Kona BikeTown Africa:

The more the merrier. Especially when it comes to supporting home-based healthcare workers in their pursuit of treating HIV/AIDS patients in Africa. Since the Kona BikeTown initiative started in 2005, we have created amazing partnerships with many individuals and organizations - like the Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia (BEN Namibia) www.benbikes.org.za/.

The BEN Namibia, which was also established in 2005, started by providing bicycles to care volunteers who supplied treatment to HIV/AIDS patients who were required to cover long distances. Fully dedicated to the cause, BEN Namibia is a partner of Kona BikeTown and continues to maintain the AfricaBikes in Namibia. With a handful of locations scattered throughout Africa, BEN has donated thousands of bikes and trained more than 100 mechanics. They're truly a positive, powerful force in Africa and Kona is proud to have them as a team member.

Check http://allafrica.com/stories/200801310562.html for a story on BEN Namibia and the power of the humble bike that was recently featured in the Namibian newspaper.

Riding a bike is fun, and at times rewarding. But, having the ability to give a person a bike that allows them to enhance the well-being of others is even more rewarding then your most epic ride. We know.

Insera_pic_3 Since the first AfricaBike rolled off the line in 2005, Kona has been the official bike for the successful Bicycling Magazine's BikeTown Africa program and Bristol-Myers Squibb's Secure the Future Foundation. Fast forward three years, and the important programs have not only grown throughout many communities, but have also helped heal hundreds of lives.

Now that 2008 has arrived, the focus is still the same - provide simple, well designed Kona AfricaBikes suitable to the terrain to help local healthcare workers supply treatment to HIV/AIDS patients throughout the continent. To date, roughly 500 AfricaBikes have been distributed to different parts of Africa including Botswana, Namibia and Senegal.

This year we plan on generating 1,000 bikes for the program. Having the means to accomplish such a feat in creating the most important bike we've ever designed is a feeling beyond words. One main reason that has allowed such a great allotment of AfricaBikes is the support the program has received from the 2-for-1 AfricaBike sales program where we donate one bike for every two purchased to BikeTown or other non-profit and non-govenmental organizations (NGOs) whose missions include helping to improve the quality of life in sub-Saharan Africa.

So, what's on tap for 2008? In a word: a lot - OK two words. This year the program is slated to complete four trips to Africa in June and August. Stopping in Mozambique, Swaziland and twice in South Africa, there will be opportunities for interested individuals to travel with the program to these spots to get a first-hand look at how influential the program is and how key the AfricaBikes are to everyday life. Stay tuned to the site for fequent updates on all BikeTown happenings. Until next time ride smart, use your kickstands and keep Africa on your mind.

For more information on BikeTown Africa and how to adopt-a-bike check www.securethefuture.com, www.konaworld.com and www.bicycling.com.