Bike Relief

⁵⁵“It is fabulous. I am going to show this bike to other farmers and they will see the importance of growing coffee.”   Beatrice Kayitesi, Rwandan coffee farmer, first-time bicycle owner

 

There’s that cycling-coffee connection again – this time with an African flavor and as a means of enticing industry for economic development. Our intrigues of professional racing seem minor compared to the problems Africa faces: distribution of basic necessities, epidemic disease, unsafe water supply, inadequate sanitation, starvation, government corruption, and genocide. Despite all these hardships, African cycling rides on with a vibrant racing schedule, several internationally-ranked teams and tours, and potential for positive change via the bike. The first American to participate in the Tour de France, Jock Boyer, is now directing Rwanda’s national team, which is fast becoming a showcase to other African nations of what a cycling team can accomplish. Supported by Tom Ritchey, mountain bike design pioneer, the team brings attention to the national economic impact of his specifically-designed bike. The coffee bike has special panniers and durability to haul beans and transverse African byways. World Bicycle Relief^® has also partnered with various organizations to combat the HIV/AIDS virus in Africa by providing means of transport for healthcare workers. Here is their mission statement:

 

⁵⁶“Simple, sustainable transportation is an essential element in disaster assistance and poverty relief. Bicycles fulfill basic needs by providing access to healthcare, education and economic development. Bicycles empower individuals, their families, and their communities. Our mission is to provide access to independence and livelihood through The Power of Bicycles.”

 

Simple transport, racing exposure, basic needs: ride to empower!

 

Prayer for African Cycling

“Men cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.”

⁵⁷Job 35:9

 

We are grateful for bikes as a means of livelihood! We confess we ignore the problems of others. We pray for relief and resources for the distribution of bicycles. We ask blessing upon African racing.

 

Ponder What am I doing to relieve the suffering of the oppressed? Affirm I ⁵⁸assist others using my bicycle. Watch for a riding way to heed the world’s cries for help.

 

⁵⁵“Coffee farmers get bikes on credit,” by Eugene Kwibuka, Northern Province, The New Times, Rwanda’s first daily, March 18, 2008 www.newtimes.co.rw as credited in Project Rwanda newsletter www.projectrwanda.org

⁵⁶“The Power of Bicycles: Empowering People,” www.worldbicyclerelief.org

⁵⁷The Bible, New International Version, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

⁵⁸All Sevens Ride for Africa. 7 Days, 7 Countries, 7 Cities, 777 Miles – and Finishing on 07/07/07 www.allsevens.org – a ride for relief. There are others, and you can organize one!

irie jammin50 – Powerful Good Times

⁵¹“…great farm road network and the unbelievable island love for the sport of cycling…the number one sport on the island! We’re friends to this day. But that’s just the way the island cyclists are. And there are TONS of them!” Chris Gutowsky, Owner, VeloSport Vacations

 

Professional riders and velo vacationers have plundered the hidden treasures of the Caribbean for excellent racing and an enjoyable pre-season. Every season on the East Coast, a hurricane crushes through amateur racing by the blast of two indomitable ⁵²friends – a Guyanese Flash Gordon and a Tornado Trinidadian. These two tradesmen are hard wheels to follow in the final surge fight for sprint position; both deal in crafty as pirates of the criterium. With silver temples and a pension, they regularly school the up and comers. Yet, they’re so friendly and fiercely competitive; you almost want them to beat you or your best guys because they’re the stuff of legend.

 

Likewise the promise of bounty in a Caribbean voyage causes some teams to sail in some great racing in many of these island places this time of year. Tours of the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic are ports of call for early season racing. The islands have a long racing calendar and a Caribbean championship. Their champions travel outside the region as well. A ⁵³Puerto Rican sponsored team landed in Virginia to conquer its mountainous tour, and six guys with humble poise and private humor conquered better supported teams. Teams have been combing the seas searching for fresh talent and finding it among the islanders. The same ports-of-call and beach getaways likewise provide a cycling adventure. Young Caribbean riders are gaining experience even now. What a destination for a scouting trip!

 

Prayer for Caribbean Cycling

“Far-flung ocean islands wait expectantly…”  ⁵⁴Isaiah 42:4

 

We are grateful for relaxation and rejuvenation by island get-aways. We ask for fun rides and races and more trade in cycling talent from this region. We ask blessing upon Caribbean cycling.

 

Ponder Do I have friendly but competent competition that can delight me as we push each other? Affirm I am a pirate of the secret treasures of far-flung cycling places. Watch and exchange some friendly fire as you discover new territory or information in your cycling community.

 

⁵⁰Rasta/Patois Jamaica Dictionary, Compiled by Mike Pawka, Last Updated 06/15/97 http://www.ddg.com/LIS/InfoDesignF97/malyce/dict.htm

 

⁵¹“Travel: Caribbean Winter Blues,” by Richard Pestes, posted 1/16/2006 www.pezcyclingnews.com

 

VéloSport Vacations www.velovacations.com

 

⁵²Aubrey Gordon, twice Masters National Crit Champion & World medalist on the track for points race from Guyana and Patrick Gellineau, track Masters Worlds Champion from Trinidad.

 

⁵³Team CAICO is a UCI registered Colombian team with a Puerto Rican sponsor and administration.

 

⁵⁴The Message, Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Cycling Explorers

⁴⁸“Generally I find the development of cycling good in that it becomes more globalised and is taking advantage of its popularity in such far-off lands…I hope that this development won’t be held [back] by conservative Europeans.”                                               Peter ‘Paco’ Wrolich, Pro Cyclist

              

 

Wasn’t it Europeans who were the world’s mapmakers searching for new territories? From this cycling epicenter, we look again for an ever-widening circle of conquest – for cycling interest. As the Jamaicans say, “The child must creep before him walk.” So, many pro teams slip away to play in gentle pre-season latitudes. While early season intensity burns, interesting far-flung venues make it fun. In an activity that is by nature pleasurable, it may seem strange that a conscious effort is made to keep cycling festive. Yet this is an important consideration. It’s a long competitive season, February to October for most, with a lot of racing, sponsor expectations for results, and pressures to perform. Physiology and periodization work along the precept that a peak is achievable perhaps several times a year with focused hard periods and scheduled tapering times. The days of Merckx-like momentum throughout all the important events on the calendar are pursued by a few spring to fall classics specialists. Some don’t have the luxury due to role or resources to be in top form for key events, but it is possible to maintain consistent performances without planning for a peak.

 

Another group to be reminded to keep it fun is anyone with a geared up personality, who takes riding seriously on some level. Those who enjoy the process of training can get so into measurable gains, they forget what it’s all about in the first place: good health, quality outlet, community-based activity, adventurous escape! Even with serious goals and a tough voyage ahead, keep your quest for new territory fun in this new season!

 

Prayer for Fun

“As for every man to whom God has given riches and many good things, He has also given him the power to eat from them, receive his pay and be happy in his work. This is the gift of God.”  ⁴⁹Ecclesiastes 5:19

 

We exhilarate at windswept careening on fresh road. We confess we take ourselves and our goals so seriously at times, we sideline our enjoyment. We ask for escapades/moments of celebration on the bike.

Ponder How can I check my cycling fun factor? Affirm I notice my signals of exasperation that remind me to trade pace with amusement. Watch and learn what keeps you entertained to persevere throughout the entire season.

 

⁴⁸“Wrolich travels the world,” By Susan Westemeyer, Latest Cycling News, February 4, 2008 Edited by Gregor Brown www.cyclingnews.com

 

⁴⁹The Bible, New Living Version Copyright © 1969 by Christian Literature International