Rwanda (Rising from the Ashes)

Good morning, Rwanda.

Sunrise on our drive to the other side of the country.

Have you seen the documentary "Rising from the Ashes"? If not... rent it from Netflix. It's the story of the Rwanda Pro Cycling Team. The team was formed after the horrific Rwanda Genocide in the '90's. Starting this team was an effort to lift the country of Rwanda up. The people of Rwanda really got behind this team & it gave Rwanda something exciting to cheer about. It was also good for the original 5 members of this cycling team as becoming pro cyclists expanded their opportunities greatly. Today this cycling team continues to compete and has a training center where the young team members stay, eat and train. Bob and I had the opportunity to drive to this area of Rwanda to see and stay at the cycling center, eat supper and breakfast with the team and have a day of biking guided by Rafiki! Rafiki is one of the original 5 members of Team Rwanda. He is retired from professional racing but continues with Team Rwanda as a mechanic, manager and tour guide for tourists (like Bob & I).

Here is Rafiki then. 

Here is Rafiki now with Bob & I!

Getting a tour of the shop with all their fancy bikes.

Some members of the current team.

Sitting above the tools are photos of the 5 original members of Team Rwanda.

There are 10 cute brick cottages on property where team & staff stay when training.

We rented one of the cottages for a night.

We enjoyed supper & breakfast the following morning with the team.

Fun to meet many of the rising stars of cycling.

The team was getting ready for Tour de Rwanda which was beginning on August 5th.

We saddled up our horses and got on our way for the day.

There was climbing right out of the gates.

And more climbing.

There were amazing views.

And more amazing views around every corner.

Rafiki was so cool & the 3 of us had a blast ! 

Rice fields. Sugar cane.

Mountains.

Lakes.

Boats.

Kids...

who raced us through villages.

When we got back... I was beat. :-)

 One of our most amazing days on a bike.
Fun finish photo.

I'm not finished posting about our Rwanda bike ride with Rafiki.
More pictures and videos to come.