We're back!

Moira and I got back from Kenya on Sunday after an incredible challenge. This was the first visit to Africa for both of us, and the first time we had ever attempted a long distance cycle ride. It was tough. Believe me, we have earned every penny of your sponsorship money! On the last day of the ride we visited the project at Mumia that the International Childcare Trust is sponsoring with a local action group. The aim of the project is to build a drop-in centre and night shelter for street children . The centre will also provide adult education and other facilities to work with local women, including widows who are being supported to take on fostering projects with AIDS orphans and others, and families in crisis. The greeting we received (pictured) was extraordinary and it was an intensely moving experience. The first floor of the centre is virtually complete, funded by some of the money raised out of last year's Cycle Cambodia challenge, and the building was opened by ICT's chairman during our visit. The Cycle Kenya team were a great group of individuals, and even though it was tough, we had a real ball. The memories from this trip - and the visit to the Mumia project in particular - will stay with us for a very long time indeed.

A big THANK YOU again to everyone who has supported us so far. Our Just Giving site is still operational, so please, if you haven't sponsored us already and would like to, there is still time to do so. We are also in the process of putting a day-by-day account of the challenge up on Moira's blog, linked here

Ere we go...!

Its reached the fateful day. We leave Warwick this afternoon for an overnight flight to Nairobi and 411kms of cycling. Feeling more than a little apprehensive about a couple of the days - days two and four - which involve over 100 kms, which looks to be mostly upwards, and then 88kms with a big 25 km ascent in the afternoon. We've done some good mileage in training, but not enough hills I fear.....

But there's no turning back - that's why they call it a challenge! Thanks again to all out fantastic supporters who have helped us raise nearly £5000 already, and our major fund-raising events still have to take place. The photo here relates to one of those - a children's charity cycle ride in Victoria Park, Leamington which is happening on the Sunday after we get back - 25th November from 10.30 am. Big thanks to Roger and hirecentres.com for sponsoring this event on our behalf and to Stephen, our Police community support officer (pictured here with some of our first participants) who has been a tremendous help with all the detailed arrangements. Come and support us if you're in the area!

Until our return.......