As a means to create more awareness about the projects of VECO East Africa, we have collaborated with VECO International to organize a 10 day cycling event, aptly called the Kilimanjaro Classic. Contestants flew in from Belgium to participate. In exchange for raise funds back home, they got a unique experience, cycling through the Tanzanian countryside and visiting our projects.
First edition of the Kilimanjaro Classic was "tough, but rewarding"
First edition of the Kilimanjaro Classic was "tough, but rewarding"
The very first edition of the Kilimanjaro Classic was hot, dry, dusty, sunny and overall very tough!
The very first edition of the Kilimanjaro Classic took place during the last week of September 2015 and was a hot, dry, dusty, sunny and overall very tough cycling experience. Many of the participants had participated in other VECO Classics (with our sister organizations in Indonesia and South-America) in the past, and they mentioned that only the Classic in Nicaragua is physically more difficult, which they had not expected. With the exhaustion came a few unfortunate crashes, giving the doctor and the mechanic, who were along for the trip, quite some work!
All in all, most participants finished the cycling event safely and had a wonderful time. They really enjoyed the variety of scenery in Tanzania and its amazing landscapes, the magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the various encounters with the local people and the farmers involved in VECO projects, the day of relaxation at the beautiful Lake Chala with the special visit of other VECO East Africa colleagues, and the wildlife on the last days.
We would like to thank all the participants for their efforts and support to VECO East Africa. Let us hope future editions will be just as successful!
The cyclists took many pictures of their adventures on the road. Here you can find a small selection below, or alternatively visit the Kilimanjaro Classic Facebook page for more!
