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Wai Won Ching, of eZee electric bikes and Rupert Nanni, both keen advocates of cycling and the environment, are traveling 3000 kms of Africa in 2 weeks on their eZee Torq electric bikes raising money and awareness for Cycling Out Of Poverty (www.cyclingoutofpoverty.com).
Cycling Out Of Poverty is a Dutch Foundation engaged in fundraising for bicycle micro credit projects in Africa. African women and children cover long distances on foot every day, carrying many kilos water and firewood on their head. This is a time and energy-consuming job. A bicycle can break the vicious circle of poverty and offer women the chance to improve their daily lives.
Otherwise lacking the money to buy a bicycle, these people are able to turn to one of the partner organizations & apply for a Cycling Out Of Poverty subsidized bicycle. They then pay this off in monthly installments, receiving the bike at the first down payment. The bikes can then be used to earn extra money, transporting products to markets in less time and more frequently, allowing more time and energy to generate a better income.
Starting in the Namibian town of Katima Mulilo down to the central plateau and into the Namib desert, where high summer temperatures, dust and gravel roads will push the riders and bikes to the limit. Passing Sesriem and the Orange River, a straight run through Garies and Clanwilliam will see them finish in CapeTown where the bikes will be auctioned off for charity.
The event Zero Rally Africa (ZRA) originally scheduled for the beginning of this year, was designed to be a tough challenge to showcase the latest and best in vehicles in alternative fuel technologies. Makers of solar, electric hybrids, bio-fuel and fuel cell vehicles were expected to display their prowess and abilities, competing with each other under the harshest African environment. It would be seen as an exciting glimpse into a new 4 wheeled future without fossil fuels.
When things in 2008 unfolded to worsening conditions, with oil prices rocketing to a peak of $140 a barrel, followed by the largest financial crisis since the great depression. Automakers begin to collapse under the weight of a old world order, even as the scramble to cut their operating costs, pulling out from luxurious sports events like the F1 and begin to develop serious plans for fuel-efficient and electric hybrid vehicles. It would seem that even their loftier ‘green’ pursuits would have to be scaled back and the Zero Rally Africa has been postponed indefinitely.
“We always want to prove the viability of our electric bicycles as a solution for more sensible future, although disappointed that we cannot participate this year under the ZRA banner, we’re not going to let that hold us back. Said W W Ching. “This is far too important to wait for.”
“Despite the financial downturn in the western world, we are very blessed and should not forget that the citizens of Africa everyday are living in appalling conditions. Micro-credit financing for bicycles will go a long way to help those in need, in the spirit of our times, please be active and help. Together, let's use our passion for cycling to make this world a little better.” W W Ching
Follow their progress on their blog:
www.electricbicycle.iblog.co.za/category/katima-to-cape-ride/
Other Links:
http://www.bicycles-for-humanity.org/index.php:
www.flickr.com/photos/bennamibia/
www.flickr.com/photos/26180185@N04/sets/72157605060269345/
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