2008 Rider Profiles
Full Tour Riders
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 Maria Abagiswww.cyclingtheroadlesstravelled.com Spiros and I are Canadians, living in Vancouver. I became hooked on cycle touring the very day we started our first cycling trip in 2000, when we cycled from Scotland to Greece. Cycling is, at least for me, the best way to travel through a country (a continent in this case). Not only do you get to cycle through incredible places, but you are travelling at a pace that allows you to see and experience so much more. You leave with a much better understanding of the place and the people. What I love most about travel is the thrill of the unexpected, not knowing what you will see, who you will meet or what new adventures await. I've wanted to see Africa as long as I can remember and I can't think of a better way to do it. Most people who know me will tell you I laugh a lot, often for no particular reason. I hope to be able to keep smiling and laughing even through the more trying times. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate and would like to use this opportunity to help make a difference in someone's life. Our goal is to raise funds and awareness for the WaterCan, which provides clean drinking water and sanitation for communities in need, and Against Malaria, which provides bed nets to protect people against Malaria. For more information, please see http://cyclingtheroadlesstravelled.com/donate. The Tour D'Afrique is the first leg of a year long journey. We will continue our travels in Europe and Asia. Time to pack up our lives into a little red box and head out! (How exciting is that!!!) |
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Maxime Allard www.maxallard.blogspot.com I'm Max, 24, from Montréal, Canada. I am a student in international relations in Montréal's University. I'm in a year-long break to discover a little bit of the African continent. The TDA is obviously a big chunk of this discovering trip (and the last part of my travel). Is there any better way to discover a place than to cycle from one side to the other? I will be challenged physically, mentally and culturally. I have no intention of doing the race, but my personal goal is, obviously, to be part of the EFI club! I can wait to start this incredible experience that will be engraved in my memory (and my legs) forever. I discovered a passion for Africa six years ago. I discovered a passion for cycling three years ago. I discovered TDA last year. Here I am! |
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Spiros Analytis www.cyclingtheroadlesstravelled.com To get a chance to cycle across Africa with Maria has been a dream of mine since I stumbled upon the Tour D'Afrique website 4 years ago. The second the page opened, I said to myself: "Wow, this is something we have to do!" I can't imagine a better way to see the real Africa then from the seat of my bike. Photography is another one of my passions, particularly travel photography. I'm really looking forward to seeing and capturing Africa through my lens. I also enjoy hiking, running, and any type of physical challenge. My life philosophy is there is much more to life then just work. We hope to raise funds and awareness for the WaterCan and Against Malaria, to have an adventure of a lifetime, to experience all that Africa has to offer, to push myself physically and mentally and to learn and grow from this experience. I've been dreaming about this trip for 4 years and can't wait for January 12th. Time to shed life's excesses and get back to basics; eat, sleep and ride. Let's Go!!! |
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 John Bellwww.ridejohnride.com I'm now on the wrong side of 65 but managing to keep fit. Live near Nottingham and retired so I have ample time to go off wandering and winter in the UK gets awful long. My other half, Jan, is happy to trek around the world with me but she said that she draws the line at sitting on a bike for 4 months. So, while she gets on with her university studies I will leave her to see Africa at first hand, although I am no stranger to the continent. I lived in Zambia, in the mid 60s and spent time in other parts. It will be interesting to see how places have changed. This will be a major challenge for all of us but I am sure that we will give it our best shot. |
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 Claude BersierI m 47 years old and I live in Switzerland in a village between Lausanne and Geneva. I graduated in Science of Pharmacy at the University of Lausanne. Now I work as pharmacist in my own business. All of my life I have practiced a lot of sport. Basketball and running for about 25 years and now cycling. I started cycling about 5 years ago because of a knee injury caused by a basketball accident. So I don't have a lot of experience cycling and the Tour d'Afrique will be a great challenge for me. Tour d'Afrique is also an opportunity for me to take a break in my professional life. I don't know what to expect during this ride but I'm so glad to be one of the participants of this great tour. It will certainly a great experience in my life. I want to thank my wife for encouraging me to participate in the Tour d'Afrique. Without her help, it wouldn't be possible for me to leave my business for such a long period of time. See you soon! |
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Bruno Boilard brunoenafrique.monblogue.branchez-vous.com Growing up on a dairy farm in Canada, I was quick to appreciate the pleasure of being close to the elements. From that time on, I have always favoured the wide open spaces where I am not constricted by having a roof over my head. This adoration would lead me to visit and live in all Canadian provinces. I have thus far lived my life doing fulfilling what it is I want. I have been working for many years in the education system of "La Belle Province". Even if I love my work, I also enjoy many sports like cycling in different conditions, swimming and diving on a regular basis with precious friends. The Tour d'Afrique experience will allow me to make countless prime contacts with the people of Africa. I feel that I have much to discover and understand. While cycling the Tour d'Afrique, I wish to raise awareness of the work currently being done by Cyclo Nord-Sud. I associate myself with their goal as this group promotes sustainable development aiming to the respect of the biosphere and the people dwelling within it. www.cyclonordsud.org In association with Tumbuktu – Les Transarts Africains, I wish to give to this physical experience a chance to also discover cultures, arts and music as they are now experienced in Africa. www.tumbuktu.com Thanks to my family, friends, colleagues and students for supporting me and encouraging me in countless ways. Y a todos mis amigas y amigos que quiero mucho les mando un abrazo fuerte. A special thanks to Diane, Gabriel and Dominik for allowing me to take this time for myself. Ich danke auch meine Mutter, Gertrude, für seine Mitschuld. I invite you to visit me on my blogg site at: http://brunoenafrique.monblogue.branchez-vous.com. |
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Dave Bouskill www.theplanetd.com Dave Bouskill is an avid traveler having explored South East Asia, Europe, Central and South America as well as Canada and parts of the U.S. Working as a Rigging Gaffer in Toronto's film and television industry has allowed him the freedom to take several months off to pursue his greatest passion - Exploring the world. What draws him to the Tour d'Afrique is the chance to push himself beyond his limits while getting to intimately experience Africa from the seat of a bicycle. He is thrilled to take on this challenge with his wife Debra who has shared each journey in his life during the past 16 years and looks forward to taking some incredible photos which will fulfill his second greatest passion - Photography. |
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 Debra Corbeilwww.theplanetd.com/ Debra Corbeil is amazed that she is actually going to Africa. Being number one on her ''things to do'' since watching Africa The Serengeti in 1994, she can finally cross it off of her list. Having never gone on a cycling trip before, she decided to Go Big or Go Home and take on the challenge of the Tour d'Afrique. A make-up artist in TV and Film, Debra has traveled extensively through Asia, Central America, Europe and parts of North and South America. Travel has become her passion and she is looking forward to exploring the diverse landscape and experiencing the rich cultures and wildlife that Africa has to offer. She is excited to share this opportunity with her husband Dave, who has inspired her through every moment of their 16 years together. |
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 Louise Cornelisfietseninafrika.web-log.nl I have been on several cycling holidays before, as cycling is perhaps my biggest passion in life. Those tours always seemed to be over when I was just getting used to life on the road, and they made me dream about something longer. Then I learnt about the Tour d'Afrique and it seemed to be a fantastic opportunity to make that dream come true, and match it with my interest in Africa and sustainable development cooperation. It's even better that I can do it together with my husband Henk! Moreover, a sabbatical is also a very welcome luxury at this stage in my career - I am 41, and a self-employed trainer and consultant in business communication. I am also a columnist for the Dutch cycling magazine Fiets. I am hoping to write and publish columns and more about my experiences in Africa. The theme, both for myself and for my writing, will be resilience: my own (I will need it!), my bike's, and Africa's. |
