Charity Cycle Across USA to Build Futures Ghana
Hello, my name is George Barks
Firstly To everyone who’s has donated, followed, shared, or supported this journey in any way. I see it, and I truly appreciate you.
I am cycling over 4,300 miles across the USA from West coast Astoria, Oregon to East coast Yorktown, Virginia to raise funds and physically help Village by Village, a UK charity helping some of the most remote communities in rural Ghana, West Africa.
I fly out on August 3rd to begin this solo ride. I’ll be carrying all my own gear, camping wild, riding 45+ miles a day for nearly three months with no support crew.
You can follow the whole journey on my Instagram and track my live location throughout.
This isn’t a guided tour or a challenge for social media.
Why I’m Doing This
In a world that feels increasingly divided and uncertain, I’ve decided to take action to support people who are often overlooked and unheard.
We don’t get forever on this planet, and I want to spend my time doing things that actually matter. That means helping others and stepping outside the bubble of comfort. You don’t have to be elite, rich, or famous to do something meaningful. You just need the courage to start.
This ride is about service, challenge, and something that brings hope, health, and opportunity to others.
Why Village by Village?
Village by Village is a small UK-based charity that’s been working inside rural Ghana since 2006.
They don’t operate from glass offices. They live in the villages they support, working directly with the communities.
They build:
• Clean water systems
• Composting toilets and handwashing stations
• Preschools and classrooms
• After-school tech programmes with offline tablets
• Hygiene training programmes backed by the Ghana Health Service
They don’t give handouts — they give tools, education, and support. And after this ride, I’ll be joining them on the ground in Ghana to volunteer in person.
Their impact so far:
✅ 1,011 education scholarships
✅ 100+ sanitation projects
✅ 12 rainwater harvesting systems
✅ 46 toilet blocks built
✅ 5 kindergartens & 3 junior high schools
✅ 5 wells and a borehole
✅ 4 health clinics
✅ 6,000+ children trained in hygiene
Learn more: www.villagebyvillage.org.uk
How You Can Help
1. Donate — even a small amount has a huge impact
2. Share this page — socials, WhatsApp, email, word of mouth
3. Follow the journey — I’ll post regular updates, videos, and GPS location
Instagram: @georgebarks
Charity: www.villagebyvillage.org.uk
Thank you so much for your support, I can’t wait to bring you along for the ride!
With gratitude,
George
Organizer
George Barks
Organizer
England
Village By Village
Beneficiary