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2021 WELCOME GUIDE AFRICA CLASSIC INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2 - 9 OCTOBER 2021
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WELCOME GUIDEAFRICA CLASSIC INTERNATIONAL EDITION
2 - 9 OCTOBER 2021
2-3AMREF HEALTH AFRICA/AMREF FLYING DOCTORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1FOREWORD
6THE JOURNEY
4-5PREPARATION
7PRACTICAL MATTERS
8-9THE TRIP
10THANK YOU
HARD WORK, MAGIC MOMENTS
This information guide is the first step to the start of a wonderful adventure!
Whether you are participating because of your involvement with Amref Health Africa/Amref Flying Doctors, your love for Africa, your passion for mountain biking, or perhaps all three, we are thrilled to have you with us!
You are about to embark on a long and intensive preparation stage with plenty of hours spent on yourbike, but with inspirational fundraising activities. In October of 2021, it will be time to go! Over the courseof six days, you will cycle 400 kilometres across red earth and dirt tracks with your eyes on the majesticKilimanjaro in the distance.
You will also experience the work of Amref Health Africa/Amref Flying Doctors and see with your own eyes what Amref means to the local communities, made possible through your support.
Africa Classic will change your life, while you change the lives of others. Hard work and magic moments guaranteed!
We wish you an amazing adventure!
Corazon Aquino Team Africa Classic
T +254741743896 (Kenya’s o�ce)
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Healthy and productive communities are what Amref Health Africa in Kenya is all about.
Founded in 1957, Amref Health Africa in Kenya has a 100% Kenyan workforce intimately familiar with the country’s traditions and culture. On one hand, this allows us to work seamlessly with local communities; on the other hand, this allows us to have a say and influence the delivery of quality health to all in need.
Through our programmes, we promote good health and well-being among vulnerable people, particularly women and children preventing many of them from falling ill. A healthy mother is better able to care for her children, fulfil her own basic needs and contribute to the success of her community. As a result, local com-munities have improved health, which in turn means more opportunities to be self-su�cient.
With the funds we receive, Amref strives to bring the health plight of vulnerable people to the attention of the public and policymakers, allowing their voices to be heard so they can receive their right to health.
We are glad that you are now part of our e�orts to create lasting health change for Kenya.
AMREF HEALTH AFRICA IN KENYA
T +254741743896 (Kenya’s o�ce)
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HEALTH
We assume that your general health is good. If you have had any major health issues in the recent years, it is advisable to consult your physician and inform the Africa Classic organisers.
You must be able to endure extended periods of physi-cal exercise for several days in a row in hot climate. All participants must therefore undergo a medical check. Furthermore, you must be properly vaccinated to travel into Tanzania. You are therefore required to schedule an appointment with a qualified physician or health care facility at least eight weeks before departure.
The costs of such a consultation, vaccinations, malaria tablets and repellent may be covered by your health insurance. For more information, consult our Health Guide on the downloads page.
TRAINING
Covering 400 kilometres by bike in six days across gravel, sand and dust requires thorough preparation.A training guide has been drawn up especially for Africa Classic. It helps you determine your fitness level and the right training methods for you. Visit the downloads page on the website to access this guide.
In addition to your physical fitness, proper riding technique is also important. Since we will mostly be riding along wide paths of sand and gravel, there will not be any di�cult technical sections. However, we still advise you to master some basic riding skills for your own safety.
PREPARATION
FUNDRAISING
In order to take part in Africa Classic, you fundraise at least €5.000 for Amref Health Africa / Amref FlyingDoctors. This amount must be raised no later than 16 September 2021. We are here to help you with advice, tips and tools, so you can earn your entry permit. Look through the Fundraising guide on the website for ideas.
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EQUIPMENT
During Africa Classic, it is essential to use good equip-ment. All important information about the right equip-ment can be found on the Equipment Guide available on the downloads page. Note that the use of clipless pedals is mandatory!
Visit your local bicycle shop no later than one month before departure to check that: The chain and cogs are all in excellent condition The brake pads are in new condition The bottom bracket and wheels bearings headset are tight and coated in a new layer of grease The cables are undamaged The air suspension has been serviced The wheels are straight and properly set
Before departure, you should put new tyres on your bike. Use the widest set that can fit on your bike and choose tyres that are suitable for riding on sand (moderate profile depth), e.g. Schwalbe Racing Ralph or Smart Sam. We ask that everyone uses at least la-tex-filled inner tubes. A latex-filled inner tube is less prone to springing a leak, although a tubeless system with latex is the optimal solution. Make sure to have an expert install the tyres. PACKING LIST
Consult the item list on our website for useful tips and a checklist of essential items to bring along.
CLOTHING
Daytime temperatures in Tanzania can rise above 40 degrees and therefore proper sunscreen is essential.
During Africa Classic, all participants must wear a helmet, a good pair of sunglasses and sturdy mountain bike footwear. You should also consider wearing a cap or cloth underneath your helmet for added protection against the sun. We strongly recommend that you wear protective gloves; these o�er additional grip and support and may also protect you in the event of a fall. Africa Classic is held during the dry season, so the roads will be quite dusty. Using a bu� is therefore advisable.
Depending on the altitude, the temperatures will drop to at least 12 degrees in the evening. That is also when the mosquitoes may come out. In addition to your light clothes, you should also bring a pair of long pants, a warm sweater and extra socks. We recommend wearing sneakers, because thorns can easily puncture the soles of your slippers. Do not forget your swimwear either!
