Let me introduce myself. My name is Manfred Pieske, I’ve been an avid cyclist for over 30 years. During the 1990’s I owned and operated a bicycle store in Peterborough Ontario called Manfred’s Bike and Hike. Over the years I have bicycle toured throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean.
As I approach my 60th birthday I am planning the longest bicycle tour that I have ever attempted – a totally unsupported ride that will cover over 4000 km. The tour is called the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad follows the route the African black slaves used to escape slavery in the southern states, with the help of many people along the way, to freedom. It starts in Mobile Alabama and traverses the United States and ends in Owen Sound Ontario. My goal is to leave in May 7th, 2013, cover approximately 100 km. a day and arrive in Owen Sound by mid-June. I will be camping and carrying all my gear for the duration.
Fifteen years ago I travelled to Jamaica and discovered a beautiful island with a distinctive culture. For me, the people of this tiny Caribbean country have been extremely friendly and hospitable. I operated a mountain bike tour in the hills of St. Elisabeth Parish for ten years bringing foreigners to Jamaica so they could share the experience of living in a rural community and cycling the back roads. Over time I built relationships with the people of the local communities, many who were amused and enjoyed our visits, and made a contribution to the local economy.
Unfortunately Jamaica has a lot of the same problems that many developing countries have (poverty, illiteracy, etc.) They have had to deal with the long-term consequences of the slave trade and colonialism. To me there is a similarity between the African American blacks escaping to the north and Jamaicans escaping to the hilly caves of the Cockpit country to escape slavery and find freedom.
The reason for this epic ride is to connect with my love for the Jamaican people and to support their economic development.
This then brings me around to my proposal. Here in Peterborough I have joined a local charity Jamaica Self-Help, who have been working in Jamaica for over 20 years to increase the level of literacy. They have initiated many programs. My goal is to fund-raise for them – I hope to raise $25,000.00 through corporate and private donations. This is an opportunity for you or your organization to participate in a small charity that is making a real difference for so many of Jamaica’s youth. This is not a top-heavy charity. The money goes directly to the people in need.
I will be documenting my bike tour along the Underground Railroad on my blog. You can make a donation by visiting the Jamaica Self Help page on my blog.
Thanks for your support.
Contact: manfred.bike@cogeco.ca
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