on the roundabout, water is pumped into a storage tower.
Tonight, the group are going to try and raise money to fund some of the furniture. But the orange team have decided that we would like to raise enough to repair and improve the toilet block.
It strikes me that if we put as much money into this toilet as we do buying drinks (which eventually go down other toilets in the long run!) we should be able to improve things considerably.
This morning has been a fantastic experience. One of those times that reminds you to appreciate what you have and that its not "what you've got" (except, of course, for dirt bikes) that makes you happy!
Tony rides for life
In November 2007, Tony Hughes, MD of International Training Consultancy, Huthwaite International, is to take part in an off-road motorcycle trek, known as Enduro Africa, in aid of Riders for Health. Tony will tackle 8 days of dusty and demanding riding across 2,500km's of some of South Africa's most rugged and isolated terrain - the famous Wild Coast.
Riders for Health is a registered charity which operates motorcycle rider training of medical staff. Motorcycles are used by trained staff; Doctors, Nurses, Dentists and emergency Surgeons at Riders for Health to deliver medical products and medical care throughout remote areas of Africa to improve the lives of many people in desperate need, very often making a life and death difference. The motorcycle, which Tony will ride, will be donated to Riders for Health and the funds raised will go towards the running costs of the motorcycles used.
Riders for Health is a registered charity which operates motorcycle rider training of medical staff. Motorcycles are used by trained staff; Doctors, Nurses, Dentists and emergency Surgeons at Riders for Health to deliver medical products and medical care throughout remote areas of Africa to improve the lives of many people in desperate need, very often making a life and death difference. The motorcycle, which Tony will ride, will be donated to Riders for Health and the funds raised will go towards the running costs of the motorcycles used.
Wednesday 14 November 2007
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Map of Tony's route
Journey
Day 1
The first day sees us depart Port Elizabeth where I'll first be introduced to my trusty Honda CTX which will be my much loved companion for the 8 days which are to follow! From here we are to ride through the Big 5 Reserves of Kariega. Apparently a day which sees us faced with a variety of terrain from Sand Dunes to tar.
Day 2
A big day ahead as we reach the banks of the Cowie River in Port Alfred and then head inland and reach the port City of East London covering over 300km of land.
Day 3
First we cross the mighty Kei river by motorised ferry. Then apparently a day of great technical ability as we face the mighty Gorge across the Qora river. This route takes us along the coast past the wreck of the famous Jacaranda which is one of many vessels that have been sunk by this stretch of coastline. Waves up to 30 metres have been reported by wide eyed captains on this stretch and the scenery is supposed to be amazing.
Day 4
I imagine a well deserved rest day as we change oils and give our hard working CTX's a once over ready for the next leg of the journey.
Day 5
The Hole in The Wall, The Haven Nature Reserve and the Mighty Bashee river are just a few of the riding delicacy's that are to challenge us on Day 5.
Day 6
The Wild Wild side awaits. The days ride is to see us hug the rugged coastline past the villages of Coffee Bay, Mpande and Presley Bay. A day that is said to challenge your riding ability with rocky river crossings, muddy forest sections and the fast grass banks next to the beach. Hopefully an awesome day!
Day 7
On Day 7 day we head through Port St John's nestled on the banks of the mighty Umzimvubu River and enter the Wild Coast to experience the Mkambati Gorge and mighty Mtentu River.
Day 8
Through the 'Valley of a 1000 hills' and homeward bound to Durban. Hopefully it will be a proud moment when we hand over our Honda's to Riders for Health where they'll be used by medical staff, who will cover much of the very same terrain which we've covered over the past 8 days, improving the lives of those in desperate need, very often saving lives.
The first day sees us depart Port Elizabeth where I'll first be introduced to my trusty Honda CTX which will be my much loved companion for the 8 days which are to follow! From here we are to ride through the Big 5 Reserves of Kariega. Apparently a day which sees us faced with a variety of terrain from Sand Dunes to tar.
Day 2
A big day ahead as we reach the banks of the Cowie River in Port Alfred and then head inland and reach the port City of East London covering over 300km of land.
Day 3
First we cross the mighty Kei river by motorised ferry. Then apparently a day of great technical ability as we face the mighty Gorge across the Qora river. This route takes us along the coast past the wreck of the famous Jacaranda which is one of many vessels that have been sunk by this stretch of coastline. Waves up to 30 metres have been reported by wide eyed captains on this stretch and the scenery is supposed to be amazing.
Day 4
I imagine a well deserved rest day as we change oils and give our hard working CTX's a once over ready for the next leg of the journey.
Day 5
The Hole in The Wall, The Haven Nature Reserve and the Mighty Bashee river are just a few of the riding delicacy's that are to challenge us on Day 5.
Day 6
The Wild Wild side awaits. The days ride is to see us hug the rugged coastline past the villages of Coffee Bay, Mpande and Presley Bay. A day that is said to challenge your riding ability with rocky river crossings, muddy forest sections and the fast grass banks next to the beach. Hopefully an awesome day!
Day 7
On Day 7 day we head through Port St John's nestled on the banks of the mighty Umzimvubu River and enter the Wild Coast to experience the Mkambati Gorge and mighty Mtentu River.
Day 8
Through the 'Valley of a 1000 hills' and homeward bound to Durban. Hopefully it will be a proud moment when we hand over our Honda's to Riders for Health where they'll be used by medical staff, who will cover much of the very same terrain which we've covered over the past 8 days, improving the lives of those in desperate need, very often saving lives.
2 comments:
Hi Tony,
Sounds like you are really enjoying the rugged, rough and rural coastline of South Africa.
All at Huthwaite Africa wish you the best and continue to hope you enjoy both the beauty of this country and do all you can to assist in it's strife.
God bless.
Alan Versteeg and the Huthwaite Africa Team
Hi Dad
It sounds like you are having a really good time i am really glad! Glad you haven't hurt yourself yet keep it up. It sounds fab and the pictures are cool.
Missing you lots though, looking forward to seeing you!
Lots of Love
Danielle and everyone here!!
xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx
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