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Bike Transport
You should organise for a bike box in advance (not at the time of departure). You can borrow or buy a bike box from most bicycle dealers. Should you choose to fly; your bike will go on the plane as standard checked baggage. Consult your airline’s baggage information-desk for the applicable conditions. More information about how best to pack up your bike is available on the website.
Note that you cannot leave your bike behind in Tanzania when you leave. If you choose to extend your stay, it is advisable to store your bike at one of the lodges where you will stay. It is not possible to bring your bike on flights from Kilimanjaro Airport to Dar es Salaam.
Insurance
You must take out your own travel insurance. Make sure that your insurance has global coverage and that your bike is insured as well. As a participant in Africa Classic, you are registered with the Amref Flying Doctors’ air ambulance service, which means you are guaranteed to receive proper medical emergency evacuation if necessary. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance. Take copies of your insurance policies with you to Tanzania.
Visa, Passport and Vaccination Records
Kenyan residents travelling to Tanzania do not require a visa but note that you must hold a valid passport (valid for at least another six months) or a short-term travel permit when you enter Tanzania.
You must have your Yellow Fever vaccination records with you when you enter Tanzania.
Getting to Tanzania
You are responsible for making your own transport arrangements to Tanzania. Make sure you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (Tanzania) on Saturday, 2 October at the latest. Africa Classic will cater for your meals and accommodation through to Saturday, 9 October. Transfers to and from the Airport are included.
THE JOURNEY
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Voltage
Power outlets in Tanzania supply 230 volts and use a Type G three-pin plug. The organisation will provide a (small) number of charge points in the encampments. We recommend using a solar-powered charger.
Internet and telephone
Internet access and cell phone coverage varies in the area where we cycle. Although you can access the internet via the mobile network, it is very expensive to do so with some international providers. You can choose to use a local SIM card to purchase a data bundle.
Text messages are often an a�ordable and stable method of communication. A useful tip is to ask one or two people back home to act as messengers. That means you only have to send one or two texts, which they can then forward to your other family members and friends.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
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Facilities
Except for the first night, we will be spending the nights in two or three-person dome tents. These tents, along with comfortable sleeping mats and sleeping bags, will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive at the encampment. You can inform the organi-sation about whom you would like to share a tent with.
Your tent will be numbered, so you can easily find it again. Your bike box will be stored during the week (make sure that no valuables are left inside!) and we will transport your bag/suitcase from camp to camp.
At every camp, we will build our own showers, toilets and hand washing stations. Some locations will also feature additional toilet buildings. Take our word for it, though; there is nothing like taking a shower under the stars!
Itinerary
Upon arrival, you will stay in a two- or three-person room at the KIA Lodge, close to Kilimanjaro Airport. Africa Classic will begin the next day! The daily plan is as follows:
THE TRIP
Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared fresh by our local chef. The menu will be tailored to the physical feats that we perform that week. Breakfast and dinner are presented bu�et style and consist of a wide range of healthy choices. Your lunch will be packed up and handed out and consumed along the way during the lunch break. Snacks and water are available at every care station. We o�er light snacks, water, tea and co�ee at the camps. Soda, beer and wine are also available, but at a cost. You are encouraged to submit any special dietary requests to the organisation well in advance.
You should begin practising eating and drinking on your bike early on and train yourself to drink at highly regular intervals along the way. Try out di�erent products (sports drinks, power bars, and gels) to find out what your body responds to best. ‘Normal’ prod-ucts such as crackers and bananas are also excellent choices. Buy what you like and bring it along with you to Tanzania. Take a look at the nutrition guide on the downloads page for more information.
Language
The Africa Classic International Edition has a great mix of international participants and teams from countries in Africa and Europe. The programme language is English.
06.30 / 07.0007.30 / 08:00
10.0012.0014.0016.30
16.00 - 17.0019.0020.30
BreakfastBreakfast briefing and startCare stationLunch Care stationOptional Amref project visitFinish at campsite/lodgeDinnerEvening programme with briefing,a video of the day’s events, picturesand possibly a speaker from Amref
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Riding
The Africa Classic terrain is varied. You will ride across paths of red sand and gravel, pass palm trees, across the savannah and through sugar cane plantations. On some days, you will encounter little di�erences in altitude, while on other days you are climbing almost all the time. The environment is constantly changing and children will appear from everywhere to cheer you on. Magic moments of course! Details about the route are available in the route guide that will be handed out during the final participants’ meeting.
Gifts and Presents
Amref Health Africa strives to realise a sustainable improvement of the health of African communities. Giving a child a pair of shoes, a toy, some candy or money does not lead to a structural solution to poverty. It instead creates expectations next time a tourist or visitor shows up. Amref therefore requests that you honour the following request: when people ask you for money directly on the road, you can give them the following standard reply: “I give my financial support to Amref; you can contact the organisation with your request.”
If you do want to share something with the local population, you can bring some pictures from home. International landscapes, your family, and your pets – the local people love seeing where you come from!
Navigation
Sometime before departure, we will send you a link to the .gpx files. If you do not have your own GPS device, we will lend you one. We generally have one GPS device available per team. Larger teams will receive multiple GPS devices, depending on the number of team members. Individual participants are grouped with another participant or team and they will share a GPS device together. Participants who possess their own GPS device are asked to load up the route and bring their GPS device. Make sure that you never ride alone and know how to operate and navigate with a GPS device!
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Thank You!Africa Classic would not be possible without the amazing work done by all participants, their sponsors and the sta� of Amref Health Africa/Amref Flying Doctors in Tanzania and Kenya.
Asante Sana!
All additional documentation can be found on the downloads page of our website after logging in:
www.africaclassic.eu/downloads
