Twende Butiama cycling trip begins today
DAR ES SALAAM: THE highly anticipated Twende Butiama cycling trip is set to begin today in Dar es Salaam, with determined cyclists ready to cover an impressive distance of 1,846 kilometres over approximately 11 days.
The event is organised to honour the legacy of the Tanzania Founding Father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, whose impact continues to resonate.
Yesterday, participants gathered at Mwalimu Nyerere’s residence to receive blessings from his widow, Mama Maria Nyerere, ahead of the trip’s commencement.
In her address, Zuweina Farah, the Director of Communications at the Vodacom Foundation, highlighted that during the event various social activities will colour the journey.
“So far, 90 cyclists have confirmed participation and additional cycling clubs will join us along the route,” she noted.
“Tomorrow morning, we expect around 250 cyclists to embark on the journey from Dar es Salaam to Msata. Some will return, while those continuing to Butiama will carry on.”
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At Msata, the group will launch first community programme, donating desks and planting over 1,000 trees.
“This initiative aligns with Nyerere’s vision, which identified ignorance, disease and poverty as key obstacles to development,” she noted.
This year, the goal is to donate more than 1,000 desks, plant over 50,000 trees and reach over 1,000 people through health camps conducted during the event.
Tour leader, Gabriel Landa, emphasised the importance of health clinics that will be held in Dodoma, Singida, Tabora, Kagera and Geita regions to improve public health and encourage community engagement in development activities.
He also addressed misconceptions about the tour, stating that participants do not board vehicles along the route.
“We cycle the entire way from Dar es Salaam to Butiama. The vehicles accompanying us are strictly for emergency support.
“For those sceptical about our ability to complete the journey on bicycles, I invite you to join us and witness our commitment first-hand. We typically cycle during the day and rest at night, resuming each morning. We anticipate arriving in Butiama on October 13,” he clarified.
