But the real hard work begins on Monday 15th February, when the pair jump on their bikes and begin pedaling their way southwards. The girls hope to complete the journey in 6 days following the itinerary below, although this is weather-dependent
Day 1: Visit Lusaka Projects- Visit Chawama SEE and Kalingalinga. Final preparations, dinner with friends and a good night's sleep!
Day 2: Lusaka- Kafue, 40km. The cycle begins! Send off from British High Commission and media (tbc). Stay with host families in Kafue estates
Day 3: Kafue - Mazabuka, 110km. Our first longer day in the saddle, but with the benefits of the sights through a National Park and past one of the largest sugar plantations in Africa (plus visitors are allowed to eat as much sugar cane on the premises as they can..bonus! A fuel stop in other words)
Day 4: Mazabuka - Monze, 65km. Do radio show to advertise our adventure and hopefully thank sponsors!
Day 5: Monze - Choma, 105km
Day 6: Choma - Kalomo, 65km. Stay in a cultural village, a night under the stars!
Day 7: Kalomo - Livingstone, 125km! The final stretch!
Day 8: Rest and recuperation in Livingstone!
Motivation
So why embark upon such a long and tiring journey? Aside from the personal challenge and enjoyment factor, the duo have set themselves the fundraising target of £2500 to support FOE's projects in Zambia. The focus of our efforts for 2010, and specifically the 500km bike ride, is to buy land to allow Chawama Sport and Educational Empowerment School to build its own purpose built structure. We hope this will allow the committed staff an opportunity to realise the school's original vision; a school which provides opportunities to hundreds of young people to fulfill their potential through the provision of quality education free from financial restrictions
The school was started in 2007 and has now grown, educating over 200 children daily. Most of the children are described as 'vulnerable' and the school building is at present also housing a number of children recently orphaned. It is planned that on purchasing their own land that Chawama SEE will build 6 classrooms, a library and have a playground but also space to build a house within the grounds to continue to support their pupils who rely on their support.
So on behalf of Fiona and Clare, please donate generously to http://www.justgiving.com/lusakatolivingstonecycle
