The Karamoja Care Package: Bikes, Farming, Medical
Donation protected
In 2018, I (Steve Andrews) was invited to Uganda to take part in the second annual Tour of Karamoja. This event was to bring attention to the Karamoja region and showcase the incredible land and culture that is home to this area. I led a trail crew of 20 locals from the Tepeth community that lived on the hills of Mount Moroto, teaching them skills and providing temporary employment to get the trails ready for the Tour.
The event was spearheaded by the late Paul Sherwen, a legend in the cycling community as co-commentator for the Tour de France for over 30 years. After he passed a huge void remained in his place. The biggest hurdle: none of the locals had access to their own bikes..
I have gained experience over the decades as a mountain biker and trail builder in one of the world's top mountain bike destinations, Whistler, BC, Canada. Using that experience I helped start up the Karamoja Mountain Biking Association (KAMBA). The club's goal is to empower the locals to unite and grow the sport through community rides, education, and being a central focus for the sport in the region, as well as access to good quality mountain bikes and parts. Last year through the help of my local community we were able to send 2 crates worth of bikes, equipment, tools, and spare parts over to Karamoja.
Since the club has received the bikes they have been active in weekly community rides where everyone is welcome. Additionally, through a grant by Mountain Life Magazine, KAMBA was able to secure the very piece of land that the Tour of Karamoja was situated on. The goal is to make a long term home for mountain biking that will store the bikes and provide programs for kids, training, and be a hub to operate from.
The club still needs more help. The Coronavirus pandemic has halted tourism, the source of income for the club members. Now, more than ever, the group can benefit from access to good bikes. A bike can cut hours on a trip to town and also provide exercise and help transport supplies to and from town.
We are setting a goal of $15000 to purchase a shipping container, fill it up with bikes, tools, gear, medical equipment, farming tools, clothing, old electronics, and whatever else people might be willing to give to these amazing and kind hearted people who could use a helping hand from those of us who might have some items not being used. Once the container reaches Karamoja it can be used to store the bikes and equipment safely and be lent out to the community.
Thanks for your consideration and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Alakara Noi!
The event was spearheaded by the late Paul Sherwen, a legend in the cycling community as co-commentator for the Tour de France for over 30 years. After he passed a huge void remained in his place. The biggest hurdle: none of the locals had access to their own bikes..
I have gained experience over the decades as a mountain biker and trail builder in one of the world's top mountain bike destinations, Whistler, BC, Canada. Using that experience I helped start up the Karamoja Mountain Biking Association (KAMBA). The club's goal is to empower the locals to unite and grow the sport through community rides, education, and being a central focus for the sport in the region, as well as access to good quality mountain bikes and parts. Last year through the help of my local community we were able to send 2 crates worth of bikes, equipment, tools, and spare parts over to Karamoja.
Since the club has received the bikes they have been active in weekly community rides where everyone is welcome. Additionally, through a grant by Mountain Life Magazine, KAMBA was able to secure the very piece of land that the Tour of Karamoja was situated on. The goal is to make a long term home for mountain biking that will store the bikes and provide programs for kids, training, and be a hub to operate from.
The club still needs more help. The Coronavirus pandemic has halted tourism, the source of income for the club members. Now, more than ever, the group can benefit from access to good bikes. A bike can cut hours on a trip to town and also provide exercise and help transport supplies to and from town.
We are setting a goal of $15000 to purchase a shipping container, fill it up with bikes, tools, gear, medical equipment, farming tools, clothing, old electronics, and whatever else people might be willing to give to these amazing and kind hearted people who could use a helping hand from those of us who might have some items not being used. Once the container reaches Karamoja it can be used to store the bikes and equipment safely and be lent out to the community.
Thanks for your consideration and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Alakara Noi!
Organizer
Steve Andrews
Organizer
Whistler, BC
