Having one of our scholarship students along for RIDETZ is a very special aspect of the RIDETZ experience. The student’s presence adds a very meaningful dynamic to the trip, as it gives the riders an opportunity to connect with someone who embodies what TFFT is all about: empowering young individuals to reach their full potential. In 2010 Richard Augustino was the student rider, and he amazed everyone with the strength and determination he possessed as he peddled towards his dream: to see the ocean for the first time.

Our Team selects the student rider based on an essay contest, and today we introduce you to Simon Peter, 2012’s RIDETZ student rider!!

Simon has great confidence that he is ready for the 400 mile challenge, and he is enjoying getting to know the other riders. His status as the RIDETZ student rider has also earned him popularity among his peers!

Simon is 16 years old. He is originally for Lushoto, a small town that we will pass through on the ride. After losing both of his parents, he lived at Irente Children’s Home, one of TFFT’s Partner Orphanages. He joined TFFT in 2008 when he was in class 6. Meghann asked him a few questions so that you could get to know him before the ride. He explained that he is not at all worried about the 400 mile distance, and he has been biking ever since he found out he was selected. He is most excited about seeing the hydro electric damn that we will pass, and he also cannot wait to meet the other riders to ask where they are coming form and what their hobbies are. He is also eager to tell the riders about Lushoto and Irente Chidlren’s Home, where he now goes during school holiday to help with the babies. He says he hopes that in the future some of those children can turn out to be good leaders to help the society they choose to live in. His favorite color is red, and his favorite subjects in school are bookkeeping and commerce.

Below are some pictures of him during his training followed by his essay:

Why I like Riding Bicycles?
My name is Simon Peter. I am 16 years old. I came from Lushoto and I am in form three in Usa River Academy. I like riding bicycle very much and also it is my hobby. Bicycle is a vehicle with two wheel that you ride by pushing its pedals with your feet. The following are the reason to why I like to ride a bicycle.

Bicycle raise my talent because bicycle riding is a talent and also my best hobby in which i like and also I wish one day I would go and involve myself in bicycle riding in foreign countries to represent my society and also my nation.

Bicycle make me to be physically and mentally fit because when I ride my bicycle my body become very flexible and mentally it make me to be fast in thinking in the class.

Bicycle is among the games that bring good relationships with other people because when you compete with other people you make a good relationship and also make the competitors to think.

Bicycle is the cheapest means of transport because even the price to buy a bicycle is cheap and even the people with little means can buy and also is fast for short distances.

In conclusion, from the above reason to why I like to ride a bicycle as we have seen bicycles are important and it contributes to fitness for the body.

This year former and current RIDETZ riders joined forces to make Simon’s trip possible. We are so grateful for their support.