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Ton de Jager www.fietsen-in-afrika.nl Ton de Jager, 51 years old. I live in Utrecht, The Netherlands, with my wife Helène and our children Guus and Lieke. I work as an accountmanager for a large IT-training institute. Sport has always played an important role in my life, the last 7 years biking is my passion. Taking part in the Tour d'Afrique is something i have been dreaming of since it started in 2003. Making this dream become reality in itself gives me a lot of energy. For me this expediton is the ideal combination of a physical endurance event, travelling through Africa, not to fast, not to slow, and meeting all sorts of people along the road. It offers a great opportunity to raise money for a very worthy cause: The Pola van der Donck Foundation. I can't wait to get started! |
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 Erika de Jagerwww.freewebs.com/erikatda Erika de Jager,31 living in Peterborough England and working as a PA but from South Africa originally. The first time I heard about TDA was from a friend in Switzerland who did it in 2007. I must admit my first though was that it sounds absolutely crazy but it soon turned into a " Maybe I should give this a go". I've never done anything like this in my whole life and the furthest I've been on a cycle is 40 km 10 years ago. Not to even begin talking about bike spares and parts. I don't know my cassette form my chain ring but im sure by the end of this tour I will. So I have got no idea what im letting myself in for…..but, hey, life is a journey and now I'm going to really feel how to enjoy the ride. I'm from Pretoria in South Africa and when I first told my friends and family about my newest crazy venture they thought it was just a joke but it soon kicked in and they are all behind me 100%. I'm sure it will be the biggest challenge for me mentally and physically. I'm doing it for a couple of reasons firstly to raise money for my 3 charities namely Cancer research, Starfish Greathearts foundation and the Spinal injuries Association. I've got different reasons for each charity but the one closest to my heart is Cancer research because I had cancer when I was 24 and my mum had breast cancer and we both are here to tell the tale because we got diagnosed early enough. Here are the links: www.justgiving.com/erikatda for cancer www.justgiving.com/erikastarfish for Starfish and www.justgiving.com/erikasia for Spinal injuries Association. It can also be found on my website www.freewebs.com/erikatda. |
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 Kathleen DempseyI have been drawn to the Tour d Afrique since I first read about it in 2003. Finally, it is my turn. I love cycle touring as a way to get to know a place and its people, and am excited to have my first visit to Africa by bike. |
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 Conor Devinewww.mycharity.ie/event/conor_devines_event I want to complete the Tour d'Afrique as it looks like a cool way to see a continent, I can't wait to have time to sit, cycle & ponder ! I have only read one book in the last 3 years but that is what motivated me to do the TDA. I love rugby & soccer & look forward to brushing up on my silky skills. I'm also looking forward to a cool well earned beer in Cape Town, as well as the many in between ! I am also fundraising for a Irish charity Aids Partnership in Africa based in Ethiopia, Tanzania & Zimbabwe. APA provides Aids education & train the trainer programmes in small rural villages. You can see my progress online. My target is €25,000. |
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Diana Diaconu veggie2go.blogspot.com Talking about myself - that's pretty hard. I have awesome friends and a very supportive family. As an outdoor enthusiast living in Vancouver I enjoy the many wonderful things the West Coast has to offer, especially the mountains! I feel that I have reached a turning point in my life: there are dreams I feel I have to let go, but then I'd still like to try and make others come true. This is a journey of discovery and auto-discovery combining personal interests with new challenges. By the end of it I hope to have broadened my horizon and improved my understanding of the world and my place in it. I am so insignificant as an individual but I'd like to think that I can at least do my best to help make a difference. |
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Edward Din www.WhereIsEd.de Having recently graduated from university and with the great support of many, many people I am fortunate enough to be able to participate in the Tour d’Afrique. I grew up in south-west Germany and spent most of the past couple of years living in the UK. The Tour will in countless ways be a completely new experience for me and I am looking forward to tackle the challenge. UNICEF achieves impressive things in Africa on a daily basis and I am supporting their great work with my participation in the Tour d’Afrique. Another personal goal is to share my experiences with the people at home. I firmly believe that understanding a foreign culture and its people is a crucial precondition for the developed world to truly care and help tackle poverty. |
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Bernie Doiron www.rusticoriders.ca I'm a 63 year old Canadian who first heard about TDA in 2003 through an article in the local newspaper about fellow Prince Edward Islander, Sandra McMillan, a member of the first tour. About three years later, Beryl and I decided that 2008 would be our year. Cycling has become a big part of our lives and I'm excited about a return visit to Africa and the challenges of a four month cycling tour. Although our past cycling trips have been usually one week in duration, we always looked forward to cycling the "next day". With TDA, the next day becomes the next day and so on. While working in Ottawa, we were introduced to WaterCan, had an opportunity to meet some of the staff and quickly decided to raise funds for this very worthy cause, as so many of the world's people do not have access to clean water and good sanitation. www.watercan.com Three years ago, I got a 6" tattoo of my first bike, a 1957 CCM; space on my right calf is reserved for the TDA logo. I'm hoping that negotiations with TDA re design, size, etc. are a possibility; after all, I'm on a fixed income. |
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Beryl Doiron www.rusticoriders.ca Bernie and I have recently retired and are living on Canada's East Coast on the North Shore of beautiful Prince Edward Island. We are PEI natives, having lived and worked in Ottawa for the past 25 years with our two sons – Brent and Brad. I started cycling seriously about 5 years ago and found that my 'best' cycling is when I complete consecutive days of cycling, never covering the same path twice. Ask me if I still feel that way after my 4 month – 10 country African expedition is completed. What better way to explore a continent — travelling with a tour complete with cook, mechanic, nurse, and support vehicles. I am looking forward to the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenge that Tour d'Afrique has to offer me and can't wait to cycle through the numerous African towns and villages and see how people live on a continent so diverse from North America. Oh yes, I am waiting to see those beautiful sunsets and sunrises from the African desserts. I also look forward to being part of a group of like-minded people from various parts of the world. |
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 Natalia DziegielewskaMy name is Natalia. I am 31 years old, born and raised in Poznan, Poland. For the past 6 years I have been living in London, working in hospitality industry. I actually found out about TdA doing a web search on alternative sports. One glance was enough to get my "adventure juices" flowing and I was hooked on the idea of going through all that grind of 4 months on the road. So, here I am learning the bike parts and training hard. My personal challenge will be supporting tour d'afrique foundation and definitely maintaining the EFI status throughout 96 days of cycling. Ever since I remember Africa enticed me with its wildlife, remoteness, law of the jungle and endless horizon. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro last year gave me an opportunity to witness firsthand how exploitation of tourist hot spots has affected the land, wildlife and local communities. Although I was completely taken with Africa's breathtaking beauty, unforgiving climate and diversity of wildlife two things touched me most. Wildlife is not so wild anymore with too many people allowed access, harassing and abusing it and the poverty is a fact of day-to-day life, sad reality that you just get used to... I want to be part of TdA to challenge that state of mind, show there are other ways to experience & explore the continent rather then the back seat of a jeep, that you can give something back to the country you are visiting, something to dream about, an inspiration maybe... It does feel a bit crazy to just quit your job, leave the comfort of home, empty your bank account and readily agree to breath in African road dust for next 120 days... God what have I done! This will be adventure of a lifetime! Keep counting the days now till I sit my cushion-padded bottom on a bike and start pedalling due south! |
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Ashleigh Emerick My name is Ashleigh Emerick. I'm 30, born in England to a French Canadian, grew up in California. I triangulate by using "bloody, "eh," and "dude" equally in every day conversations. I've spent the last 9 years as an Internet marketer in the unruly San Francisco dotcom scene. Last year, after several weeks of fierce contemplation as to my seemingly unfounded feelings of dissatisfaction, I went to Africa to volunteer for a month and climb Kilimanjaro. The experience ruined everything. Suffice it to say, upon return I felt even more strongly that I needed to do something that "mattered" and made a positive impact in the world. What a burden! So, in August I left my job and started working on my own project/online community (www.tinygreenbubble.com) that will hopefully launch in October (fingers crossed!). During the first few weeks of entrepreneurship, my best friend Google led me to the Tour d'Afrique. As an avid weekend cyclist with a deep affection for both Africa and adventure, I thought it sounded like a good idea. On a bike ride (well, having a beer after a bike ride), I met a doctor who told me of his rather remarkable organization helping children with HIV in Zimbabwe. I've decided to support his efforts, and raise money for www.JFKapnekTrust.org. I'm looking very forward to the experience of a lifetime. Help care for and educate the children of Zimbabwe. Sponsor me on the Tour d'Afrique. Go Here: http://www.firstgiving.com/tinygreenbubble |
