Speaker President Elect Sandy Farquharson
Fri, Aug 4th 2017 at 12:55 pm - 2:10 pm
Topic: Fund Raising Cycle Ride Down The Nile
Rotary club of Stirling meeting of 4th August 2017.
SVP Sandy Farquharson, in the chair welcomed members and one guest Stephen Queen, son of Rotarian Mike Queen, to the meeting.
Sandy reminded us of the next meeting of the club council on 14th August, and the barbeque on 26th August.
As well as chairing the meeting, Sandy stood in as speaker with an account of his charity cycle ride along the River Nile 10 years ago.
Organised by Age Concern with 40 participants, it was based on a river cruiser, initially a very basic vessel which fortunately soon broke down, as it was replaced by a much more luxurious boat, for which they were all very thankful. The route was mainly along country roads of very variable quality, and it was guarded by armed police. Much of it was through rural areas allowing friendly contact with the locals at rest breaks, where shelter and water were always available. Before they left the UK they were advised that they should be able to cycle 60-80 miles per day, but of course the temperatures in Egypt, a dry 80 F and upwards transformed the effort involved, as well as often melting the tarmac.
Rehydration dominated their days, made more difficult by the fact they could not drink any local water, although they often poured it over their body which briefly cooled them down. Unsurprisingly of 40 starters only 8 finished including Sandy! Part of their route ran through the valley of the Kings where armed security was even greater following previous attacks on tourists. From Sandy's account, it was clear that this was a very arduous trip requiring great determination just to finish.
The vote of thanks was given by Robin Sutton.
Next week’s Visitor's host Martin Ross the speaker being our RYLA candidate. Visitor's host Alex Galloway. For more info www.stirling.rotary1010.org
Ian Richardson
SVP Sandy Farquharson, in the chair welcomed members and one guest Stephen Queen, son of Rotarian Mike Queen, to the meeting.
Sandy reminded us of the next meeting of the club council on 14th August, and the barbeque on 26th August.
As well as chairing the meeting, Sandy stood in as speaker with an account of his charity cycle ride along the River Nile 10 years ago.
Organised by Age Concern with 40 participants, it was based on a river cruiser, initially a very basic vessel which fortunately soon broke down, as it was replaced by a much more luxurious boat, for which they were all very thankful. The route was mainly along country roads of very variable quality, and it was guarded by armed police. Much of it was through rural areas allowing friendly contact with the locals at rest breaks, where shelter and water were always available. Before they left the UK they were advised that they should be able to cycle 60-80 miles per day, but of course the temperatures in Egypt, a dry 80 F and upwards transformed the effort involved, as well as often melting the tarmac.
Rehydration dominated their days, made more difficult by the fact they could not drink any local water, although they often poured it over their body which briefly cooled them down. Unsurprisingly of 40 starters only 8 finished including Sandy! Part of their route ran through the valley of the Kings where armed security was even greater following previous attacks on tourists. From Sandy's account, it was clear that this was a very arduous trip requiring great determination just to finish.
The vote of thanks was given by Robin Sutton.
Next week’s Visitor's host Martin Ross the speaker being our RYLA candidate. Visitor's host Alex Galloway. For more info www.stirling.rotary1010.org
Ian Richardson
