Dr Joe Boyle- Zanzibar Cycle
It was one of the most exciting ideas I had come across – to cycle 200kilometres around the exotic island of Zanzibar to raise funds for a local hospital. The success of the whole adventure undertaken last June was fair and squarely down to the meticulous care and attention to detail that the Charity Trek team employed. This was always accompanied by smiles and laughter.
In third world Africa the contingency planning by Charity Trek for 50 travellers was put to the test on many occasions but Ian and Alice were always able to deliver a swift and safe solution presented with characteristic good humour and encouragement. Prior to leaving for Africa we were given all the information and guidance we would need to get there and back safely and to be prepared for the climate, medical requirements and of course the all important encouragement to get fitness levels up to peak performance. Whenever our spirits might begin to falter or the saddle was making its presence felt, Ian and Alice would have planned a break, perhaps a visit to a plantation or a tour of an historic site. We were entertained by delightful young locals showing us how the spices grew and shinning up trees to knock coconuts down singing all the while. Unfortunately our recognition of spices in the natural state was rather disappointing.
Enthused by such an exciting and enjoyable adventure In Zanzibar where we made so many friends we were determined to try again. This time nearer to home but still daunting none the less – cycle 175 miles from the Butt of Lewis to Barra - a true Hebridean Odyssey. We were comfortable and confident that our hosts would see us safely and with much laughter and good humour from the tip of the Hebrides to the southernmost inhabited Island. The scenery was stunning, the sun shone and we relaxed and enjoyed it all. Charity Trek had provided a really experienced cycle mechanic and a cycle guide who entertained and informed us about the history of the islands and their fauna and flora. We were cycling into head winds and on occasion had to dig deep. It was at times like this we knew that Ian and his red bus would be at the corner and spirits would soar as we realised we had achieved another leg of the Odyssey. Arriving at the very comfortable hotel our luggage would magically appear in our bedroom and the evening would be spent regaling each other over the highs and lows of the day.
Safety, reliability, comfort and fun are the watch words to which Charity Trek adhere. We are experienced travellers and I am delighted to be able to enthusiastically encourage others to trust Ian and Alice with your next adventure. You will not be disappointed. You may find that the challenge is really tough but the satisfaction of success and that long lasting achievement is then all the sweeter.
I wholeheartedly and without reservation endorse the organisational skills of Charity Trek. It would be hard to find a better team than Ian and Alice to organise your next adventure.