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Michael Fahey I'm a 65 year old bicyclist that has just completed 1100 miles trek through China. This trek actually completes my goal to cycle the world. I started cycling the world back in 1996 when my daughter Shari and I cycled across the US. We did this as a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. I lost my wife Ruth in 1995 to breast cancer. After completing the US ride I decided that I should continue and cycle the World. I have cycled 15 countries, doing a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society on each trek. My daughter Shari was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Since then, she has undergone surgery and treatment. My youngest daughter, Shannon, just gave birth to a daughter in May and Shannon was diagnosed with malignant cell for breast cancer. There is a possibility that her daughter may have the malignant cell for cancer. |
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Kerri Finlayson www.tda2008.blogspot.com I am currently on sabbatical from my job as instructor of Anthropology and Sociology at North Central Michigan College, in northern Michigan, U.S.A. A dear friend of mine sent me a link to the Tour d'Afrique website, and it appealed to me so much that I proposed to my college a sabbatical project to conduct a sociological study of group dynamics of the Tour d'Afrique riders. This means that I will want to get to know each and every one of you and ask you a few questions if you will let me! I look forward to meeting you soon! This will be my second time to the great continent of Africa. In 2006, some friends and I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, which was a fantastic experience. I had no idea I would be returning to the continent of Africa so soon; however, I am excited to pass through countries and terrain that I have never seen before. I have always enjoyed physical activity, especially endurance events. In 2001, I was part of a 12 women team of Americans and Canadians that cross-country skied to the North Pole from a Russian-based departure. Wow-what an experience! Other than that, I love to bike (mountain and road), golf, kayak, run, cross-country and downhill ski, and do yoga. Since I am trying to furiously put together my research plan, I can't fundraise as much as I would like to. However, in whatever time I can muster together I will be raising funds and/or bikes for the Tour d'Afrique foundation. |
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Eugene Garver employees.csbsju.edu/egarver/bikingthroughafrica.htm Gene Garver, 62, is a semi-retired philosophy professor from Minnesota, with a wife, Jane, and a 21 year old son, Leo. He loves bikes, loves challenges, and loves Africa. Put those together, and you get, the Tour d'Afrique. When he was 50, he celebrated by biking from Seattle to Tijuana. When he was 60 he learned to swim so he could do triathlons, and recently finished 5th in his age group at the U. S. national half Iron-man. He decided he couldn't wait until 70 for the Tour d'Afrique. While he is lucky enough to get to take off four months and can afford the tour, others can't. So he is raising money for the American Refugee Committee's work in Africa. www.arcrelief.org He is currently constructing a website for the tour and hopes to have it up by early November. Stay tuned. |
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 Craig GeorgeG'day I'm doing the TDA for fun and adventure. I'm really looking forward to the simplicity of life combined with daily challenges. Cycling used to be my least favourite form of exercise, then my mates gave me a bike last year for my 30th and look what happened! I've worked in the water industry for 10 years and this is also my final year of study in water mgt at uni. So it seems fitting to raise funds for Water Aid Australia. Check out www.everydayhero.com.au/GeorgesTDA I'm also trying to raise awareness of safety for ALL road users through the Amy Gillette Foundation. I hope I can EFI the first day, then the first country, then who knows! See you on the road!! |
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 Wouter Gheysels"I went to South Africa to work, now I want to discover Africa by bike." Instead of starting off with what I did as I grew up, let me start with September 2007. I currently live in Durban South Africa working for a graphics company. I have been in this job for a little over a year, and although I like the job and the people I work with, I am constantly conflicted with make a living, and wanting to have a life. It's a really nice country to see, South Africa. The only problem is that I had to work and had less time to enjoy the very thing that brought me here. The great outdoors, the wild life, the beach, the mountain trail, the cycling, the diving, all there for the taking, and every day, I longed to get out and do something. I have worked for quite a few number of years, and I feel it is time to take a break, time to shut down the computers. I went to South Africa to work; now I want to discover Africa by bike. In the process, I look forward to sharing the sponsorships I can solicit to Heart to Heart International, an organization for abandoned children with AIDS. (www.orphanaid.co.za) It a little crazy to put a stop to my career at this point in my life and get on a bike and see Africa, But then again, life is too short. I keep thinking, if not this, then what? And if not now, then When? As a Belgian, the small country of lovely choclats, the best beers, …we have the habbit to drink a good beer after the race, still looking for some sponsership that can fulfill this wish. |
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Rick Goodfellow www.masaicentre.ca "When viewed at night from space Africa is indeed a largely dark continent, setting it apart from most others. Aside from being an enormous personal challenge I anticipate there is no better way to gain an insight into Africa's uniqueness than to traverse it by bicycle. Having recently retired from a career as a high school teacher and with experience in bicycle touring, I feel the Tour d'Afrique offers an ideal opportunity. I want to thank my loving and supportive family without which this would be impossible. Also many thanks to my incredibly kind friends in the Elora-Fergus area and beyond. I want to use this opportunity to raise funds for the excellent work of the Tsepong Clinic in Lesotho, Africa, ably supported by the Masai For Africa campaign, an initiative of the Masai Centre which is based in Guelph. Donations can be made directly to the Guelph office at www.masaicentre.ca." |
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Alak Goswami www.charitywater.org/water/charitywater_why.htm I'm a corporate attorney living and working in New York City. Nine years ago I cycled across the United States, and that trip remains my most memorable and rewarding travel experience. Cycling through EFI of Africa, experiencing the varying terrain, climate and cultures is an adventure I don't want to miss and I look forward to sharing the adventure with everyone on the trip. Having stumbled across the TDA website 3 years ago, I've finally made the decision that 2008 is my year to go. I will be riding to raise funds for charity: Water, a New York based non-profit organization that creates sustainable water systems in resource poor African communities. |
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Gavin Greig I am 67 years old and fairly fit due to walking and cycling. I was doctor in Scotland before emigrating to SA in 1972 to work in mission hospitals for 7 years. From 1979 till 1995 I worked for a mining company in Namibia. I retired from this in 1995 and moved to Cape Town where we have been since then. My interests mainly involve the outdoors. I do a lot of competitive cycling, I sail and walk dogs and am a birdwatcher. I have a wife, a married daughter and a son. I have never done much traveling and am looking forward to seeing Africa. My best years as a doctor were in the mission hospitals. I am originally Scottish but have spent most of my life in South Africa and Namibia. My wife is also Scottish. The children were born in South Africa. |
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Ursula Haas ursiandrae.blogspot.com I am a 55 years old Swiss & Canadian. I was born and raised in Basel, Switzerland but I have lived for 34 years in Toronto, Canada. I am an IT professional, wife and mother. Sports and travel play a big part in my life. I love the outdoors, animals and challenges. And I am curious if Vincent van Gogh was correct when he stated "If you truly love nature you will find beauty everywhere". I hope that I can agree, especially on the not so easy days in Africa? My husband, Rae Simpson, and I learned about TDA a few years ago at the Road Cycling World Championships in Hamilton and I have been following the blogs for the past few years with great fascination and much anticipation to one day being able to participate in that adventure myself. TDA does combine my interests and I have been hoping to see Africa one day ever since as a child I watched weekly the TV show "Daktari", a series about a veterinarian in Africa looking after exotic animals. I am excited to get the opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitat for myself. I am grateful to be able to share this experience with my husband. |
