Cycle for Understanding: Skidmore student bikes Africa for a cause

After studying abroad at Cape Town University in Cape Town, South Africa, he wanted to spread the word about such a great continent and the culture surrounding it. Instead of simply spreading the word of peace and hospitality when he got home, Silverman and a classmate who was studying abroad the same semester, Washington University student Aaron Bodansky, decided to take a bicycle tour from Cape Town thorough Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. The 70-day trip was not only for adventure's sake, but for a charitable cause as well. 

"When I was studying in Cape Town I volunteered for CHOSA (Children of South Africa: a children's help organization) and knew I wanted to give back to that organization," Silverman said. He then coordinated with Bodansky to create Cycle for Understanding, a non-profit program that donates funds to CHOSA. Through their bike tour, they hoped to raise funds for this program as well as change the common Westerners' view of Africa as a war-torn, dangerous and diseased country. 

"When we talked about our plans with friends and family their reactions were all the same; they thought it was too dangerous and we could get killed. This inspired me to change this negative perception," Silverman said. 

He added that, yes, while certain areas of Africa are dangerous and in the midst of war, there are far more places that are safe, peaceful, kind and hospitable. 

"We wouldn't have made it through the trip without the help of the villagers we met on the road," he said. "Almost all of our experiences were positive ones. The villagers would approach us out of curiosity and then invite us into their homes for food or shelter. If we needed help, they would help us."

Over the course of more than two months, the two friends trekked 4,000 miles across mountains, rivers, dirt and paved roads alike and African villages on bicycles and carrying about 70 pounds of equipment. While they trained for a month or so before the journey, nothing really could have prepared them for the actual ride. 

"Carrying 70 pounds up hills is really tough, but we had to do it to send our message," Silverman said. "I think so far, we have been successful."

The next step for Cycle for Understanding is to turn their video footage into a documentary.

"We are compiling footage and editing it now. We want to be able to show as many people as possible Africa through our eyes," Silverman said. 

For more information about Cycle for Understanding and how to donate, please visit their Web site at www.cycleforunderstanding.org