Some people cycle for fun or fitness , but Theo Rohfritsch and Simon Valdenaire cycle for something different….. clean water. The two young Frenchmen have been cycling for over 6 months on a trip from France to New Zealand, stopping in 21 countries along the way to raise awareness of the importance of clean water. The Guys recently visited Buriram and the “Times” went along to meet them. They have named their campaign Cycle For Water.
They aim to raise money for water projects and educational programs as well as linking primary school pupils with local water projects across the globe. Since July 2015 they have cycled well over 10,000 kilometres and plan to reach New Zealand next August.. Along the way they have stopped at schools, universities and businesses to give talks on the importance of clean water.
More than 1 billion people around the world lack access to clean, safe drinking water and the problem is particularly prevalent in South-East Asia.
They built their bikes out of bamboo at the Bamboo Bicycle Club in East London to link their journey to a better, cleaner environment. They reached Buriram a few weeks ago and planned to help four schools to gain access to clean water.
For those wishing to donate to this worthy cause visit cycleforwater on Facebook and you will find links for you to help these remarkable young men. Their initial target is 10,000 euros ,rising to their final target of 25,000 euros.
They are learning about the different languages and cultures along the way and they have been overwhelmed by the reaction of the locals in the countries they have passed through. We wish them a successful and safe journey and hope they reach their goals.