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Mark Hensel I live in the UK and work as a process engineer. Since coming across this trip on the internet a couple of years ago I decided I would definitely be up for it, although more than one day of plus 100km rides might be a little rough - not too sure about that first week... Nonetheless, some good scenery, meeting a few like-minded people that enjoy travelling, and the chance to catch African sunsets (hopefully with beer) will certainly make this trip amazing! It's like a 100 day spinning class - might even lose some weight!! |
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Jos Kaal www.joskaal.nl/ My name is Jos Kaal. I am Dutch and 38 years old. I got infected with the Tour d'Afrique-virus in 2006 when I was in South-Africa with my girlfriend. That year we did the Cape Argus Cycle Tour in Cape Town and travelled four weeks through this beautiful country. This brought back memories of an earlier travel through Kenya and Tanzania and inspired my dream ... to cycle through Africa, some day... I am a cycling fanatic since 1985. That year my family went on holiday in Germany and faced the problem of 5 men in one car. I decided to go on my second-hand race bike: 380 km in 2 days, first time that far. After this experience I never stopped riding the bike! In wintertime you will find me on my cyclo-cross bike and in summer time on my race bike. Although I used to do small road races in my neighbourhood, my heart goes out to MTB-marathons and so-called cyclosportives. Endurance and competition are the key words. Of course I am very lucky that I can undertake all these activities. However, this should be everybody's right. Especially the children should have the ability to play and do sports. That's why I like to support Right To Play, an international charity fund which strives to create a healthier and safer world for children through the power of sport and play. Tour d'Afrique combines all these aspects in one big adventure: racing through different and sometimes rough terrain, travelling an entire continent, experience other cultures, challenging nature and yourself and all within the comfort and safety of a motivated group of kindred 'fools'. And, there cannot be a better platform for me to promote Right To Play. I am looking forward to it. |
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Hans Karel www.gwenenhansfietsen.blogspot.com I share my life with Gwen in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I spend my working days as an IT-specialist most of the year. But in summer I leave the office behind working for the Dutch travel company Baobab. As a tourleader I travel mainly Asia, the last two years by train in 3 weeks from Moscow to Beijing. Gwen and I did a lot of cycling in Holland. International biking experience so far amounts to two weeks Belgium and France (half a lifetime ago), a week Croatia and here and there a daily rental. Hardest challenge was Nicaragua. Too hot, the road too bad, same as the bike. Let's see what Sudan will bring on a good bike! Why the Tour d'Afrique? I like to see things at cycling speed. I am very excited to discover and meet an, for me, almost entirely new continent. And last but not least there is the physical challenge. Although I must admit I already woke up from some bad, sweaty dreams about the last. |
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Harrison Keenan www.scotiabank.com/cda/content/0,1608,CID603_LIDen,00.html I am 31 years old & work as an Investment Associate in Toronto, Canada. I've been an avid mountain biker for about 6 years, during which time I've competed in numerous local races with the Quadzilla racing & oenophile team. I've also competed solo in one really tough race across Costa Rica, but none of this could possibly prepare me for the challenge of a lifetime: The Tour D'Afrique! I was sold on this adventure the moment I read about it & finally, 4 years later I am ready to go! I'd like to thank my loving wife, Shannon for being awesome & encouraging me to pursue this dream. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my family & friends for their continued support of my endeavors & to my colleagues at Scotia McLeod for making this trip possible. In return for the sweat, tears & really sore butt I am going to have, I'm asking that you donate to one or both of 2 very worthy causes: 1) Assaulted Women's Helpline (AWHL) - a 24-hour crisis line for women in the province of Ontario http://www.awhl.org/harrison.htm 2) Tour D'Afrique Foundation - giving back to the communities that we will be visiting in Africa www.tourdafrique.com/foundation/donations.html |
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Luc Lassche As "Dutchies", we're just about born with a bicycle between our legs. Cycling belongs to our life style, as a way of transportation. However, if you are on the more experienced side of 55, it becomes hard to find friends, who are in for crazy trips on a bike. They will ask questions like: "Are there no buses?" When I heard about Tour d'Afrique, in August this year, I immediately felt a huge shot of adrenaline in my body. Since then, it's developed into a virus of excitement. Together with my partner, Mel, we registered for the Tour. As expedition riders we will leave a trace of sweat behind in the African sand, not only for our own excitement, but also to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. See our website: www.caretocare.org. |
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Alexander Link I am a 32-year old biologist from Germany. I have just finished by PhD in Lausanne, Switzerland, and felt that this was the moment to do something out of the ordinary. I have never been to Africa before and I am only beginning to imagine what awaits me there. Being an eager cyclist, I am looking forward to combine physical endurance with discovering new countries and cultures. At the same time, I would like to draw attention to a school project in Kenya of the German/ Swiss charity “Kindernothilfe” and try to raise funds. Education for all children is in my opinion the most important way to improve the situation in Africa. Learn more about the charity www.kindernothilfe.de or www.kindernothilfe.ch which has recently been visited by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Ethiopia. |
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 Joachim Loeffeltourdafrique.die-loeffels.de I am 46 years old and live close to Stuttgart in South-western Germany. I have worked as an engineer in the IT industry for the last 22 years and although I have undertaken some adventure travel as a scuba diver and a frequent visitor to Africa, I have never tried an endeavor of this nature and duration. Besides traveling the world for the best diving spots, I am a frequent traveler to Africa. In the past 35 years I visited the continent many times to meet family and friends in South Africa and Namibia and to explore the beauties of the nature and wildlife in this part of the world. There is always something new to discover, no matter how often I return to Southern Africa. In the recent years I use to cycle in the Cape Town area, especially during the European winter season. It was at the annual Cape Argus Cycling Tour 2006 when I first heard of the Tour d' Afrique Cycling Expedition. I was immediately fascinated by the thought to travel Africa on 'my own pace' and discover some of the countries and places I never visited before. Connecting the known parts in Southern Africa with Egypt - which I explored during several of my diving trips to the Red Sea - on a bicycle, sleeping in the field night by night and meeting with people, you never happen to meet when traveling by car, sounded like a dream. So I started to organize my participation at the next possible chance. Luckily my employer granted me the needed time away from work and here I am facing the challenge to sustain this phenomenal adventure and to return with impressions and experiences that will guide me thereafter. I will be raising funds for World Vision International (www.wvi.org) with whom I already sponsor a child in Ghana. |
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Jamie MacRae liveyourdreams-jamie.blogspot.com I first heard about the Tour d'Afrique in 2004, when a former student returned to our school to share his experience with our students of his ride in the 2004 TDA. I had already been to South Africa starting in 2002 when I traveled to the Get Ahead Project School, in Queenstown South Africa, to see about developing an outreach program between the two schools. As Dr. Greg Wells was sharing his experience I said to myself that this was something I would like to do and then I put the idea behind me as the academic year moved on. About a year later one of my students in a discussion we were having about using the media to make a difference made a comment to me that was a true gift. He said to me ..."Yes, but what are YOU doing to make a difference?" I connected with the fact that I was in fact hiding behind the safety of the classroom while encouraging others to live their life to the fullest. In the back of my mind was the seed about the TDA that kept coming back to me in so many ways...both subtle and forceful. I finally had to say yes! It has taken me since 2004 to realize my intention to ride in the 2008 TDA and now it is a reality. I had many things to learn about riding a bike, as I was a runner, not a cyclist! The learning curve was not that difficult...it was the voice in my head and those around me that left me doubting myself again and again -- but the dream was stronger than the negativity! My intention is to ...Ride in the 2008 Tour d'Afrique and arrive in Capetown on May the 10th, 2008 safely with all the other participants. My personal mission statement is...."To be of service and make a difference in the world through my act of contribution." Therefore, I will be raising funds to support the Get Ahead School in South Africa. Black parents who wanted a better education for their children than they had received under apartheid formed the school. You can learn more about this school at www.leacockfoundation.org. I am also doing it for Anathi. He is the boy that I sponsor at the GAP school and is presently in grade 5. As an educator for the past 34 years I know the value of an education in assisting the development of a mind and eventually a culture. |
