Ruth Storm's Cycle Across Africa
Ruth Storm cycled an incredible 2,388km across East Africa, from Iringa, Tanzania to Victoria Falls to raise money for Africa Now's Elephants and Chillies project in Zambia. Ruth began her epic journey on March 26th 2007 and managed to raise over £4,000!
The journey took here three weeks to complete and here are a few excerpts from Ruth's online diary of her trip: 
Wednesday 28th March 2007
After three days in the saddle I feel real achievement! Tanzania is lovely - green and lush and lots of children sing out greetings as I ride - "Good morning mister! How are you?" When I ask them "How are you?" they respond, "Fine Thank You Teacher!" Clearly a familiar classroom chant. The routine is up at 5 am, on the road by 6.30 am, lunch stop 10 am(!) and finish around 2 pm. The terrain is very up and down. The downs are fine, but the ups in the hot sun...well, I just hope that with time they will get easier! Today I recorded 40+ c on the hot tarmac road. Tomorrow we arrive at the Malawi border and continue our journey there.
Thursday 5th April 2007
I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself - I've achieved all of the kms of the first section! Today is rest day in Lilongwe: a nice safari hotel, and an excellent authentic Italian restaurant last night. The cycling has been tough, but very rewarding, as I keep up with those who've already cycled from Cairo (8,000km). I'm having some problems with my leg muscles - but ibuprofen and evening massage from a cycling physiotherapist are helping me through it. I won't even mention the saddle soreness.... Our evening accommodation is either a tent in the bush, or basic hotel accommodation if it's nearby as an alternative to camping. The camping is nice - our tent has an open mesh top (keeps out the bugs) but is transparent to the sky. The full moon has been shining through as we sleep on the beach or in the bush - a lovely way to end the day.
Tuesday 17th April 2007
We covered 470 km in the last three days, and it was wonderful riding. I feel now like I'm just beginning to really enjoy it and regret I'm not travelling on through Botswana, Namibia and South Africa to Cape Town and the finish of the whole TDA journey. In fact, as I write, I'm in Johannesburg, South Africa, having flown from Victoria Falls this afternoon to connect to London tonight. 
Wednesday 18th April 2007
I didn't get a chance to visit Africa Now's Chilli project in Zambia, however, I did see that chillies do grow there! These photos are of a huge field of chillies which were growing next to our campsite near Livingstone. I tasted one and they were the HOTTEST I have ever had - it took ages to get the pain out of my mouth!
If you would like take part in a similar fundraising activity, give the office a call on 01865 249 997, or email info@africanow.org