If the idea appeals to you of riding through dusty singletrack with an amazingly scenic African backdrop, while every mile you ride raises enough money to feed an African orphan for a week, then read on.

The Mission East Trust, is looking for volunteers to take part in their African Cycle Challenge to raise money for African orphans in Malawi and Sierra Leone. The challenge, starting on August 16th, involves an eight-day off-road ride from the shores of Lake Malawi through the beautiful mountain valleys of Northern Malawi and its wildlife parks, to the settlement of Livingstonia high on the escarpment. Organiser Alastair Brodie, of Cycletracks Ltd, told us that the terrain varies widely and involves some stunning descents, plenty of singletrack and is suitable for riders of all abilities.

As the ride takes you through the wildlife parks there’ll be opportunities for wildlife-spotting from the saddle. But before you either get too excited or panic, depending on how wild you like your wildlife, this isn’t lion, elephant and buffalo territory here, we’re talking herds of zebra, kudu, roan antelope, giant eland and baboons.

Riders will also be able to see first-hand what the money they raise is being spent on as they visit some of the charity’s projects along the way.

You’re expected to raise £1800 to be able to take part, so there’s not too much time left for people interested in doing the ride to get themselves sorted out. And, while there’s no deadline as such, there are only 16 places available on the ride, so if you’re intersted you’ll need to get cracking and contact Alastair on [email protected], or call him on 01224 740132.
.