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Josh Martyn I am a 27 year old Canadian living north of Toronto in a small rural community. I enjoy long walks on the beach, flowing conversations, and roasting marshmallows over an open flame... come on someone had say it! I have two passions, cycling and traveling. I have worked in the cycling industry as a store manager (www.impalabicycles.com) and as a mountain bike event promoter for the past 10 years. The family dog is named Sprocket, if that gives any indication of how things are. I've traveled around the world since early childhood, when my parents would drag my two siblings and I to all parts of the un-known. I've traveled to Egypt and Tanzania in the past and am very excited to re-connect with people who I met on those earlier trips. I have a small score to settle in Tanzania where I picked up a charming hook worm in my foot who my sister nick named Billy, may he rest in peace. A small concern that I do have is food. I eat anything, and it has got me into trouble on previous adventures, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I am very excited to get this trip going. It's been a long time since I first thought of doing the ride, and now that departure is nearing, time seems to be standing still. I have an amazing Klondike Bike Works frame en-route from Yellowknife, and am amassing parts, which I've selected to best suit this ride. I feel incredibly grateful to have a supportive family who have encouraged all of my adventures, and a generous boss who is letting me leave for four months. I know that this is going to be a wonderful trip. The things we see, do, and eat on the way to Cape Town will make for life long memories. |
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Kristen McAdam I am 22 (will be turning 23 in Ethiopia)! I grew up in a very active family but when we moved to Vancouver 5½ years ago things stagnated for me. Only recently did I rediscover my sense of adventure and love for the outdoors. I just returned from a month long walk across Northern Spain along a trail called El Camino de Santiago. It was the best month of my life and I really wasn't ready to go back to work. So I called up my mom from Spain and asked her to sign me up for the tour. My grandma's reaction: "but you're not really a biker are you?" She's right. It will most definitely be a challenge but the best things in life are. My mom is joining up with me for the Malawi Gin and Zambezi Zone sections so hopefully I'll be able to kick her butt by then! We are both raising money for Watercan (www.watercan.com) as we were incredibly impressed by the work they do. |
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Nico Meijer Nico Meijer was born in the Netherlands but raised in Canada. He currently lives in Calgary Alberta, is 56 years old, and recently retired from a career as a trader and risk manager in the banking industry, during which he had opportunities to live in Japan and the U.K.. His other main hobby is aviation – he is almost finished the construction of a homebuilt airplane (an F1 Rocket which you can look at on the website www.teamrocketaircraft.com). Nico can be reached at his email address rocketnico@msn.com. |
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Maarty Meijer I am 22 years old and studying nothing in particular at the University of Guelph. I have been traveling on and off over the past three years and am doing this more for the travel experience as opposed to the grueling bike. I would say that I am in absolutely no shape to be biking 11 000 km across Africa and subsequently plan to make best friends with the drivers of our transport vans and hitch with the locals whenever possible. I look forward to recording this trip through photography and writing and believe this will be a life changing experience. |
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Debbie Menzies Africa has fascinated me long before I started following the Tour d'Afrique online in 2003 and, even though cycling on this scale is new to me, I'm eager for the opportunity to experience the cultures and the people close up. I live in Metro Vancouver and have traveled throughout British Columbia as an avid hiker, the West Coast Trail and the Stein Valley being a few favorites, and the challenge of cycling across Africa, coupled with a keen interest to experience the continent, makes the Tour d'Afrique irresistible. With the loving support of my best friend and partner Jim, close family and friends, I am excited to get started and to live this journey every day from beginning to end. To grow and change by learning about this country called Africa, for all she has to offer. Let the Journey begin... |
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Mel Miller I was born in Africa and I'm proudly South African. I love travel. Naturally I've ALWAYS wanted to travel through Africa. I just NEVER thought I'd do it on a bicycle. I always thought I'd do it on foot. You see, I've completed several very long distance, epic walks over the past years. On one of these, 1,000km from Seville to Santiago, I met Luc. He was riding his bicycle. To cut a long story short, I promised him a backpack, and he promised to walk through Life with me. He promised me a bicycle, and I promised to ride through thick and thin with him. UFF! How could I have known then, it would be through Africa. I'm quaking in my cycling shoes. And I'm very very excited. I'm the bravest coward I know. We're working hard to attract sponsorship for our newly formed foundation, called Care to Care. We've set a goal to raise money which will go to The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. Our biggest dream is that Nelson Mandela himself will be there to welcome us into Cape Town when we arrive in May 2008. We're all allowed to Dream. |
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 Bent Nielsenwww.rkcc.dk I'm living in Rødekro, a little town in the southern part of Denmark near the border to Germany. I'm 60 years old and live alone after my wife died last year. I have been cycling almost my whole life, starting with races and then triathlon. I have three times done an Iron man. The first time was in 86 in Hawaii. In the last 10 years I have mostly been a leisure rider. I'm chairman of a Danish cycle club and do train both children and adults. In the last 3½ years I have been working for the Danish Cycling Federation as "Sport for all" – adviser. I have been in South Africa two times. The last time when I was a rider in the race "Pick Argus Cycle Tour", I went to the Table Mountain and enjoyed the beautiful view over Sea Point. I think it could be great to reach that place after riding my bike through Africa, starting in the north of Cairo. After visiting South Africa two times, I really like the country, the people and the hospitality there, and I feel inclined to see more of Africa. I'll try to raise money for a foundation for children. I'm already sponsoring a child – Desiree, 7 years old – living in Togo. I pay for her school and a few other things. I think it is very important for the development in the poorest part of the World to let the children have the opportunity to go to school, so they can learn how to get a better life for themselves, their family and their country. www.bornefonden.dk |
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David Pennington My name is David Pennington and I am 22 years old. I don't take myself too seriously with the end goal always being to have fun in the sun. So right out of high school I flew to Florida, and with no experience, landed a job working on private yachts. These past three years have been an adventure and safe to say most can't be written here. I have definitely seen my share of "stuff" and places. I have realized one thing, my true love is travel.....the more exotic the destination the better. This past spring I bit the Africa bug through my Dad. I believe that this tour meets my requirement and it will be a good endurance test, both mentally and physically. This is an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life and also provide a stepping stone to future endeavors. I will be riding with my Dad, who I respect, and believe that this tour will create an even deeper bond between us. I have decided to support the Tour Foundation and the Semiahmoo House Foundation (www.semi-house-society.com), in honor of my brother Cory, who is 25, and has Down Syndrome. Even though I am fit and athletic, I have absolutely no history of cycling and am excited to accept this new experience with commitment and passion. I really want to spend more time in Africa in the future so this trip would be a great start. Davie Baby. |
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Rod Pennington Hi - I'm Rod Pennington (Penny for short) and three years ago my wife Corinne e-mailed me the Tour d'Afrique website as a trip to consider one day. I was immediately captivated by the magnitude of the tour and the strong will of the cyclists. This physical and mental challenge was going to be my destiny. I am middle aged...but hey.... the number is irrelavent. I have three adult boys that keep me young and fun loving. Fortunately one of them, David, will be by my side on this tour. I look forward to meeting new people and experiencing diverse cultures and scenery, all in slow motion on a bicycle. David and I are pleased to support the Tour Foundation as well as a charity that is close to our hearts....The Semiahmoo House Foundation (www.semi-house-society.com)....a non-profit organization assisting people with disabilities in support of their dream to live independent lives. Thanks to my wife Corinne for believing in me. It's funny how life moves you. So as the song goes, let's get this party started. |
