World By Cycle –Successful Stage 2
Nic and Kristina of World By Cycle are currently progressing through the third stage of their journey in Africa. World By Cycle has already passed through our Patagonia headquarters in Ventura, CA, learnt about cotton farming on Nevis Island in the West Indies and organic cotton production in Senegal.
While on Nevis island in the Caribbean, World By Cycle headed to the local cotton farms to get an understanding for where cotton begins it’s life cycle in becoming a t-shirt. We had a wonderful chat with Leeroy, a local who tops up his pension by spending the odd day picking cotton – and says he enjoys it. Leeroy believes there is plenty of opportunity for future generations in agriculture, however also believes there are some misconceptions among the industry.
Brazil Facts
Total days in country – 19
Total days ridden – 15
Language – Portuguese
Favorite word learned – Obrigada (Thank you) Borra (Let’s Go!) NOOIIISSSSSE (we are brothers)
Average distance per day – 80km
Average speed – 20km
Accumulated elevation – over 8,000 meters
Total distance covered – 1,520
Average temperature – 26 celsius
Average humidity – 80%
Mosquito bites – 100′s
Ocean swims – 4 each
Bike mechanical – Nic’s rear rack
Number of bicycle ride participants – 85
Number of bicycles spotted – 1,000′s
School visits – 1 (Lumiar)
Other expedition’s met – 1 (Top To Top)
Overseas participants – 1 (Jacqui Hocking)
Favorite local dish – Acai with banana, mango and granola!
Most often eaten food – Pizza and bananas
Biggest challenge – sleeping
Most inspirational – Saia de Noite
Most surprising – cycling infrastructure and safe good roads with shoulders and paths for cyclists. Also notable different relationship between motorist and cyclist, there seem to be more people ridding as transport so more awareness and acceptance from motorists then we are used to. Drivers were respectful and encouraging us in both rural and urban communities.
Favorite bit of kit – our bikes
Lost bits – One glove each (same hand) and a pair of shoes.
Kit gained – Spiuk gear!
Best gift received – handmade necklace from Rachel, thanks!
Most seen animal – pet dogs
Take away color – green!
Observation going north – The further south seemed to be more produce farms with fruit stalls and quieter pace, the further north we rode, and closer to the cities these were replaced with bars and cafes and a lot more industrial development.
Refreshing – People’s willingness and interest to help out, even though safety is considered, decisions are based on what is best for the person. For example, Nic asked to climb the roof of a hotel to take a picture, he was allowed once the indicated guard was not in sight … also, whenever we stopped at least a couple of people would approach us to see if they could help with something, there was just this sence of we were all in it together.
Progressing through their journey and onto stage 3, World by Cycle rode through Senegal where they were very fortunate to be connected with the Yakaar Niani Wulli Koussanar groups producers of organic cotton farming and production.
The groups are situated in eastern Senegal (Region Tambacounda) around their activities support a vision of agroecological development of their land: the “Niani” and “Wulli”. Mandings ancient kingdoms, these two lands are united (“Yakaar” = set) to fight against poverty, promoting respect for the environment and local values.
For more information check out: wiserearth.org yaniwulli.org
Keep following World by Cycle through their blog.
Background Photo: by Mike Tittel