ride for africycle

My brother's social conscience is big enough for several people. He buys locally, shops the independents, eats organic, recycles, preaches God's word, gives back to his community and so much more. I am always in awe of him. Inspired by him. And so very proud. Yesterday he extended an invitation to me to join a group on facebook, the Ride for Africycle group. Since he's never steered me in the wrong direction when it comes to the internet I quickly agreed to join. Even knowing my brother as well as I do I was not expecting what I found this group to be.

First a little back story. As long as I can remember my brother has been riding a bike. Now if my mother wasn't still ensconced in that eco-cottage up north she'd happily tell you of the total disaster that was me learning to ride a bike. With training wheels. At five. There was no way I could stay on that bike. Yes even with training wheels I fell off. Many many times, or so the story goes. So what did my parents do to encourage me? Well they took the training wheels off the bike and gave it to Dave, who I am embarrassed to tell you was three at the time. And you know what? He could ride it. Took off down the street and never once looked back. He's been riding ever since. As a pre-schooler he was racing bikes and winning trophies bigger than he was. Dave and his bike were something the whole family was involved in. Mom registering kids to race. Dad a track official. And me, well I got to wave the checkered flag at the end. Time went on, Dave grew up, the bikes got bigger, but he kept riding. For the past year or so he's been enjoying long distance cycling with his equally fabulous wife Melody.

So what exactly is Africycle? In a nutshell it is a grassroots organization committed to helping improve the lives of people living in Malawi, Africa all with a bicycle. Or, to be truthful, many bicycles. And, just recently, a bicycle shop. So how does Dave, his social conscience and his love of bikes fit into this equation? Well October 2, 2007 will find him leaving his front door and pedaling his bike 100 miles (160.9 km), ending his ride just outside of Bloomfield, Ontario. The Ride for Africycle. I encourage you all to check out the links and learn more about Africycle and Dave's ride. Don't be afraid to spread the word. Join the facebook group or add a link to your blog or, hey, do both.

Dave is accepting donations through the Ride for Africycle website.