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 Bernd Prorokwww.berndprorok.com I'm 27 years old and studied sports science and geography in Austria – so what could be better than riding my bike and discovering new countries and various cultures?! I believe this unique way of travelling across Africa will be a fulfilling physical and mental challenge. I expect to see an incredibly beautiful but also often desperately poor continent. Making this experience should allow me to appear as a kind of ambassador in my home country. I really appreciate to have this chance and can hardly await the challenge of the Tour d'Afrique! |
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Johanneke Punt Ahough for years cycling was a way to get in shape, cycling through Africa is a childhood dream coming to reality. The thing I like about cycling is the freedom it gives, as long as you keep pedaling you can go anywhere. Endless roads make you never have to stop exploring. I think this trip will be about exploring a part of Africa from north to south but also about exploring my own limits fysical and psychical. I hope to make it to the end. |
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Clive Rogers realtravel.com/member-m6222727-oj.html I rediscovered cycling 10 years ago, and that combined with a love of foreign travel and photography, has taken me through India, Cambodia and South Africa. On all of those trips the one enduring memory, is meeting and interacting with the locals, of their friendliness and curiosity. Of observing our cultural differences, and coming away with a little more understanding than when I first arrived. But mostly the bemused look on the faces as they ask themselves "Why do these wealthy people choose to travel in such a humble way, whey they could be on an air-conditioned bus? And as I ride on I smile to myself, and think "I know why!" |
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Rae Simpson ursiandrae.blogspot.com I am 63 years old, born in Scotland, raised in Canada, and educated as an Aerospace Engineer. I spent 33 years in the RCAF/Canadian Air Force, first as a fighter pilot, then test pilot, and finally on the ground in NATO staff, peacekeeping in the Sinai, and as a tutor at the Canadian Forces College. After leaving the Air Force, I worked in flight test at deHavilland Canada and am now an aircraft accident investigator with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. I ran marathons until arthritis intervened. The doctors did great work and replaced both hips and gave me the green light for bicycling. I first read about Tour d'Afrique before the inaugural Tour and thought it would be an absolutely wonderful experience, both the physical challenge of the cycling and ability to breathe and touch every inch of Africa. Fortunately my wife, Ursula, is similarly motivated, so 2008 marks our chance to explore a continent that is largely unknown to us as well as discover more about ourselves. My fundraising interest is the Canadian Arthritis Society in the hope of helping others to overcome the limitations that arthritis can impose on otherwise healthy lives. (www.arthritis.ca/joints/ontario/raesimpson) |
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 Olivier Thudorwww.moveonbike.com I first read about the Tour d'Afrique in 2003, since I dream to do it. This journey is an opportunity to discover Africa, to wake up every morning in a new landscape, and to cycle all the day long. Nice... isn't it ? |
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 Tony TuckI am a 57 year old Company Director of Civil Engineering and Concrete Manufacturing Companies, have two adult children Sonya and Hayden about to have a grand child Jack enjoy and participate in motor, racing enjoy rugby and most sports. Could be described as somewhat shy and retiring. Was attracted to this tour mainly because Africa has always been, to me, a Continent of sheer splendor to accomplish this is the horizontal Everest. |
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Joya van Hout After a friend told me about a man she met in Tanzania who was crossing the continent by bike, she suggested that it would be something for me. Since then I couldn't let go of this crazy idea. We figured out that this trip still existed and I decided to join (my friend got a good job:(). I hope that crossing Africa by bike will help me learn a lot about Africa, the people and about myself. I have no idea what to expect or what to face but I am certain that it will be an experience we will never forget. Before starting the tour I will (hopefully)graduate from International and European Law and I hope to get some insights into what I want to do in the future with my studies. Enough time to think about that :) I am 23 year, Dutch, female, and like everybody who would think about biking through Africaand is passionate about traveling. |
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Gwen van Mossevelde www.gwenenhansfietsen.blogspot.com I didn't know I wanted to bike through Africa until I learned about the TdA a few years ago. Being Dutch I'm used to a bicycle as means of transportation, but the distance between Caïro and Capetown was (and maybe still is) far beyond my imagination. But reading about the experiences of others and meeting the tour in May this year made me want to get on my bike and ride. I live in Utrecht, The Netherlands, together with Hans who will also be riding this year. For the last couple of years I have been working as a freelance consultant in urban planning. Working freelance gives me no hassles of a boss that won't let me take off for a while. I have been to both Caïro and Capetown before, but the countries in between are yet to be discovered. I think the TdA is great opportunity to get to know these countries in a pace that is slow enough to stop and smell the flowers now and then (which is a good indication of my non-racing ambitions). |
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Henk Vermaas fietseninafrika.web-log.nl/ I am 50 years old, married since June 2006 with Louise. We have known each other since 2002, when we met during a bicycle event. Since then, we have cycled through Spain, Corsica and Sardinia, and in the French Alps. The Tour d'Afrique is almost like a logical next step for the two of us! In 2002, I cycled from Lhasa (Tibet) to Kathmandu (Nepal). That was an amazing experience, and it seems even more special to me to cross a whole continent by bike – which will also be rare opportunity to meet people, nature and culture in a different way. |
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Chris Wille cw-iman.blogspot.com/ Chris Wille,46 years old. Native of Victoria BC Canada, where he lives with his amazing, understanding and supportive wife & best friend Linda, & kids Sara, Stephen & Kate. Manager & partner in Victoria Automatic Transmission for over 30 years. From an early age, cycling has been a great passion of mine. What better way to expand your horizons, experience new, exciting cultures, new countries, new, ever changing vistas, all while getting exercise, than from the cockpit of one's bike? Inspired by my parents, especially my adventurous, well-traveled father, I am an active mountaineer, tri-athlete, marathoner & ultra-marathoner. I feel very lucky & fortunate to have competed in & enjoyed 100's of races & climbs over the past 30+ years. A 4 time Ironman tri-athlete, going progressively faster each time. Always looking for the next challenge, riding the Tour d'Afrique has been a dream of mine since I stumbled upon their website 3 years ago. At that time I thought "11,900k In darkest Africa? - You can't do that!". Over time, however, my mindset changed to "Why can't I do that?", & I promptly signed up! "The hardest part of a journey is often making the commitment to get started. We are simply ordinary people, fortunate & crazy enough to do extraordinary things." I can't wait!!! My fundraising focus is twofold; 1) TO COLLECT DONATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BICYCLES THROUGH THE TDA FOUNDATION THAT WE WILL BE DISTRIBUTING ALONG THE ROUTE TO DEDICATED AFRICAN MEDICAL WORKERS BATTLING HIV/AIDS. TO DONATE: www.tourdafrique.com/foundation/donations.html 2) PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO "SPREAD THE NET FOUNDATION" A PROJECT THAT PROVIDES AFRICANS WITH MOSQUITO PROOF BED NETTING TO PREVENT MALARIA. www.spreadthenet.org |
Sectional Riders
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Eric Aagaard I am a mountain biker living in Toronto. I learned of the TDA when it started and after years of hearing me speak of it wistfully my wife finally asked "What are you waiting for?" That was all I needed to hear and I am signed up as a sectional rider to Addis with plans to complete the balance of the trip next year. I am using this opportunity to raise money for Spread the Net (www.spreadthenet.org) to purchase mosquito nets for children in Liberia and Rwanda. |
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Luc Abiven I am Luc, 35, from Paris, France. I am an engineer working in a bank. I usually run marathons, but I was practising cycling only to go and buy the bread... I had to calm my daughter Maeva who was so terrified when I told her I was going to bike among the African animals... I also belong to the "French team" of the Elephant Highway section, and I am eager to live this exciting experience ! |
