Cycle For Hope

The website is currently being updated so bear with us as we archive the Cycle for Hope (CFH) Africa pages and add new CFH Europe pages. Thank you!

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• Cycle for Hope in a sentence?

An unforgettable learning experience, which I hope will encourage others to follow.

• Favourite Country on the cycle? Why?

It would be a close call between Cameroon and Burkina Faso. In both of these countries the people welcomed us so openly, going to great lengths to help us. We really appreciated these gestures and will hopefully emulate this approach to life.

• Best Experience?

For me there were many, suppose from first leaving the airport in Tangiers and realising that this is it. One of the other would have to be the day we were cycling in the Atlas mountains. It seemed like we had been climbing all day and were generally quite tired and frustrated by this. Until we came around a corner and saw a sign indicating a steep downhill! This was followed by the adrenaline rush of a 60km/h plus descent which probably only lasted a few minutes but was great. This was then followed by more hills.

• Most memorable meal?

Probably the time in Marakesh we went to McDonalds, I’m not even a big fan, but that night it was good to get some “western” food, even though it was only a few weeks into the cycle.

• Culturally, what part of Africa would you bring home?

The general way that they live each day. They take things with a really relaxed approach, turn up to things whenever, but yet still have all the time to talk to you and generally the things still get done.

• Spiritually, how did the cycle impact you?

The cycle was a great time for me. It was an opportunity to get away from all the pressures of the society we live in and see that the things which concern us and take up all our time, are in fact quite minor compared to what the people in Africa have to deal with. The enthusiasm of the people about their faith and in worship was great to be a part of.

• Now the cycle is over, Where are you now?

I came home and had a few months to try and get a direction for my life. I was fortunate to get a job as the Youth Worker on the Moira-Glenavy Circuit with the Methodist Church, meaning that I have not returned to University this year. I will also be helping out with Ambassadors as an Intern and look forward to the year ahead.

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• Cycle for Hope in a sentence?

Every night a different place.

• Favourite Country on the cycle? Why?

Namibia – Dairy milk, Milky bars and BBQ crisps.

• Best Experience?

Pendjari Falls, Benin and Sand boarding, Namibia.

• Most memorable meal?

Tropical curry made for us by the missionaries we stayed with in Cotonou, Benin.

• Culturally, what part of Africa would you bring home?

Everyone plays football all the time, as soon as you take out a football you will have enough people to play a game, within seconds.

• Spiritually, how did the cycle impact you?

Not as much as I had hoped, however I am more sensitive to the needs of others and the importance of sharing.

• Now the cycle is over, Where are you now?

I am currently applying to University to study Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management, in the meantime  am playing football for Ambassadors and doing a lot of rock climbing whilst looking for a job.

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• Cycle for Hope in a sentence?

The most difficult, rewarding and adventurous six months of my life to date.

• Favourite Country on the cycle? Why?

Senegal – The beauty of Popenguine beach, getting some downtime to relax in a class villa, as well as meeting up with the guys from the football tour was a highlight.

• Best Experience?

Spending two days at a campsite in a place called Pendjari Falls, in Benin. Plenty of sunshine and swimming, with loads of rocks to jump off as well.

• Most memorable meal?

Tropical curry prepared for us by Isabella, a missionary in Cotonou, Benin. It even had a boiled egg in it!

• Culturally, what part of Africa would you bring home?

The laid back attitude, life is to be enjoyed, not rushed! As well as the sheer love of football.

• Spiritually, how did the cycle impact you?

It has given me a first hand experience into the lives of the African people. Many of them have nothing, yet seem more content. It sounds a bit of a cliche but they rejoice a lot more in their faith rather than possessions. Thats a challenge for us who have so much, yet struggle to get up on a Sunday.

• Now the cycle is over, Where are you now?

I have applied for an honours degree in Outdoor Pursuits Leadership and Management. Currently looking for a job to put the year in. Still playing football for Ambassadors F.C.

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• Cycle for Hope in a sentence?

Good trip and hope to do more.

• Favourite Country on the cycle? Why?

Probably Senegal. Was great to have the support of our hosts and
explore Popinguine.

• Best Experience?

How are you supposed to decide this. Maybe watching locals jump onto the ferry when the guards weren’t watching or motorbike taxi’s in Benin.

• Most memorable meal?

Snaaaaaake

• Culturally, what part of Africa would you bring home?

Definitely not the scaly generator salesman, but probably the selfless
giving we received from some people far less fortunate than ourselves.

• Spiritually, how did the cycle impact you?

Sho.I don’t know. I’m not good at answering these complicated questions.

• Now the cycle is over, Where are you now?

Nowhere really. Finding it difficult to get back into engineering and
put up with all the required materialism of western life.

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• Cycle for Hope in a sentence?

Enjoyable, different and very random.

• Favourite Country on the cycle? Why?

Each country was different so its hard to pick a favourite. I suppose Namibia may have been my favourite because of the people I met there.

• Best Experience?

The physical cycling was great, going through the different wee towns and villages and everyone noticing us and waving.

• Most memorable meal?

Lunch, that day in Gabon. Not because of what we ate. Sitting in the truck 2 get away from the flies and then opening the bread to find ants in them. Think we had boiled eggs with our ant bread.

• Culturally, what part of Africa would you bring home?

The friendliness.. People always willing to say hello and have a chat! Doesn’t happen here too much.

• Spiritually, how did the cycle impact you?

It has made me think a lot about other peoples views. Before I was very impatient, I find I have a bit more time for others now.

• Now the cycle is over, Where are you now?

Back in second year studying accountancy at Queens. Hating it and just wanting to get my degree as soon as possible. Looking forward to going back to New York for a year next August.

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