Hajj Riders: Cyclists pedal from London to Medina in epic fundraiser
Cyclists hope to raise a million pounds to help Syrians by cycling over 2,000 miles to reach the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
On a cold, windy morning in the south of Turkey, a chance encounter would change Abdul Wahid's world view forever.
The aid worker was in Turkey in 2014 to help distribute aid at Syrian refugee camps, part of a journey which will now see him cycle from the UK to Medina.
"The camp had run out of food and we had no choice but to act," said Wahid of that day in the camp.
He was soon approached by an old man who took his hand and welcomed him inside his tent.
Not wanting to offend, Abdul Wahid sat down inside, where he was offered three figs and a small cup of tea. But the next moment would stay with him for the rest of his life.
"Our translator ran into the tent looking for us, spoke to the old man, and told us that he had given us the only bit of food that was enough to feed him and his family for the rest of the week," said Wahid.
"I honestly had no words."
The eight men aim to raise a million pounds for medical facilities in Syria (Don Whyte)
Hajj Riders training for the roughly 2,000-mile cycle to Saudi Arabia (Don Whyte)
Continued: http://www.middleeasteye.net/in-depth/features/hajj-riders-cyclists-ride-london-saudi-arabia-1293913091
It doesn't look to me like they will be traveling loaded, they must have an entourage or van following them in this. It would be an interesting trek.
