Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128390
(Above) Valentino Rossi and Randy Mamola with a Yamaha M1 model that was auctioned. Ruben Xaus, whose home country, Spain, suffered the Madrid train bombing in 2004, said, "I've heard of events today and I'm sorry." Of course the reasons behind outbreaks of terrorism and war are complex. But many supporters of Riders For Health believe such nongovernment organizations can fight malaria, polio and other diseases while building a more equitable, peaceful world. Cynics doubt much charitable giving ever reaches the people who need it. But recent awards such as one from the Schwab Foundation (sister organization to the World Economic Forum), which was presented last spring in Washington, D.C., testify to Riders' financial integrity and ability to put the money on the ground in Africa. Randy Mamola, the road racing legend who helped Barry and Andrea Coleman establish RFH in the 1980s, announced a project that can unite 100 bikers from America and worldwide with Africa for a good cause during the Enduro Africa event. "Once in awhile a good idea comes along that can change lives; www.enduroafrica.com lets you ride hun- dreds of kilometers through some of South Africa's most beautiful countryside," Mamola said. '~t the end, the bikes you ride go to Riders For Health." Enduro Africa operates in cooperation with Simon Smith, who also organizes enduros in India. Participants pay a couple thousand dollars to ride 200cc Honda fourstrokes off-road motorcycles for 14 days. This adventure can give bench racers unique bragging rights while contributing materially to African development. It is no exaggeration to say that each donated motorcycle means one more health practitioner who can reach thousands of people on a regular basis and will inevitably save lives. RFH is now an acknowledged expert in development transportation. The UN, WHO and African governments have always known they can buy 10 motorcycles for the price of one Land Rover. But it took RFH's zero-breakdowns management to make bikes last a long time. To paraphrase champion bicyclist lAnce Armstrong, it's not about the motorbike, it's about the training. A recent study comparing Binga with Gokwe districts of Zimbabwe showed a decrease in deaths due to malaria and other diseases in Binga, where Riders nurses use its Uhuru sidecar to transport patients to the hospital. The beauty of RFH's work is that the motorcycles last a long, long time. The African women and men in charge of the bikes are also adapting them to appropriate tasks, such as hauling water to villages and farm goods to markets. At day's end, it was a record-breaking benefit for Riders For Health, marked by the launch of Enduro Africa. Fund-raisers are held annually at MotoGPs in Spain and Holland. Now that the U.S. GP is back in California, maybe we'll get a Day of Champions in the United States in the future. BRUCE SCHOLTEN To cast your vote, log on to www.cyclenews.com. WEb INSiYE Cyclenews.com reader poll question of the week Who will win the X Games Moto X SuperMoto Race? A. Eric Bostrom B. Doug Henry C. Jeremy McGrath D. Gary Trachy E. Travis Pastrana F. Chad Reed G. Johnny Murphree H. Eddy SeeI I. Kurt Nicoll J. Jeff Ward K. Mark Burkhart L. Benny Carlson M. Steve Drew N. Chris Fillmore O. Jurgen Kunzel P. Ivan Lazzarini Q. Kevin Windham R. David Baffeleuf S. Darryl Atkins Online poll results from last week Now that the 200S Team USA squad of Ricky Carmichael, Kevin Windham and Mike Brown has been announced, how do you think they'll do at the 200S Motocross des Nations in France? A. Team USA is going to kick butt and take namesl Wayne Rainey en route to a third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain, in 1991. Rainey had started from pole position but suffered tire problems, eventually succumbing to race winner Michael Doohan and teammate John Kocinski. Rainey went on to win his second SOOcc Grand Prix title that year with six wins, six poles and I3 visits to the podium. 2569 B. It'll be a tough fight. but Team USA should prevail. 1643 C. It sounds too good to be true: Something will derail the Team USA victory train. 424 (55.41%) (35.44%) (9.15%) Total Replies: 4636 CYCLE NEWS • AUGUST 10, 2005 85