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Janet Alexander www.africaagainforjanet.blogspot.com So, I'm going back for seconds! Greedy? Crazy? A little bit insane? Yep – a touch of all three but in my mind there is validity in returning to Africa so soon. During the 2007 TDA I injured my wrist in Dongola, Sudan with a careless fall and initially thinking it was a bad sprain I kept riding off and on to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I rode with one hand on the sealed road sections, carried my bike on my shoulder with the semi off road sections and on the really tough off road days was forced to hitch a ride with Doris or Betsey the support trucks. Needless to say the fast descent of the Blue Nile Gorge in all its glory and not being able to ride the ascent was a realisation for me that it was a break with confirmation in Addis Ababa. While the 2007 TDA team was riding through Southern Ethiopia and Northern Kenya, I was on a beach in Lamu, Kenya nursing a cast! When I rejoined the group in Nairobi, it was great to hear all their stories and even though they all told me it was wise of me not to ride that section I still felt like I had missed out. I didn't get to experience the Mars like landscape, the brutal heat and humidity, the jarring volcanic rocky roads, the baboons aiming their evacuations at tents with such precision that it was both annoying and humorous or seeing the proud northern Maasai with all their exquisite jewellery. Although I rode the rest of the tour, the job so to speak was not complete. I'm told by the 2007 TDA family that there will be days in Kenya that I will regret and will seriously question my sanity but hey that's what life is all about. Husband Chris is willing to hold down the fort in Southern California while I join the 2008 TDA from Cairo to Nairobi. Here's to more sand, early morning prayers, donkeys, camels, desert camps and a whole lot of stone and stick wielding Ethiopian children in the middle. Bring it on!!! |
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Menno Arendz I love this continent. I love different landscapes. I am Dutch, so I will bike this track. |
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Lizzy Bell Returning from a solo cycling trip coast-to-coast across Canada last year, my father told me that his next challenge was to head to another continent.....Africa. So I decided that this time I couldn't miss out on the adventure and would try to catch up with him during his trip. I'm not a long-distance cyclist, but enjoy running and climbing the odd mountain, so a cycling trip sounded like a very appealing break from work. I was in Tanzania last year but Malawi and Zambia are two African countries I haven't yet visited so I am excited about the chance to cycle through them, plus to see some of my father's old 'stomping ground' in Zambia! |
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Heinz Buerger |
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Jean-Jerome Calvier Bonjour, I'm JJ, 34 years old, married (with Alexandra), I'm currently at home taking care of my daughter (Amélie, 5 years) and my son (Gatien, 1,5 years). I'm french, linving in Crolles (Alps) and after 10 years of microelectonics process engineering, I decided to start in june 2007 a profesional break to open my mind on different and more human activities. First of all, I'm daddy at home (discovering cooking and housekeeping), then I carry on practicing my favorite sports (biking, football, snowboarding) and I've started as well to learn some african drums (djembe). Finally, I'm really concerned by sustainability and renewable energies, so I'm involved in Fair Trade organization (Artisans Du Monde) and other african association (Togo) in order to develop solar energy. In summer 2004, Fred (my brother in law) and myself red an article in a french magazine about these crazy guys of TDA crossing Africa by bike in 100 days ! We were so impressed and excited that after a 400km moutain bike trip around Marseille for checking our bodies, we registered for a section. Then, we joined the TDA team in april 2005 to ride the Snows of Kilimanjaro. Biking on these dirty roads of Kenya and Tanzania was a great adventure : laughing with Masaï, saying "djambo, djambo" to the children along the trails, eating some banana and beers during a soda stop, taking pictures of baobab, rolling on a snake, cleaning bikes in a river, and finally seeking at the yellow arrow to reach the bush camp. It was so fantastic that I was convinced to come back again on another section... and my best surprise is that after sharing these facts and feelings with many people around me, 8 friends will join me in our french team on Elephant Highway in 2008 ! |
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Phillippe Chaumette 59 years old French, but lived and worked abroad, in the Middle East, for about half of his life, married with 2 grown up daughters living respectively in Sweden and Germany. Main interests are traveling discovering new horizons , new cultures; biking , golfing. |
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Jo Foster I'm a Londoner ... cycling (swimming?) down flooded country lanes, dodging traffic on icy London roads, training in the snow, rain and dark. It feels like it just must be giving me good base training for the two sections that I'm doing (Kenya - Tanzania - Malawi). However, I will shortly find out. I've has a good intro into the trials and tribulations of road racing, my team coming third in the womens national road racing series last year - my first season - Loved it. Really into mountain biking, and prior to the road racing I was triathlon racing and I'm still into the bizarre sport of surf lifesaving (yes i paddle on the Thames but it's far more fun in Australia, SA, USA, Europe ... some of the places I've been able to compete in). Can't think of a better way to explore a continent, only wish I was doing more of it, bring it on. |
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Herman Fourie I am 44 years old. I live in Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. My wife Andrienette and I have 3 daughters; Helenka, Kaila and Emma. I am a dentist in private practice. My favourite sports are kayaking, surfing, diving and cycling. I dreamed a lot about the north of Africa. I would really like to see Ethiopia and Kenya from the seat of my bike! |
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Hendrik Haddorp www.stargate.dynalias.org I am a 31 years old software engineer and live near Stuttgart, the capital of Germany's most famous car manufacturers. However I don't have a car but 3 bicycles. Therefore I am used to ride 'E'very 'F'abulous 'I'nch when I leave home. When my colleague Joachim told me about his plan to participate as a full tour rider in this expedition, I immediately liked the idea and wanted to join him. However, my initial desire to ride the whole distance was not possible due to time restrictions. Therefore I'm going to bike from Nairobi to Cape Town. This will be my first trip to Africa and offers the unique opportunity to get in contact with the continent and its people. I am really looking forward to meet the other riders in Kenya and to enjoy an awesome 6700km ride. |
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Sarah Haswell I'll be joining the tour for the Zambezi Zone- to get at least a glimpse of what the tour is like, be a part of the excitement and make sure doctor Luke gets some attention too and makes it through in one piece J I can't wait to begin!! |
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Kim Hawkins |
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Basil Heald www.zusakhe.co.za/tda.shtml I will be cycling the 6 300 from Tanzania to Cape Town between March and May 2008 which is organized be Tour d'Afrique Ltd from Canada This epic adventure bicycle ride of my life will be the fulfillment of my dream to cross part of the African continent by bicycle I expect the challenges encountered on this trip to be character molding fueled with the reward of an incomparable feeling of accomplishment. On my return I look forward to sharing my experiences and splendor of our Creator's handy work in Africa I look forward to sharing my creative view of Africa captured digitally on my return To me “It’s about communing with people and creation with the positive forward pulse of becoming one with the bike to the Rhythm of Africa hugging those tires”. As a director of "Bicycle Empowerment Network" BEN I will be demonstrating bicycle advocacy as a feasible sustainable alternative mode of transport in Africa The humour in the expression "Doing something good while having fun" speaks of being content with pushing pedals in Africa knowing that each kilometre completed will make a difference to some families suffering from HIV/aids at the Zusakhe community care centre in Denoon Cape Town |
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Brian Hoeniger Age 51, married, non-profit sector executive, amateur cyclist and professional disc golfer, resides Toronto Island. From 1985 to 1990 my wife and I worked on famine relief and primary health care projects in Ethiopia and Lesotho for CPAR (www.cpar.ca), a Canadian humanitarian assistance agency, which was led by Tour d’Afrique Director Henry Gold. When we returned home to Toronto, I continued in the CPAR Canada office as a Program Manager, raising funds, writing project proposals and reports, and making annual field visits to Ethiopia, Malawi, Uganda, and Angola, while my wife worked as a nurse. In our spare time I competed in disc golf tournaments and my wife got into riding horses. In 1997 we were given the opportunity to lead the Professional Disc Golf Association (www.pdga.com). The PDGA is the players’ association and governing body of the emerging sport of disc (or frisbee®) golf. In 2005, years of growing this cool game and running the organization from our house paid off when the PDGA entered into a partnership to develop the International Disc Golf Center with Columbia County, in Georgia, USA. We spent 2 warm years living in Georgia, developing the Center in a beautiful park near the city of Augusta and training our American replacements as PDGA Executive Director and Memberships Manager, before moving back to Toronto Island in June 2007. Today I am fortunate enough to have 2 great part time jobs: accountant for Tour d’Afrique and PDGA International Program Director. As a long time friend of Henry Gold, I have dreamed of riding the Tour d’Afrique expedition since the company was begun. TdA combines my passions for Africa, competitive sports, and travel. Riding from Addis Ababa to Cape Town, I look forward to 3 months of adventure, exhilaration, and exhaustion, to being challenged like never before, and to returning home with a grin on my face and a narrower waistline. Family members, friends, and PDGA colleagues have contributed to my trip and to the TdA Foundation. To all of you I say “betam betam ameseginallu!” (Amharic for “many many thanks!”). I’ll be sending updates from internet cafés en route and would love to hear from y’all at brian@tourdafrique.com . |
