Cycle Ghana 2024 – Day 9 (July 23rd)
Ride 4 – Peki Senior School (37 miles)
Today was the most special day of the entire trip. Why? Because we were giving back by donating 20 bikes to a senior high school in the township of Peki.
First let’s start with the ride. We rode 37 miles to the town of Peki in the Volta Region. The ride was pretty nice traveling through several township in anticipation of arriving at the school. Our ride concluded at the royal compound where we were greeted by the local royals and treated to a fantastic authentic Ghanian lunch. A few of us was invited to meet the King and the other royals before the walk down the hill to the school assembly.
As we approached the school, I was blown away to hear the melodic sounds of the students as they sang a traditional song welcoming us. Just imagine 700+ kids singing in unison as we approached. I think Michelle Banks started crying before we even took our seats.
Our cycling club, Major Taylor Cycling Club Los Angeles (Group) joined the Cycle Ghana 2024 crew in donating 20 bikes to the school. The bikes were given to students that live as far away as 11 miles from the school. These students were walking barefoot over gravel and dirt roads to attend classes. WOW!
I was honored with the privilege of addressing the assembly. And when I said “On behalf of Major Taylor Cycling Club Los Angeles and Cycle Ghana 2024, I officially donate these bikes to the school”, the uproar by the students brought tears to my eyes. It was a moment that I will never forget.
Shout out to Kwesi Aboa for setting this up. This made the trip. This was everything and more.
