CYCLE SRI LANKA

Here Caroline Kilby tells us about the Cycle Tanzania Challenge that she did with International Childcare Trust in 2009. If that experience wasn’t enough, she is back with us this year on the Cycle Sri Lanka Challenge!

"From the moment I arrived in Tanzania I knew I was in for a unique experience. Maggie, Nikki and the rest of the team welcomed me to the group with tales of tea at the embassy and local newspaper articles!

Day one of the cycle passed by for me with exciting rush to get to know the rest of the participants and continued anticipation while we left the city of Dar behind and headed out up the coast to more rural parts.

Day two proved to be the most challenging for me physically (though we had all be warned about this by Action Challenge) mainly due to sun exposure than the route itself. So I was much relieved to find the camp next to the ocean as the sun set on this day, for a quick dip and a beach barbeque rescued and restored me!

Day three saw us travel inland through more communities enthusiastic to welcome us and watch us ride passed. Many children would 'high five' us and run with us through their streets, cheering us on. And this day was dusty, so when we reached camp I was again surprised at how efficiently the local support team had set us up with mobile showers and a big spread for dinner.

By day four I had made some great friends and I was now sharing this experience with people who I would be reminiscing with long after the trip had finished. This made the last few days more amazing. And then we reached the final day, and after a long but satisfying cycle we crossed the finish line. I am unable to describe this moment and those that followed as feelings were so mixed but I do know that we celebrated a little and also tried to adjust to the idea of not cycling in the morning!

The last day of the trip took us to visit the project. This was a valuable part of the experience. Being able to seeing the fantastic work that has been put in place by ICT and their partners, and connecting with a group from the local community provided a grounding or foundation for me that will continue to distinguish it from any other experience I've had. Thank you ICT for allowing me and the others be part of this, I will never forget it."