Kona BikeTown Africa

What Tools Do You Need For An AfricaBike Handover?

Although it isn't mandatory you have a quiver of tools to participate at one of our three Kona BikeTown Africa handovers this fall in South Africa and Tanzania, having some basic tools to build bikes makes the days flow a bit smoother. And when you're building over 200 AfricaBikes in 2-3 days, time is of the essence as you always need to allot yourself quality time to sample the local beer and spirits after a long day of wrenching!

So, here are a few tools to consider:

8, 9, 10mm open end wrenches

5, 6mm Allen wrenches

15mm open end for the hubs

Pedal wrench – some 15mm open end wrenches will fit

Crescent wrench (adjustable wrench)

Phillips head screwdriver

Thanks to sponsor Park Tool- who have donated a silly amount of tools - the AfricaBike handovers should be in good hands.

Why eat energy bars when you can eat donuts?

Didn't your mom ever tell you that exercising on sweets is the best way to get a stomach ache? Well, these riders said "you-know-what" to that advice and took their chances at the Second Annual Utah Tour de Donut on July 11.

The American Fork Rotary Club, which raises funds for programs both in the US and abroad, hosted this year's event to gather donations for Kona BikeTown Africa. More than 300 riders put away 1,200 donuts before, during and after the 7-mile bike ride, which raised $7,400 for the BikeTown Africa cause which will help send AfricaBikes to home healthcare workers in Africa. 

Riders had two opportunities throughout the Tour to reduce their race time by eating as many donuts as possible - with each donut rewarding them five minutes off their time. 

Sounds like a pretty good deal to us - donuts, riding and a stomach ache that's worth it for a good cause.

BikeTown well recived at HIV/AIDS expo

Bio pharmaceutical company and BikeTown partner, Bristol-Myers Squibb, showcased BikeTown Africa at the world's largest open scientific conference on HIV/AIDS- the 5th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Cape Town, South Africa.

Held every two years, the conference attracts the world's leading scientists, clinicians, and public health experts to discuss the latest in HIV-related research.

As BikeTown and the Kona AfricaBike have a close affiliation with HIV/AIDS relief workers, the conference presented a great opportunity to get the word out about the program among leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. 

Read BikeTown partner Bicylcing Magazine's article HERE.

Getting Noticed at RAGBRAI

One of BikeTown Africa's volunteers, Carol Williamson, formed a BikeTown Africa team for the 37th RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) to raise awareness about the program.   

                           

And that's exactly what they accomplished. The team plastered stickers on their bikes and helmets, handed out stickers, sharpied "BTA" on their calves and were interviewed by several different film crews at the event. Some of the team members rode the Kona AfricaBike throughout sections of the race and also used the bike on grocery and beer runs - among other things. 

The RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. Carol will be raffling off the Kona AfricaBike used during the race at the annual  Rotary Fun Fair in Swathmore, PA in April 2010. Stay tuned for details.