Project Rwanda 50 and 25
Nutrition and hydration: Are you ready?
By Randy Profeta
Thanks for supporting the Project Rwanda ride! I am sure that you will enjoy the day and find the ride to be a challenge.
One thing that can make a good day turn sour is not being prepared, whether it is your bike or your bike’s motor (you). Hopefully your bike is in good condition and is all sorted out. So, let’s take a moment to talk about hydration, nutrition, and electrolyte needs to make sure that you are up to the task of providing motive force. I am going to focus on the 50-mile ride, but this strategy will work equally well for the 25-mile event too.
Own a Piece of History
Live Auction of an Original Project Rwanda Coffee Bike
Project Rwanda's "Coffee Bikes" are changing lives in Rwanda. Now, you have an opportunity to own – and ride – a piece of history.
The story of the bike begins in Rwanda. For centuries farmers walked their goods and produce through Rwanda, known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills". The more fortunate ones had a primitive bike; a wooden chassis, wooden wheels, poor steering, no brakes, no seat, and no gears.
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The Project Rwanda Coffee Bike can improve a farmer's productivity by 50% or more, helping them rise above poverty for the first time in their generation. |
Project Rwanda takes the dream of a farmer owning a bike with an extended strong metal chassis, brakes, a seat, gears, and modern wheels; and makes that dream a reality. The bike is ordered from a company in South Africa and shipped to Rwanda. In Rwanda, the bike is assembled and tested for quality. The farmer arrives to pick up the bike and a loan officer arranges a micro loan with the farmer. A mechanic instructs the farmer how to properly care for the bike. The farmer enjoys the reality of having a vehicle to transport products, goods and people. And the world of that farmer and his family is transformed. When the micro loan is paid off, there is money to buy a new bike and another dream becomes reality for a new farmer.
There are 450,000 coffee bean farmers in Rwanda. Today, 2000 Project Rwanda Coffee Bikes are in use in Rwanda, to test and prove the concept. These bikes are helping coffee farmers and their families to be more productive, and to rise above poverty for the first time in their generation.
Project Rwanda has singled out the coffee grower as an initial target, but other farmers and service providers, such as couriers, taxis, police, healthcare workers and teachers all can benefit from owning a cargo bike. Yes, the Coffee Bike can carry a heavy load – up to 300 pounds. But it can also be the perfect bike for YOU, for those quick trips to the market, or for a leisurely picnic ride along scenic trails. Or even to just make a statement on your next group ride.