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Esben Lorenzen www.daniatruck.com Some people are familiar with the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen and you have probably heard of the football player Michael Laudrup as well. My name is Esben Lorenzen, I am 46 years old, not as mentioned as the two men above but we are from the same country, Denmark. I live in a small town named Roedekro not far from the borders to Germany. The same town as Bent Nielsen who is participating on the tour. Family: Happily married, 6 children. Work: Independent businessman – visit: www.daniatruck.com We buy and sell trucks, trailers and contractor materials worldwide – including Africa. We have recently expanded our firm with a new corporation Dania Tyres. We import and export all kinds of tyres to the transport line. In my spare time I enjoy running, swimming and riding on my bicycle. I am also member of a lodge (Odd Fellow). The reason why I’m doing this trip is to stay young and healthy. |
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Fabrice Mazaudier Bonjour, I’m Fabrice, 35 years old French guy, born and raised in the volcanic region of Auvergne, France. I’m an engineer, involved in the peaceful application of CO2-free nuclear energy research and development. I live in the city of Manosque (Provence region) in the Luberon Park. Two of my many passions in life are mountain-biking and taking care of my two sons, 6 and 7 years old.. Thanks to my friend JJ, I finally decided to join the Tour for the Elephant Highway Section. Exciting experience, probably, as the areas we will cross are probably among the most impressive and beautiful in the world and frightening too, as the distance to cover are so…huge…as the Elephants. But, is there a more elegant way to discover Africa and to modestly help people living far from our crazy countries? Of course not ! Alea Jacta Est. |
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Leigh McAdam www.watercan.com Two of my many passions in life are biking and travel. The Tour has appealed on both fronts ever since I saw a slide show several years ago in Vancouver. The logistics of participating in the full tour still elude me but with VERY little prompting I have agreed to meet my daughter, Kristen, in Iringa and cycle the next two sections. Or did I actually tell her I was coming whether she wanted me to or not. I can't remember now. I look forward to some epic days on my bike, the camraderie of a diverse group and setting foot in Africa for the third time. I do not look forward to blisters on my ass, dust in my tent, and a long period away from my ever supportive husband. I am also wondering how I will possibly be able to keep up with anybody after a 2 1/2 month headstart in conditioning - maybe I'll take a few lessons from Maarty Mejerand! (see his profile) If you wish to park some money in a very worthwhile cause please consider helping Kristen and I help Watercan at www.watercan.com. |
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Frederic Michalec I’m Frederic Michalec, 36 years old, married, 3 children and living in Marseille, the nicest town in France. I also have done a TDA section in 2005 : Snows of Kilimanjaro (Kenya Tanzania). My first remembers are ridding with Masaï,looking baboons along the road and having big breakfast in early morning. If somebody asks me why I like riding on African routes, I will just answer : “because”. In fact, I can’t explain. TDA is for me an experience I feel well ... In April 2008, I will do the section Elephant Highway. “When seagulls follow a trawler, that’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea” - Eric Cantona, french poet. |
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Bonnie Paridaen Sponsor Us Here My name is Bonnie Paridaen. When my husband Paul asked if I wanted to tour from Nairobi to Capetown on a bicycle, it took approximately a nanosecond-and-a-half to respond with a yes. As a breast-cancer survivor I have learned that today’s opportunities might not be here tomorrow. If we wait to retire before setting out on adventures, life might have already passed by. |
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Paul Paridaen Sponsor Us Here Good day, my name is Paul Paridaen. I first heard of the TDA on CBC Radio in 2004 and it sounded very appealing. Finally, I am able to participate in this exciting and new adventure with my wife. Due to time constraints we are not able to complete the entire tour so we have chosen instead to do the sections from Nairobi to Capetown. Bonnie and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary during the TDA, adding another element to our treasure chest of travel memories. The reader will realize of course, that we were children when we married so in actuality we are 35 and 36 years respectively. We have committed to combine our journey with raising monies and awareness for a deserving Canadian project called WATERCAN. |
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Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier |
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Laurent Riou |
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Lorry Schmidt |
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Jurie Schuurman I am 51 years old and live in Hermanus (near Cape Town) in South Africa. I am businessman and married to Elizabeth (Biffie) and we have two teenage sons. Outdoor activities have always interested me and over the years I have done hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. Over the past ten years I have developed a passion for 4x4 touring and participate actively in the activities of the Land Cruiser Club of Southern Africa (www.landcruiserclub.co.za). Off road tours have taken me to many beautiful places in Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique as well as the remote parts of South Africa. I have been fortunate to visit the coast of Kenya (Mombasa) once before on a holiday trip and enjoyed the beauty and culture of the country. Although I have been mountain biking for 20 years, I now only do it for recreation and look forward to see other parts of our continent at a leisurely pace on my bicycle and to meet interesting people. |
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Mike Stacey Canadian, living in Toronto. Started mountain biking about 10 years ago and can't seem to stop. When I attended a Tour information evening last spring, the concept immediately captured my imagination. A perfect opportunity to skip work, visit a fascinating continent and push the envelope a little. A sectional rider this year with every intention of completing the remaining inches in the future. |
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Mike Tribes Mike likes to play outside. This will be his first time playing outside in Africa. His playground is typically the Yukon. Playing includes mountain biking, adventure racing and various water sports. Mike is looking forward to a leisurely bike ride across Zambia with his best friend |
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John Trissenaar I live in Hannover, Germany at the moment. Because you don't really need a car in Hannover. I just use a bike, around town, and then more and more for holidays. I have done a couple of bike tours and then in 2004 a longer tour in Australia. After reading about this tour I decided to take part. Not having the time to do the whole tour I decided to see a couple of African countries that I had not seen before and revisit a couple of others. So I decided to do the Zambezi Zone and Elephant Highway. Perhaps I will do a couple of other sections later. |
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Cindy van Wyk I am blessed to receive in abundance. It is my way fo giving back to the community. The fundraising campaign will be called – “Cycling for: AIDS is not about colour but knowledge”. Lovelife is an NGO that is very close to my heart as they are reliant on funding for survival. The campaign is aimed at two levels: Colour – SA is a Rainbow nation and at the second level God promised by means of the Rain bow that Earth will never be destroyed again. Sadly us humans are doing a fine job of it all on our own. I am also trying to create awareness amongst my fellow workers of cycling as an alternative means of transport, in an attempt to create awareness of ways that we can GREEN mother Earth. |
Staff Riders
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William Beyer Bucky Beyer has worked in bike shops since he was 15 years old and has been a mechanic for over five years in Washington DC and Boston areas. As avid triathlete and cyclist and recently completed his first Ironman. He has lived in New Zealand and China, and is excited to explore another continent and meet its people. |
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Chris Boehner I’m a bicycle riding, Chinese speaking, bluegrass picking, Ultimate Frisbee playing sojourner. Several years ago, I circumnavigated the globe, whetting my appetite for international travel. After graduating college, I hopped the first plane to China and have called Beijing home ever since. During my stay, I’ve enjoyed much domestic travel, international Ultimate tournaments and volunteering with the Silk Route expedition. As the TDA scribe, you will find me detailing the nuances of our African odyssey—capturing the sights, sounds and stories of Africa. |
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Luke Bush I am excited to part of the TDA support team in 2008. For me TDA started almost two years ago when my mum completed it. Hearing all the stories, good and bad gives me a good understanding of what the tour is about and what is necessary. It will be a life changing experience, to remove myself from the normal day to day, to something that spans four months in a completely different and challenging environment. It is a dream to be traveling from Cairo to Cape Town and the pace at which we will be moving allows a completely different experience to any other form of travel. < |