If you have an old cycling kit that you no longer wear, instead of relegating it to the heap, please consider donating it to Dimension Data’s Matt Brammeier’s ‘Africa Rising’ project.
The goal of Brammeier’s project is to provide cyclists in Africa who don’t have the luxury of a decent cycling jersey or a pair of padded shorts, by asking cyclist to pass on their unwanted that still has some life in it.
Whether it’s a helmet, shoes, a jersey or shorts, you can drop your items off at one of the locations below, with more locations will be added.
You can also check out Brammeier’s blog for more information at: https://mattbrammeier.wordpress.com/Africa-rising-kit-appeal/
from Matt Brammeier…
When I first started cycling there where 3 of us in the house riding bikes. Cycling kit, shoes, helmets & glasses etc were pretty scarce. One of my dads mates gave me a bright orange rain jacket one winter, I loved it. It was made from some fancy hi tech material, had fluorescent stripes down the side & (I thought) looked pretty cool. It made me want to ride my bike every day. Wind, rain, snow or 25 degree heat, I always wore that jacket.
Since those days I always took great pride in my kit. After signing my first professional contract I couldn’t believe how much cycling gear I was given. Every year, bags upon bags of clothing would be sat at the back of my wardrobes. Some brand new, some used only once or twice. I sometimes used to get angry we where given such an excess of kit. I had to find a use for it, so I started sending bags back to my old cycling club. This was cool, getting this stuff to kids like me who wanted a bit of extra kit to get them going. Cool, but what would be even cooler would be to get this stuff who didn’t want it, but NEEDED it.
After I joined Mtn Qhubeka in 2015 I was lucky enough to meet Adrien Niyonshuti. I quickly learned a bit about him & his background. Where he came from, where he got too, how much raw talent he had and just what an amazing person he is. Every time I got my race program through and saw Aidys name on the list it brought a smile to my face. He’s the biggest inspiration imaginable.
As soon as I learned of the Adrien Niyonshuti cycling academy in Rwanda, this idea smacked me right in the face.
So now here we are, long story short I’m trying to empty your clogged up wardrobes, draws and garages and give a little inspiration to these young kids that ironically inspire me so much.
We are looking for any cycling gear that’s in a presentable condition. Shoes. Helmets. Glasses. Etc. Etc. We ask that you try your best not to send anything useless like odd socks / arm warmers etc 🙂
Clothing drop off points we have confirmed so far are below. We are hoping to add a few more locations onto this list in the near future so keep checking for updates.
Ireland
Paul Fitzsimons – paul@fitzcycles.ie Fitzcycles.ie Old Church Road Lower Kilmacud Road Stillorgan County Dublin
The Edge Sports Superstore – info@theedge-sports.com Kinsale Road Commercial Centre Kinsale Road County Cork
Marrey Bikes – info@marreybikes.com Watson’s Land, Ballinrobe Co Mayo
Downey Cycles – Seandowney10@hotmail.co.uk 33 Parkrow Road Dromore BT25 1DP United Kingdom
McConvey Cycles – Eamon Mcconvey – eamon@mcconveycycles.com 183 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 1SQ
United Kingdom
Giant Store Camden -Nick Freilich – info@giant-camden.co.uk 75 Kentish Town Road Kentish Town, London NW1 8NY
Quinns Bike Centre – Steve Webster – webby29@hotmail.co.uk 385, 379 Edge Lane, Liverpool L7 9LQ
Lutterworth Cycle Centre– Robert Orr – info@lutterworthbikes.com 1b George Street Lutterworth LE17 4EG
Spain
Girona Cycle Centre – Dave Walsh- info@gironacyclecentre.com Carrer Mercaders 14, Girona 17004 Girona
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