Why did I do this? Of course one has to be mad about cycling. Inspired by my local cycling hero, Johan van der Velde (3rd in the '82 Tour de France), I started racing when I was 14 years old. Now, at the age of 39, I still enjoy the competition with other elite racers.
But competition for me was not the sole reason for joining the 5th Tour d'Afrique. It was also the physical and mental challenge, the adventure, the opportunity to experience other cultures. Africa fascinates me in many ways. But most of all it was a tribute to a special person and friend, who has passed away far too soon: Vincent Straatman. Vincent died at the age of 34, just four years after he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

7,500 miles for Tour d'ALS (primary goal)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, in short ALS, is better known in some countries as the Lou Gehrig's Disease (www.alsmndalliance.org). When the first Tour d'Afrique was held (2003), Vincent and I already discussed its suitability to raise both money and interest to fight this rare but terrible neuron-muscular disease. Amazingly, ALS is still misunderstood and relatively unknown, despite its radical impact. The Dutch ALS Foundation (www.stichting-als.nl) would like to change that. This was my way to support them. Together we promoted my ride as "Tour d'ALS".

7,500 miles for Tour d'Afrique Foundation
The Tour d'Afrique is more than just an event for some cycling maniacs (www.tourdafrique.com). It is also a fundraiser that generates funds for the "Tour d'Afrique Foundation" to preserve African wilderness, wildlife and biodiversity. But most of all to promote sustainable transport on this continent, like improving accessibility to health care in remote areas. For this the Foundation collaborates with ITDP, the "Institute for Transportation & Development Policy" in the US (see also press releases). It is an "awareness-raiser" that will highlight in particular the advantages of the bicycle as an alternative to automobile-based transportation that causes immense damage to our planet.

But…it is your support that counts…
In case you or your company like to support the Dutch ALS Foundation, just sent an email to info@adriefrijters.nl, or contact directly the Foundation via info@stichting-als.nl (any kind of donation is welcome). Please, also contact me in case you would like to receive more information about the Tour d'Afrique. I will get back to you a.s.a.p..