For about a month now I have been working on a project with Tom Ritchey called Project Rwanda. Project Rwanda brings in bicycles to the people of Rwanda to help them transport coffee and to bring them a glimpse of hope from the genocide that they had experienced 13 years ago. As of now the people or Rwanda use a wooden bicycle which is now being upgraded to a Ritchey coffee bike. The project has also chosen 5 riders to become the first National African Pro Bike Team. They are being trained by the a Tour de France rider and currently traveling around the world. They have a video crew filming them which will be made into a documentary and Tom and his team hope to get into the Olympics. Here is a short but incredible video of the team now. I have been chosen to go to Africa to photograph the project and design a coffee table book of the people and their lifestyle with an emphasis on biking. The books proceeds will continue to help the project. I truly am blessed to have this experience and I cannot wait to see what doors will be opened and what I can learn from this. Below are some pictures of the fundraiser dinner that I attended for the team.
The house where the fundraiser took place was absolutely incredible on the cliffs of carmel off hwy1
Here is a picture of the team with the ambassador of Rwanda
Tom Ritchey on a Wooden Bike from Rwanda
Here is a picture from the silent auction to raise money for the team.
What a great blog! Congrats on Africa. You’re destined to make a huge mark on our industry. Keep it up Danielle!
I’m jealous, this will be a life changing trip.
Need a 2nd shoot? When do you head out? Keep rockin’ it Danielle.
Hi Danielle, I’m so happy you are living your dream! I hope you have had a wonderful birthday! All my love Willy