Expanding on the work of previous years, BikeTown Africa heads to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho in 2011 to provide cycling resources and equipment for the youth of this small Southern African country.
“In 2011 we wanted to do something a bit different. In the past we’ve worked with healthcare workers, with orphans and with farmers. This year we’ve decided to invest in children’s mountain biking at a grassroots level,” explains project manager Bradley Schroeder.
As in previous years, BikeTown Africa will be partnering with existing organisations to further their needs and effectiveness, in this case the Lesotho Cycling Association and the African Mountain Biking Association, both of which are already working to develop the sport of mountain biking at a youth level.
In terrain, Lesotho is Africa’s equivalent of Switzerland, yet financially it is one of the poorest countries in the world. Dominated by inaccessible mountains, it has the highest low point of any country in the world – over 80% of the country lies above 5,000 ft – making it an ideal mountain biking location. However, about 40% of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day and thus almost none can afford bicycles.
With the Olympic training grounds in the heart of the capital, Maseru, earmarked as the venue, BikeTown Lesotho will see the building of an approximately three-mile track and the set-up of the first of a calendar of events in which local children will be given access to the sport and can compete to earn their own bicycles.
BikeTown Lesotho will take place from 21 to 25 August, with volunteers spending time at local schools, teaching children how to ride bicycles, and pitching in with picks and shovels to shape the track. The third day will see them helping with the organisation of the first mountain bike race in the new series, which is envisioned to motivate youngsters to improve their biking skills and to focus on healthy lifestyles free of drugs and HIV.
Accommodation for BikeTown Lesotho volunteers will be at the four-star Lesotho Sun hotel, beautifully situated on a hilltop overlooking the city. Access is via direct flights to Maseru, or to Bloemfontein, South Africa, a two-hour drive away.
For more information, email Bradley Schroeder: biketownafrica@gmail.com
