Countdown to a Kenyan Adventure

The reality that our Bike Kenya 2012 event is seven weeks away makes me realize how much we have to do before we board a plane for Nairobi.  We're making lists and checking them twice--both our cycling team preparing in North America and our host team preparing in Kenya.  Details sweated now will reduce the sweat of regrets when we're pedaling across Kenya in May.

So, what does one take on a two-week cycling adventure like this?  Well, since our cycling team will be supported by a driver and host in a mini-bus/van, and since we plan to spend nights in churches, schools, guest houses and hostels, our load is lightened considerably.  Still, for starters, each of us plan for cycling gear: helmets, cycling gloves, bell (yes!), biking shoes, lights, flashers, sunglasses, water bottles or Camelback-type reservoir, bike rack and rack bag, flashlight and extra batteries, sunscreen, insect repellant, lip balm, cycle computers, repair kits, tubes, hand sanitizer. Oh, and, of course, bikes and bike travel boxes.

And then there are clothing, personal items, medical supplies, electricity adapters, water filters, bedding, team support materials, etc. And official forms and documents completed. Itineraries. Checklists. Details. Small things to sweat. All are important in varying degrees to a fruitful event.

We're also asking, once again, for our friends to support our ride.  While we sweat the details and sweat the 600 miles for 11 riding days of 6-8 hours in the saddle, will you match our sweat with a donation to the school for which we ride?  Will you support with each mile we pedal--at 10c, 25c or $1 per mile?  Can you do it as a family? As a small group?  As a church?  As a civic group?

10c per mile = $60
25c per mile = $150
$1 per mile = $600

Or, give a greater or lesser amount.  Every contribution to build the ICCM secondary school in Koi Barak counts.

Click here to give on online at International Child Care Ministries (ICCM) secure site. Once you're on the ICCM "Special Funds" page, scroll to the bottom of the page to select to give at 10c, 25c or $1 per mile.

Thanks for your giving and your prayers and your attention to this project.

During the ride, we hope to post daily photos and reflections from the open road in Kenya.

Subscribe to this blog site (right sidebar) and follow on Twitter @bikekenya2012 to join in this adventure with us.

Our special thanks to Andrea Anibal for creating our Bike Kenya 2012 logo!