BIKING 7,000 MILES FOR AFRICAN SUN

Solar Supporter Cycles from Cairo to Capetown to Light Africa with Renewable Energy; 7,375 Mile Tour d’Afrique Racer Raises Money and Awareness to Fight Energy Poverty and HIV/AIDS
January 21, 2010 (Solar Electric Light Fund)

"…Timothy Thomas of Kennett Square, Penn., has embarked upon the grueling 7,375 mile Tour d’Afrique in his attempt to raise $100,000 for [the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)]’s work bringing solar power to impoverished villages in Africa. Mr. Thomas and approximately 50 cyclists from around the world departed from Cairo, Egypt, on January 16 and will race through 10 countries, riding an average of 85 miles a day to complete the journey to Capetown, South Africa, in just four months…

"A former financial services executive, Mr. Thomas will direct the money he raises to fund SELF’s Lesotho project, a partnership with Dr. Paul Farmer and Partners In Health (PIH). Lesotho—a small, mountainous nation of 2 million people completely surrounded by South Africa —suffers from the third highest rate of HIV infection and the fourth highest rate of tuberculosis in the world. Almost one-quarter of the adult population is estimated to be HIV-positive and life expectancy has plummeted to less than 35 years. 90 percent of Lesotho’s population live in the rural lowlands, or in the remote mountain regions, and lack access to even the most basic health care services."

The lights of Europe do not shine in Africa. (click to enlarge)

"Because of the mountainous terrain, PIH clinics in Lesotho are far removed from the electric grid, making it difficult to deliver quality health care…To date, SELF has installed solar power systems at four PIH clinics in Lesotho and will complete systems at three additional clinics this year…Each PIH clinic in Lesotho serves an average of 42,500 people. Mr. Thomas raised nearly $10,000 toward his goal in advance of the race."

[Robert Freling, executive director, SELF:] “We were very pleased to be chosen by Tim and we are in absolute awe of his endeavor. For someone to give up four months of their life—and dedicate so much of their mind, body and spirit—to fight energy poverty and climate change is a truly inspirational commitment. We will be cheering him on every inch of the way.”

click to enlarge

"The original Tour d’Afrique holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest human powered crossing of Africa. Since 2003, approximately 250 persons from more than 20 countries have completed the expedition, including cycle cross and mountain bike riders of all skill levels, retired couples, university students and professors, doctors and nurses, IT professionals, diabetics, a blind person, and a double amputee…

"Throughout the race, Mr. Thomas will be sharing his experiences, observations and fundraising updates via [This Is Africa]..."