On Friday the 5th April, some of the Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung riders got to spend the day with the feeder team, MTN-Qhubeka World Cycling Centre Africa.
Qhubeka had the opportunity to take these riders into one of the communities where we work and introduce them to some of the people who are benefiting from the awareness they are bringing to Qhubeka. It was great to spend the day with these riders who ride for a higher cause to spotlight the work that Qhubeka does and the difference a bicycle makes in helping communities uplift themselves.
The riders met at the team base in Johannesburg then went on a training ride. Upon returning, it was time to get cleaned before going into one of the communities Qhubeka has been working into, to see how the Qhubeka Buffalo Bikes were making a difference.
The riders left the team base in Johannesburg for a pedal under the African sun. The feeder team had the opportunity to ask the more experienced riders questions. On the feeder team we currently have riders from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa and Egypt among others.
Tsgabu Grmay recently became the first Ethiopian cyclist to win a professional bike race. He won stage 5 of the Tour de Taiwan and finished second overall. Three of his compatriots are on the feeder team and joined us for the ride. They say he is an inspiration to them.
Once training was done, the team went into one of the communities Qhubeka has been working into. This is the first Buffalo Bicycle we spotted on arrival. He also has the shirt to go with it.
In this community, where Qhubeka has partnered with Wildlands, trees are grown to earn bicycles. One Buffalo Bicycle is earned for every 100 trees grown to at least 30cm.
When heading into the community, it’s never difficult to find a smiling face. The Qhubeka buffalo bicycle is safely stored inside.
It has been proven that a bicycle increases school attendance and decreases the drop out rate.
It has also been proven a bicycle makes you happy no matter your age.
The riders from Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung and the feeder team, MTN-Qhubeka World Cycling Centre Africa meet one of the recipients of a Qhubeka Buffalo Bicycle.
Tsgabu was generous with his knowledge, teaching some of the kids about training and racing.
Find out how to donate to Qhubeka.
This photo blog is adapted from the Team MTN-Qhubeka website. All photos by Donovon Thorne Photography.
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