And…..they’re off!  RIDETZ riders started their 400 mile Kili to the Coast for a Cause journey on Monday.

Prior to departing on this epic journey they first stopped at Nkoaranga Orphanage, one of TFFT’s partner orphanages.  Riders were able to meet the sweet babies of the orphanage, hold them, feed them, and spend time with them.  They were able to see what an orphanage in Tanzania looks like, and it was very meaningful to the riders.  As they said goodbye to the children at Nkoaranga, riders hearts were full of even more inspiration to take them through the ride. 

The send off was quite the send off! On day one, TFFT scholars lined the dirt road clapping, cheering, smiling, and wishing the riders good luck as they launched off on their adventure from Usa River Academy.  Riders took everything in, high fiving the scholars, and getting last minute glimpses of the faces, the children they were riding for.

After the send-off, the ride began..think mud, dust, camels and remote Tanzanian villages.  The riders traveled roughly 40 miles on mountain bike the first day, had their first camping experience of the trip, and to top it off a wake up call on day two at 5:45am for another 40+ mile ride!

All in all, it seems like they are off to a great start! More updates to come as we get them, and in the meantime, feel free to follow the picture updates on our new Instagram account, TFFTAFRICA.  Sending good luck from the U.S. as riders take on Day 3! They are now passing over Nyumba Ya Mungu (translates from Swahili to English as The House of God). It is Tanzania’s largest hydroelectric damn, and quite a sight!  There is no doubt pictures will be a plenty, and stories, scrapes and laughter will all be apart of the next update!